As a marketing writer, you know that website content feedback is the lifeblood of any successful project. You can’t finish any website project without first ensuring the copy makes the client happy and meets their expectations.
Unfortunately, getting that website content feedback can be frustrating, to say the least. Not only are your clients busy, but feedback isn’t something everyone necessarily loves to do or considers a critical part of the process.
For the next little bit here on the blog, we’ll be talking about all things feedback and how you can simplify asking for it, using it and giving it within your agency. Here, we’re diving into the feedback request.
Asking for Website Content Feedback: 4 Steps for Success
Feedback: noun; information about reactions to a product, a person’s performance of a task, etc. which is used as a basis for improvement.
First, we need to drop some #truthbombs about what feedback is and what it isn’t. We need a mindset shift:
Feedback isn’t asking for everything that’s “wrong” with a piece of content, nor is it asking for everything that’s “right.”
It’s simply asking for any kind of reactions, notes, questions or concerns you can use to make the content as perfect as possible before you publish. Put simply, feedback is a good thing (feel free to use that statement when you email your clients 😊).
1. Set Expectations From the Start
Here at CCS, we make sure we set feedback expectations from the get-go. At the start of every project, we explain the revision process and what the client can expect. We also ask that they provide feedback and do our best to reassure them that we crave it instead of fear it.
For example, do you offer a set number of revisions? Communicate that to your client. You can then underscore the importance of quality feedback, so they don’t need additional revisions at an additional cost.
2. Ask the Right Questions
“We’d love your feedback!”
Unfortunately, this isn’t enough. In our experience, many people find it easier to answer specific questions than to give in to general statements. Ask pointed questions about your content deliverables for the best response.
Some sample questions include:
- Is there anything in this draft that you would change?
- Does the draft sound like you/use your voice?
- Is the information inside the draft accurate?
Pro Tip
You can streamline this step by creating an email template that you can send with each content deliverable. Include a blurb about the importance of feedback and include your questions. This way, all you have to do is copy and send.
3. Allow Your Clients to Give Feedback in Their Own Way
Some clients may feel more comfortable sending general thoughts via email. Others may want to redline a document or add comments to your Google doc. Allow your clients to give feedback in whatever format feels best for them. Others may prefer to hop on a call to walk through the content with you.
Remember, not all of your clients will have marketing or content creation experience. Make sure you include the various ways they can add feedback to your work during your communication with them.
4. Always Follow Up & Through
A quick blurb in an email with your content deliverable about feedback isn’t enough. You must always follow up with a website content feedback request. After all, things happen, emails get lost and wires get crossed. Make sure you send a follow-up, especially if your client goes radio silent.
This is especially important when you’re working on projects with tight deadlines such as website go-lives and monthly blog posts. It’s okay to be straightforward, reminding your client that the post or page may need to go live without their feedback.
Need some help? Here’s a simple email template you can use for your follow-up:
Hey, [Client]! We’re just reaching out about our recent content deliverable: [Deliverable]. We haven’t received any feedback yet and would love to hear your thoughts, questions or concerns. To help us keep on schedule, it’d be great to have your feedback by [Date].
Expert Tip: Check Your Ego at the Door
We wanted to mention this again as we think it’s that important: Feedback is a good thing. We’ve all had those moments where clients are unhappy and thus take it out in the redlines or comments. That’s okay! No, really. It is.
Those clients have given you a gift. In those moments, you have the opportunity to improve the content and delight them with the second (or even third) draft. Don’t let a bruised ego take over. Instead, realize what you’ve been given and use it to your (and the client’s) advantage.
Feeling the Frustration of Zero Website Content Feedback? We Can Help!
We know how overwhelming it can be to ask time and time again for feedback and instead get ghosted in return. A content creation partner who can stand in the gap for you and your agency is a great tool when you feel it all too much. Reach out to the Word Nerds today and let’s see what we can do.
