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What would you do? (Client predicament...)

by dtendrich
10 replies
Hey,

Out of courtesy for the client, in case he happened to stumble by here, I've taken down the post.
I didn't mean anything mean or bad by it - but I could see how he could take it that way and I'd
rather not risk that kinda situation.

If you're still interested in leaving feedback, feel free to shoot me a pm and I can give you the low-
down. I appreciate the thought

Thanks again,
David
#client #predicament
  • Profile picture of the author Nicola Lane
    I'd try a slightly politer version of

    If these guys are so good, and know so much more than me - then get them to make the changes.

    then test the results.
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    I like to keep an open mind, but not so open that my brains fall out

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  • Profile picture of the author Amanda Craven
    I agree with Nicola but you may like to give him some clear, helpful guidelines for that split test (depending on your client's level of online experience).

    That way, you have offered excessively good service to your client while protecting your professional credibilty. Chances are that a properly conducted split test will prove that you were correct and it's then highly likely your client will bring you more business...if you want it, that is...
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    • Profile picture of the author RickDuris
      Hi dtendrich,

      #1: Part of the beauty of copywriting is in the process of you coming up with a nice piece of work is the Client learns what works and what doesn't.

      They are a bit of a voyeur, always watching how it is you do what you do.

      Here's my question and I am predicating it based upon the understanding you enjoy this Client and your relationship with him:

      Why deny him the ability to learn what REALLY works?

      I understand you are objecting to the changes based upon your research and understanding of the market. Makes sense. No argument there.

      But assuming he's willing to pay you for your efforts, state your objections and but still do the work requested. Help him.

      Stated differently--the changes are all just a "test," aren't they?

      If what you think happens, happens and the piece tanks afterwards, his respect for your work, insight, knowledge and understanding of the market will go up dramatically.

      You'll not be challenged again and those coaches will be silenced.

      #2: Based upon what you've written, he's asking you for these changes to appease his coaches. They are not for him. He just wants to look good in front of his coaches. If you appreciate him as a Client, go ahead and help him.

      #3: The only downside to this strategy is that you may be doing the work grudgingly. In other words, he may not get your best work. And the outcome, even if the changes may have worked, may be compromised. Meaning, you'll self-sabotage.

      - Rick Duris
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  • Profile picture of the author BrianMcLeod
    David,

    I have a couple of thoughts for you.

    1) Your fee spends the same now as it did when you first wrote the letter. If he's willing to pay your rate to implement their suggestions, then let him pay and do the work.

    2) Unless what they're suggesting makes absolutely NO sense whatsoever, test it. Make the client (and his coaches) perform to the same standard that you do.

    If the client's just looking for a free rewrite because his coach says he needs it - well that's a different story.

    Best,

    Brian
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    Brian McLeod
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  • Profile picture of the author BrianMcLeod
    Hey Rick,

    Looks like we were typing the same thought simultaneously from cross-country.

    I'm up early, you're up late.

    Your post was better.

    : )
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    Brian McLeod
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    • Profile picture of the author RickDuris
      Hi Brian,

      I think we should do a test of which of our posts were better and let the market decide.

      - Rick Duris
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    • Profile picture of the author MikeHumphreys
      Depends on the testing needed. If it's rewrite the entire salesletter, then I'd suggest some alternative options like testing different headlines, closings, price points, etc. especially with your time currently being very limited.

      I'd ask the client for a testimonial with specific conversion and/or sales numbers in it in return for the additional work I'm doing.

      I'd start with 1-2 split tests... if my control doesn't get beat by his coaches ideas then I have a lot more leverage that the copy is fine as it is.

      Hope that helps,

      Mike
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      • Profile picture of the author dtendrich
        Hey,

        Sounds like a lot of you have the same thoughts about this - test it, and get paid
        for making the changes (which, believe me, I will if I take this on ).

        I'm still unavailable, but I'll encourage him to test. I think he wanted to overwrite
        what I'd done to implement his coaches' ideas, but I'll tell him he should split test
        the two and see how they pull. Preciate your thoughts.

        David
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        Copywriting Tips, internet marketing jargon, thoughts, and rants by me.

        Atlanta Copywriter, serving clients worldwide.

        Write your life.
        David Tendrich
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  • Profile picture of the author Kevin-VirtualProfitCenter
    As mentioned, split testing is the pretty easy solution. It's easy to implement and will show which copy converts better. The reality is that we don't necessarily know what will convert best until we test it. We suspect, but we don't know. Split testing puts it all to rest.
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