You're facing a client who underestimates copywriting time. How will you ensure effective results?

Educate your clients extensively on the importance of Copywriting to his business. This will make him know the problem you can help him solve in his business.

To address this, I would explain that quality copywriting takes time to ensure it meets the client's needs and goals. I’d share examples of past work that show how thorough preparation leads to better results. I'd also offer a clear timeline and outline the steps involved to help them understand the process and its value.

What can be done is very simple - Communicate. Explaining the importance of Copywriting and how it can affect or elevate his business either through past examples or how future could look like with Copywriting could change his perspective. Therefore, the whole discussion and realisation could help in setting standards, realistic deadlines and expectations resulting in much better results.

Client education is the biggest challenge for writers, I believe you need to inform the client in advance about the ENTIRE writing process. - Research - Planing - Writing - Editing - Revisions If you don't, there will be a huge mismatch in expectations. Also, you need to confirm whether you're paying for the marketing asset or the engagement outcome. Word flow, structure, tone, and voice are also part of the editing process, not just spelling and grammar. Help the client find out what stereotype they or their brand falls under. Open up your entire process and toolset to your client. Simulate how the final piece will look. If you don't get a buy-in for what it takes to get quality results, the client isn't a good fit for the long run.

Explain the process. It’s not just typing words. It’s research, strategy, and crafting a message that sticks. Lay out realistic timelines. If they want quality, they need to give it time. Remind them that rushed work usually means more revisions later—so really, it’s slower. Compare it to their work. Just like a great meal isn’t cooked in five minutes, great copy isn’t written in a flash. The details matter. Point to past projects. Show how well-crafted copy took time and delivered results. Sometimes, seeing is believing. Don’t be bullied into rushing. Better to push back now than to deliver something half-baked. Your reputation’s on the line, not just theirs.

When a client underestimates the time needed for copywriting, I address it by clearly communicating the process, including research, drafting, revisions, and approvals. I set realistic expectations by explaining how quality content requires thoughtful development. To ensure effective results, I propose a timeline that balances urgency with quality, offering incremental updates to keep the client informed. In a recent project, I faced tight deadlines with a client. By breaking down the steps and providing regular progress reports, I delivered polished content that exceeded their expectations.

Explain that quality copywriting involves research, creativity, and revisions. Emphasize that each element contributes to crafting messages that resonate with the target audience and drive results.

Have a conversation before the project kick off. Help them to understand why quality takes time and what quality writing looks like. You should also stipulate terms in your contract that cover rewrites and time frames as well. Get everyone on the same page.

Start by explaining how effective copywriting goes beyond just words—it's about strategy, audience understanding, and crafting a message that drives action. Use clear examples to demonstrate how tone, structure, and word choice impact engagement and results. By framing the conversation as a collaboration, you can help your client appreciate the value of your expertise while aligning their expectations with the nuances of the craft, fostering mutual respect and a smoother workflow.

I like to decide the project phases right at the start. Right from the interview and brief, to the drafts, edits, revisions, etc. there needs to be a time and place allotted on the calendar. If you try to mix them up, blend them, rush them, or skip them, it will be a huge mess. No one will win, least of all the clients. Setting milestones is like charting a map, a common reference point anyone on your team and the client's team can follow for clarity throughout the project. It makes meetings and updates that much easier as well.

Copywriting is 20 % about writing and 80 % about spending hours in research, conceptualizing, writing, discarding, suffering writer's block, sipping unhealthy levels of coffee, writing again, checking your inspo folder for inspiration, walking in your client's ICA's shoes and much more. Your client needs to see behind the scenes.

Break down the project into clear, manageable milestones with deadlines. Each milestone should represent a key phase of the copywriting process, such as initial drafts, revisions, and final approval.

1/ Incorporate buffer time to accommodate unexpected delays, ensuring the timeline remains realistic and flexible. 2/ Use project management tools to track progress and maintain transparency. 3/ Communicate regularly with clients, providing updates at each milestone to keep them engaged and informed. 4/ Include specific deliverables for each stage, so clients know what to expect. Set review and feedback periods to allow for timely revisions. 5/ Encourage client involvement at key stages to ensure alignment and buy-in. 6/ Clearly define roles and responsibilities to avoid confusion and ensure accountability throughout the project.

Communication is probably the most important part. You can't expect anyone to know what they don't know. And anyone who doesn't do a certain thing will lack the knowledge about how long it "should" take.

Regular communication ensures the transparency of the process. It informs your clients about your strategic approach. It minimises the chances of last-minute revisions. It builds the trust between you and your client. It helps to spot errors early on so that you can rectify them before delivering the final draft.

1. Schedule regular check-ins to establish a consistent communication rhythm and prevent misunderstandings. 2. Use multiple communication channels (e.g., email, video calls, project management tools) to suit client preferences. 3. Provide clear agendas for meetings to keep discussions focused and productive. 4. Document key decisions and actions from meetings to ensure alignment and track progress. 5. Share insights or industry trends that can add value and show proactive engagement. 6. Be transparent about any potential issues or delays and propose solutions. 7. Encourage open feedback from the client to improve the collaboration process.

Establish regular communication channels, such as weekly updates or check-in calls. This keeps the client informed about the progress and any challenges that may arise.

Copywriting takes times, and anyone who thinks it's a quick fix is missing the point. Make it crystal clear to your client that quality takes time. Set clear expectations and break down your process, show them the value at each step. Here's a couple pro tips - use tools like Hemingway Editor or Grammarly to tighten up your copy fast. Also, start with a solid outline before you dive in. It'll save you hours of headaches later. Remember, you're not just stringing words together, you're crafting a message that hits hard and drives action. Don't let anyone rush your genius. Stand your ground, deliver fire, and watch them come back begging for more.

I'll be honest...I hate talking about this but it needs to be said... Non-copywriting clients need serious education about the long working hours behind writing a single copy. People on freelancing sites pay a few bucks to write their emails ads, and even sales pages. They think that we have some magic templates where we craft their copy. Nope! it's not that simple. It's exactly the opposite. We spend hours studying your business from top to toe which costs you years to build. And then we write a copy on your behalf that persuades your customers to buy and earn money for you. So, we deserve some credit as well!

Showcase Your Track Record: Share past examples where you delivered successful results within deadlines. Explain the Process: Outline the steps involved and how each contributes to the final quality. Emphasise Value: Highlight how the time spent ensures the best outcome for their project. Demonstrate Confidence: Be confident in your process and communicate its strategic benefits. Provide Regular Updates: Keep the client informed to build trust and show progress.

If you and your client aren't seeing eye to eye on the length of time certain tasks should take... it may indicate that you have different ideas about the quality of the final copy. 🦞 While you shouldn't assume your client wants anything less than good quality copy, they may not be looking for perfection. And if it's aiming for perfection that's holding you back from meeting your client's preferred deadline, perhaps you need to manage your expectations and switch gears. Sometimes good really is enough.