When a client "tweeks" your copy ...

on their reputation and whether or not I knew their operation.

On some of bigger deals, I worked for people who ran huge companies, but, they built these businesses on their OWN copy...so, my position was less rigid...as long as the royalty remained in place my attitude was...whatever works and helps sell more.

With newer referrals, I tried to do a Q and A before accepting assignments, laying the groundwork for less interference..and then,

sometimes, it was simply prudent to take their money and watch what happened.


So, in my experience, I probably did all three at one time or another. Just depended on circumstances.

gjabiz

I always work very closely with my clients. Let's face it... they're in the business. They (hopefully) know things I don't.

By the same token... sometimes they're too close to see things clearly.

Generally I talk to them in the "planning" stage, pitch them by ideas, and we work something out we both think is awesome.

On the rare occasion a client and I butt heads on something, my standard response is, "Hey, it's your business... ultimately it's your decision. But I gotta go on record to say I think this is the wrong choice."

If it's a minor change (like a headline or something) I'll usually encourage them to split test it so they know for sure what works and what doesn't. This also has the byproduct of proving I'm interested only in their results...

And when my version wins it proves they can trust my abilities.

Not to say I haven't "lost the bet" a few times before... but usually I'm pretty much on the money. Which gives me a lot of confidence when I need to change a client's mind on something in the future.

Ultimately it depends though. Some clients just suck - anyone who's been freelancing for more than a few months can tell you that. There'll always be someone who just wants to pay you to do what they say then blame you when things bomb.

With experience and some of what Carlton calls "**** you money", you're usually able to avoid these people. But sometimes - particularly in the early stages of your career - you're going to get caught by them.

In such a case, tell them you think it's a bad idea, then if they insist, do what they say. At least you'll have gone on record sharing your side of the story.

I hope some of this helps a little, Drez.

-Daniel

Some clients like to carry out their own test and will change some aspect
of the copy to see if they can improve the conversion. If they do then
you are in hot water if the conversion goes down then you get some
credibility.

It all depends on the client and how well thery know their markter
better than you. It's not all clients who really want YOUR copy.

I know a few well-known internet marketers who will hire a cheap
copywriter (some are my students) just to get a first draft
and then they'll go and make their own changes.

Most times the copywriter is glad just to get a testimonial from
the 'big name' and will overlook any changes after.

-Ray Edwards

I had that problem with a recent client. He altered what I believed to be a very effective headline (for the worse in my opinion), and added sentences which were poorly written and littered with spelling errors. I then had to go back through the copy correcting the mistakes. This happened quite a few times. In the end I decided to let it go. But there's nothing worse than seeing your work completely ruined by a spelling mistake in the headline!! It means you can't use it in your portfolio because it makes you look.... well, rubbish!