How do you share copywriting revisions with your clients?

I usually use Google Docs. But then sometimes, I also use the power of imagination. I write something, send it to a client. Sleep. Then wake up all anxious because I know that could have been written better. So I ask the client to imagine what I have in mind. Client asks me to write it down. (Which I then do)

If you are not using collaborative tools, then it is important to ensure that everyone is working on the latest document. Version control is crucial. Where possible, add notes that explain your edits as you want your clients to understand why changes are necessary. Like that, you are sharing knowledge and getting better buy-in. And, if you can, use the tool that your client is most familiar with. That prevents them from struggling with the tool and being resistant to suggested changes.

As a copywriter, I usually use Google Docs and Word and recommend to clients to make a note or add comments whether directly or on the doc.

So much of the other great advice on this topic is amplified by the tool you choose. Simplicity is key! A text document allows you to be explicit as to what text is a headline, what's a body paragraph, what's a list, etc. A text document also allows easy comments and feedback without requiring clients to learn new software or deal with a clunky interface. Comment tools or extra pages in a document are also a great place to ask for specific feedback and keep notes as projects develop.

I think it depends on the nature of the revisions and the nature of the client. For minor edits, tracking and comments in Google docs, Microsoft Word, or the program of choice is a no brainer. For feedback and deeper thoughts, a video call or quick phone call can do wonders for helping communicate your point of view and rationale. When you know your client, and how they best communicate, you can tailor your style to best suit their needs and move the project forward more efficiently.

In my experience, Google docs is the easiest way to work with clients, although for those who want to use Microsoft, make sure to use tracked changes. Also if you're sending copies to each other, make sure to update the name for each version or it can get messy.

Copywriting is a collaborative activity with a client so a Google Doc suffices so we can go back and forth on edits. No need to have them sign up for something new. Also if I created the docs then I get notified with any suggested edit or comment. Makes for faster feedback on all sides. It’s not fancy. Just practical. And free (besides paying for extra Google suite space).

A good copywriting tool should provide a clear and user-friendly interface. This ensures that both the writer and the reviewers can easily understand and navigate the document, reducing the chances of misunderstandings or missed feedback. Good accessibility is equally essential, particularly if you have team members or clients with different devices and operating systems. A tool that offers cross-platform compatibility and cloud-based storage ensures that everyone can access and work on the document regardless of their location or device.

Present your work. So much thinking goes into each draft… Clients don’t see that. You need to show them. It elevates you. Makes you a creative and strategic partner. That’s a different type of value add… It moves you from executional to integral. It gives you more creative freedom. It lets you charge accordingly. Present your work. Always.

I stick to Microsoft Word and ask clients to provide feedback via track changes and comment boxes. When I submit a refreshed version (v2), it's 'clean' again. Much easier to read your final draft without red lines and comment boxes in the way.

You cannot accommodate every feedback that client given in. Remember, you are a writer and not a typewriter. If there are new revisions or a moderation in number of deliverables, don’t forget to negotiate on timelines. There’s no harm in saying ‘no’ to unrealistic deadlines. Feedback should be elaborative and not vague in nature. Rather than rejecting the entire draft, ask questions on what’s wrong? Is it the tonality, the introduction, the CTA, the impact statement or the USP? Better clarity reduces the response time and also keeps the artist sane.

It's a crucial consideration when working on a project, and the "number of revisions" parameter is critical because... If you are casual about it when taking on the project, you may make corrections and revisions for months. So, these parameters need to be talked about upfront. Also, if part of the project fee is linked to submitting the final copy after all the changes, be careful how you cap it to ensure you get paid if requests are unreasonable.

Before starting the work, ask the client to set up one editorial contact who can filter the reviewers’ comments. When you receive feedback from many reviewers, their comments often contradict each other. Reviewers don’t always stick to the original project brief, or the style-sheet and/or brand guidelines. This leaves you stuck in the middle, and wastes time. So ask the client to set up one person to decide which comments are the most relevant to pass onto you.

It is essential to have a written agreement in which everything is perfectly detailed, including the number of revisions, before starting the work. Insist that the client reads it carefully before signing. In the event of any complaints or doubts, that contract will always prevail.

This can be a messy part of copywriting and creative work if you don't give them the complete lay of the land. I've had to learn this the hard way. Naturally I'm a 'go-with-the-flow' type of person, and some clients have been able to deal with that. We build a good rapport, I do the work, we all go home happy. Over time, I've noticed that I could save myself a ton of headaches just by showing them exactly how I work and how the specific project was going to get done. Clear expecations at the beginning is...just the beginning. Have open and frequent conversations about what is happening. Think of your work like a progress bar when you're dowloading a file. Your client should know exactly how much is left until the work is done.

Setting expectations for the scope of work, expected turnaround times, and processes is essential for any type of contractual agreement. In this case, I like that the number of revisions included in the initial contract has been set, this will set the tone for the client which in turn may have them review the copy a little more carefully and also keep those who frequently want to change their mind (you know who they are) in check.

There are two things to focus on when talking about expectations. - Turn around time - A clear and concise brief Here are the steps to shorten the recision timelines: 1. Start with a structured questionnaire to capture client expectations 2. Ask for a single point of contact who collates feedback 3. Decide on the number of iterations and stop 4. Give realistic timelines that work both way. Under promise, over deliver

Indeed, as a copywriter, it's crucial to establish clear guidelines and ensure clients comprehend them. The truth is, working as a copywriter is often a solitary endeavor, especially for freelance copywriters. Repeated revisions can be frustrating and highly unproductive. What's concerning is that the essence of the copywriting work can get lost in multiple revisions. I believe that as professional copywriters, we carefully consider what's necessary and what's not. Unfortunately, not all clients may grasp this, and it becomes a copywriter's primary duty, aside from writing, to convincingly communicate the rules and other terms, such as revisions.

From hard-won experience working with busy, pressured stakeholders (let's be honest, it's sometimes painful..!) - I've found the best way to manage a copywriting project is simply to be clear on the way all parties will work up front. Good communication and relationships are key. I will write or make amends to a brief; interested parties will comment in an agreed format (usually on a shared Google or SharePoint doc, or structured email); I'll review and action changes. And I'll always leave wiggle room around deadlines for those final, final, FINAL.. changes! Shared docs on the cloud are an obvious win - ensuring relevant stakeholders have correct access and we work to one version.

I communicate the turnaround time with the client first to avoid delays and frustration. Do not underestimate a consistent naming system on your documents! I use a tracking tool via Word or Google Documents. After receiving changes from the client, I follow up and let them know I understand what is required of me.

I can't say enough about this topic. Naming conventions help us easily identify revision changes within a folder and is also essential for any automated processes you may have. I struggle with this as much with internal staff and clients as I do our external clients sometimes.

It is a valid point to be highlighted. However, using Google Docs saves you from this step altogether because of its simplistic approach. Ask yourself - Could I execute this project via Google Docs? It will save you much trouble down the path.

I've already explained this at the beginning. Establishing authentic file naming. This is necessary to ensure a clear and measurable record of work. Additionally, it serves as a point of reference for clients when deciding which copywriting material to choose.

Make live documents where things are being adjusted shared, and changed in real time. No client or executive wants to dig down into a series of folders to find work. They just want it as simple as possible.

Creating documents named Final Version of the Final v2 The Real Final adds fun and also a mess to anyone's inbox. Create names with a date and hour as part of the title.

I tend to keep work for different clients organized into separate folders, but I still make sure to reference the client's name in the file names so that I don't mistakenly attach the wrong thing. To keep things sorted automatically, I like to go with Date_Client_Project Name_Revision so a file name might look like this: 2023.09.05_Dunder Mifflin_Paper Types Brochure_Original

Using a consistent naming system for copywriting (or any work) is an absolute must and it will save you so much headache and time. The advantage to using Google Docs is that you won't have 20 files because you can review the modifications in the document. Let's say you need a good naming system because _final, _final_final, _very_last_final, aren't sustainable. Your naming system will depend on your own workflow and how you like to organise your projects. The key considerations are: Is it easy to find? Is it consistent? Is it sustainable? Personally, I use the following across all my file names: Copywriting_BRAND NAME_CAMPAIGN NAME_YYYYMMDD_Version_STATUS Using Nike as an example: Copywriting_NIKE_JUST DO IT_20231003_01_DRAFT

Mixing things up is very possible if you don’t know how to name your projects or files effectively. Being organized as a copywriter is essential to avoid headaches caused by misorganization.

Instructions must be clear to the client about giving feedback so that there is seamless communication. Plus, I would like to point out that timelines must also be stipulated to ensure you don't wait months to receive the feedback because it wastes time. Also, when payment is linked to the submission of the final copy, a timeline matrix is essential for both parties. How? Copywriter gets paid on time and knows their availability for the subsequent projects. Clients get their final copy without unnecessary drag such as procedural delays, manual delays, etc.

Simply - YES! It appears I have to share at least 125 characters so my "simply - yes" response is a no-go. I like the idea of providing clear instructions with bullet points, checklists, whatever it takes to develop a clearly understood and streamlined process.

So they don't like your copy. Ask them to stop the BS and talk straight. Here's how: 1. What does your brand stand for? 2. What are your business values? 3. Why are you here and for whom? 4. What's stopping you from fixing your sh*t? 5. What the f*** do you fix? If your client can't answer, bow out. Don't ask them to edit your copy. Have some self respect. You are a salesman, marketer and a writer in a single package. Behave like it. For the ask template, here's a simple template: 1. Who the f*** are you? 2. What the f*** do you want? 3. Who the f*** are you selling to? Get the answer to these questions and build your messages around that.

On an initial submission, I make sure to reference the best way to communicate changes. I think that's a standard in copywriting. With each revision, I think it's important to include a copy of the feedback they provided. I've had a few clients who would demand to know why I made a certain change and being able to reference their feedback where someone on their team asked for the change has saved contracts.

As I covered in an earlier contribution about setting expectations in Copywriting, I provide my clients with a Welcome Deck which covers the tools we use and if the client requests, we will also provide a Loom recording or Zoom where we walk them through the tools and process. I find using Loom to be the best tool for it's simplicity. I provide clients with a link to a folder in Loom that contains all of the videos they need about the tools, process, walkthroughs, and any other special requests. The biggest gain from using Loom is that it will save you and your client so much time!

To all the designers who have ever received feedback that says, "just make it pop," I know you feel the pain. I'd like to point out that specific feedback is something I make sure to cover with a client before I begin a project. I give clients structured questions as guidelines to help them better articulate their ideas and feelings. It helps make things easier for clients and better yet, it helps you to uncover the juicy insight you need in the feedback. If you find your client is still struggling, prompt them by asking open questions you can build on. As for tools and processes with feedback, I recommend: 1. Google Docs – using the comment tool. 2. Asana – assigning specific people or teams to tasks and documents for review.

When we don't ask for "specific" feedback, the client may not give it, which again shows up in your final work, and here is the most surprising fact... If the feedback is not specific and you assume X for Y, the client will not appreciate it and will instead question you for not asking more questions to seek clarity. Do you see the issue there? Hence, always ask your client to be specific about the feedback and tell them why you ask it this way.

Asking for specifics starts with creating the scope of work. When sending the first submission over for feedback, I go back and reference the specifics that are outlined in the scope. If I was asked for a specific brand voice in the copy, I ask them to verify that they feel the copy matches that brand voice. If I was asked to avoid sounding pitchy, I ask them to verify. I want to know that I delivered on the contract and by specifically asking them to verify that it was done, I get the feedback I need to do my job well.

Sometimes it can be easy to worry that by asking "too many" questions, we're conveying the impression that we're out of our depth. But actually, questions show clients we are engaged - and helps avoid something that will *truly* cause friction, which is having to provide one revision after another.

It’s also incumbent on us to ask the right questions up front in addition to brand guidelines and tone of voice. Increasingly that will include the contentious issue of person - he/she/they. The latter may be more inclusive to some people, but can be confusing for the reader (we’ve gone from single person to ‘they’ which used to be used primarily for plurals). It’s not a fun debate, but one that the client or their target audience may have strong views on, especially in the public sector/charities. The basics from my perspective would include: -Who is the copy aimed at? - What formats will it appear in? - Word counts/images. - Will it be bylined/branded? - Who needs signoff/their pet hates? - ‘Must include’s! Basic, but essential.

Specific feedback from your client can help you understand more about how they want it to be presented to their audience. It can be more like a discussion where you and your client sit down and exchange ideas.

Considering the following two points help me out: -Pose Specific Questions: To elicit specific feedback, I include targeted questions throughout the revised copy. For example, I might ask, "Do these headlines capture the essence of your product effectively?" or "Is the tone in the second paragraph aligned with your brand's voice?" These questions guide the client's attention to critical areas. -Feedback Request Section: At the end of the document or email, I include a dedicated section explicitly asking for feedback. I encourage clients to be as specific as possible, prompting them with questions like, "Are there any sentences or phrases that feel unclear or off-message?" or "Do you have any concerns about the overall tone or style?"

Most people don't know how to ask for feedback. At the same time, asking people to evaluate you is a mark of courage. Here are some ways to do both: 1. Ask clear and specific questions 2. Stay calm and respectful 3. Focus on emotive language 4. Use "I" statements 5. Encourage open dialogue 6. Understand marketing is experimental 7. Please get over your MBA 8. Fail fast, fail often, try again

If a client provides unhelpful feedback, it's probably because you didn't tell them specifically what kind of feedback is helpful. When you provide a draft to a client, always specify what kind of feedback you're looking for! e.g. if it's an early phase outline, you might mention that you'd like their feedback on the main messaging points and that you'll cover things like sentence structure and grammar later.

Follow-up is essential. However, I would like to bring attention to letting them know when to expect the next revision or final version. I think it's particularly important when setting the expectation that this is the "final" version that's coming. Reminding them that, this is it, no more revisions, this is the final product.

In my experience, highlighting changes is not something most copywriters pay attention to but it is definitely a game-changer. Here is how I do it: - A lot of times, I have shared a Google doc with my clients where I highlight the changes made and include the reasons for it. - I prefer to use different colours, font or formatting to mark and make my changes noticeable. - Sometimes I also offer to explain the changes made over a call with my client.

When you receive feedback, do not take it personally. Remember that your client may be dealing with a stressful situation, and is trusting you to get the job done with (sometimes) little input from them. Be understanding and suggest ways they can provide helpful feedback for you. If you provide a framework for them, you are more likely to get constructive feedback and make progress quickly with your writing project.

As a copywriter, don't be afraid to revise your own work. It helps a lot to be critical of your work in advance and make changes before the reviewer points them out. Some revisions may not come to light, but you're the expert so if you notice them, make those changes. This is an invaluable tip I learnt while freelancing.

Sometimes a client's edits will be incorrect, whether grammatically or in terms of clarity/flow. While in the end, the copy is theirs, it's OK to push back sometimes. Your goal should always be to deliver the highest-quality content. If the client suggests something that will end up reflecting poorly on them, writers need to get comfortable speaking up when it really counts.

Be prepared for a client that likes a printed copy to revise and/or see where revisions have been made. Not everyone likes electronic versions, so you may need those old fashioned highlighters and to know terms like stet, as well as wide margins and double line spacing!

There’s two ways a project goes in general. 1. The client understands why they have paid you, they listen to you and are super grateful for your experience, input and professionalism. There’s great synergy and the outcome is great. 2. They client is controlling and reactive, and does not understand the creative process. It’s painful creatively and generally ends up ok. 3. I guess a bonus category is the client who does not actually know what they want. Is slow to reply and goes around in circles. Identify as early as possible who you are working with and decide carefully who you choose to engage with for your own sanity.

Client knows better even if is seems that his feedback sometimes is unprofessional and off topic. Copywriter should take into account changes, suggestions and edits, especially if he doesn't work with one specific topic, e.g. real estate, medicine, IT.

This has been the thorniest of thorny issues. The single tool I have found that WORKS is that I will only communicate with one person. I send a fresh MS Word document to the client liaison. That person works with their team on markups, changes, etc. The client’s team can transfer the Word doc to any in house tool that works for all of them. The liaison is responsible for sending a single, marked up Word document back to me. If there are conflicting or overlapping instructions, the liaison is responsible to make decisions about which way to go. I should be able to reach out to that person during regular business hours. Sounds demanding, I know. But when I explain the benefits, clients are usually happy with it.