Last updated on Jul 9, 2024

How would you handle a situation where the client's feedback contradicts the strategic content plan?

When navigating the delicate balance between client satisfaction and content strategy, you might find yourself facing feedback that seems at odds with your plan. It's a common scenario in the content creation process, and how you handle it could significantly impact your project's success. The key is to approach such situations with flexibility, clear communication, and a collaborative spirit, ensuring that the strategic goals are not compromised while respecting the client's perspective.

1 Assess Feedback

Upon receiving feedback that contradicts your content plan, take a moment to thoroughly assess it. Consider the client's concerns and objectives, and evaluate how their suggestions align with the overall goals of the project. It's crucial to understand the reasoning behind their feedback. Sometimes, what may seem like a contradiction could be a valuable insight that enhances your strategy. Approach this assessment with an open mind and a willingness to find a middle ground.

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Lídia Massari

Analista de Inbound Marketing na Pearson Higher Education LatAm
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Levar em consideração a opinião do cliente é fundamental para deixá-lo se sentir parte da criação. Entretanto, não podemos deixar de lado que os especialistas somos nós, precisamos defender nossa estratégia e explicar ao cliente o porquê. Na minha opinião, uma conversa aberta e uma entrevista completa devem estar no primeiro passo, antes da criação do plano para que não haja desencontros.

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2 Open Dialogue

Initiate an open dialogue with your client to discuss their feedback. Use this opportunity to explain the strategic content plan in detail, including its objectives and how it's designed to meet their goals. Listen actively to their concerns and ask questions that clarify their perspective. A two-way conversation can often reveal misunderstandings or new angles that could be beneficial to both the strategy and the client's vision.

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Debora Malqui

Driving Business Success through Experience Design & User Safety Student
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Engage in a candid conversation with the client. Listen and understand their concerns behind the new feedback. Then, present the strategic content plan again and explain how it doesn't aligns with their objectives by using scenarios or user journeys as the great UX you are. Use a presentation and visualization to reinforce your points. This approach not only showcases your strategic capability from multiple angles but also demonstrates your commitment with the objectives.

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3 Revisit Strategy

If the client's feedback has merit, consider revisiting your content strategy. This doesn't mean overhauling your entire plan but rather making adjustments that could improve its effectiveness while incorporating the client's input. Remember that a strategy is a guide, not a rigid set of rules. It should evolve with new insights and information, including valuable feedback from clients who know their audience well.

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4 Present Compromise

After evaluating the feedback and revisiting your strategy, it's time to present a compromise. This should be a solution that respects the client's input while maintaining the integrity of the strategic plan. Clearly articulate how you've incorporated their feedback and explain why certain aspects of the original strategy remain unchanged. A well-reasoned compromise demonstrates your commitment to the project's success and your respect for the client's involvement.

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Mihirsinh Parmar

Helping CEOs create a strong personal brand on LinkedIn and X. | Financial Content Specialist
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After evaluating feedback and reassessing our strategy, presenting a balanced compromise is essential. This solution respects client insights while maintaining our strategic plan's integrity, demonstrating our commitment to client satisfaction and project excellence. Clearly articulating how we've incorporated client feedback shows our responsiveness and flexibility. It is also crucial to explain why certain original strategy elements remain unchanged, emphasizing their importance to success. A well-reasoned compromise reflects our dedication to the project's success and respect for client involvement, fostering trust and ensuring mutual support for our strategic objectives.

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5 Implement Changes

Once a compromise is reached, it's time to implement the changes. Ensure that all team members understand the revised strategy and the reasons behind the modifications. Effective implementation requires clear communication and attention to detail, ensuring that every piece of content produced aligns with the updated plan. This stage is about action, but also about maintaining the quality and coherence of your content.

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6 Monitor Results

Monitoring the results after implementing changes is crucial. This will help you understand the impact of the client's feedback on the content's performance. Use relevant metrics to track engagement, conversions, or other indicators of success. If the changes lead to positive results, they validate the collaborative process. If not, they provide a learning opportunity for future strategies.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Lata T.

Top LinkedIn Voice | Chief Marketing Officer | AI Innovator | Driving Business Growth & Conversions | Digital Storytelling Leader | Business Communication | Aspiring Yogi
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Client feedback clashes with your content plan? Don't panic! Here are 3 ways to navigate it: 1. Thank & Explain: Start by thanking them for their input! Briefly explain the logic and research behind your plan. Then, listen actively to their concerns. Maybe you can find a way to tweak your plan to incorporate their point while staying strategic. 2. Data Decider: Feeling unsure? Suggest an A/B test! Create two versions: one following your plan, one with their suggestion. Run the tests and see which performs better. 3. Future Focus: If their suggestion doesn't fit perfectly here, explain why and emphasize its value. Perhaps it can be used in future content targeting a different audience.

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How would you handle a situation where the client's feedback contradicts the strategic content plan?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Assess Feedback

2 Open Dialogue

3 Revisit Strategy

4 Present Compromise

5 Implement Changes

6 Monitor Results

7 Here’s what else to consider

Content Strategy

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How would you handle a situation where the client's feedback contradicts the strategic content plan?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Assess Feedback

2 Open Dialogue

3 Revisit Strategy

4 Present Compromise

5 Implement Changes

6 Monitor Results

7 Here’s what else to consider

Content Strategy

Rate this article

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