Every content creator has faced it—just when you think you’ve nailed the content, the client comes back with yet another change. Then another. And another. It can be frustrating, but there’s a way to navigate the situation without losing your sanity, your client, or your profit margins.
The key is to peel back the layers of confusion and help your client articulate what they really want while also protecting your time and energy by setting clear boundaries.
Step 1: Help Your Client Clarify Their Vision
The first thing you need to do is ensure you're getting to the core of what your client really wants. Sometimes, clients don’t fully know what they need until they see it. The initial content may just be a jumping-off point, and as they see drafts, their vision evolves. This is normal, but it can create an endless cycle of rewrites if you’re not careful.
To avoid this, invest time upfront. Make sure you're having detailed conversations about their goals, target audience, tone, and key messages before diving too deep into the work. Ask probing questions, share examples, and be prepared to revisit these conversations as the project progresses. The better you understand their underlying needs and intentions, the less likely you'll be sent back to square one with every revision.
However, even with the best communication, there will still be clients who continually change their minds. That’s when you need to protect yourself by managing expectations.
Step 2: Build Extra Rewrites Into Your Contract
One of the easiest ways to set boundaries from the beginning is to insert a reasonable number of revisions into your contract. You can offer a couple of rounds of rewrites as part of your standard process, but make it clear that any significant changes after that will require additional payment.
For example, in your initial agreement, you might state that two rounds of revisions are included in the project fee. Anything beyond that—especially if the rewrites are due to a change in direction or vision—will incur additional costs. This encourages the client to provide more precise feedback from the start, knowing that back-and-forth changes could increase their costs. Not only does this protect your time, but it also gives the client an incentive to be clear and decisive.
Step 3: Document Everything
When dealing with clients who have shifting ideas, make sure to document everything. This includes the initial work, any conversations about direction changes, and all rounds of feedback.
After every revision, send a confirmation email outlining the changes requested and the reasons for them. This will serve two purposes: it shows the client you’re actively listening, and it gives you a paper trail if things start to spiral out of control.
Sometimes clients don’t realize how much they’ve changed direction until you lay it out in black and white. It’s not uncommon for someone to say, “I don’t like this,” without realizing that they’ve asked you to change something they originally approved. Having a documented list of requests can help clarify things and ensure that both you and the client are on the same page at all times.
Step 4: Guide the Conversation Back to Strategy
When clients keep asking for changes, it can be easy to lose sight of the project’s main goal. You might feel like you’re chasing their every whim without a clear direction. To avoid this, always guide the conversation back to strategy. Ask them how the change they’re requesting aligns with their initial goals or target audience. Does it still serve the project’s purpose, or is it just an offshoot of a new idea?
Sometimes, clients need a reminder that constantly tweaking things can dilute the effectiveness of the content. As the expert, it’s your job to help them stay focused on the bigger picture and ensure that the work remains aligned with their core objectives. Not only will this help keep revisions in check, but it will also position you as a strategic partner rather than just a hired hand.
Step 5: Know When to Say No
At some point, you may have to push back. If the changes are excessive, time-consuming, or leading the project away from its original scope, it’s okay to say, “No.” You don’t have to agree to endless revisions if they’re unreasonable or if the client is asking for work outside of the initial contract.
When saying no, be respectful but firm. Point to the documented feedback and changes, and reference the revision limits you agreed upon in the contract. If the client wants to move forward with additional changes, let them know you’ll need to revise the scope of work and adjust the timeline and fees accordingly.
Step 6: Keep Communication Open and Professional
Even when dealing with a difficult client, it’s important to remain professional. Frustration is natural, but it should never come across in your communication. Instead, continue to approach each conversation with a problem-solving attitude. Reassure the client that you’re committed to delivering what they need but that additional revisions require additional resources. Frame your boundaries in a way that shows you’re looking out for the success of the project.
Step 7: Payment for Extra Rewrites
If a client is notorious for constant changes, it’s essential to have a clear system for payment when those changes go beyond the agreed scope. Set a reasonable hourly rate for revisions beyond what’s included in your initial quote, and communicate this to your client early on. This way, they won’t be surprised when they receive a bill for the extra work.
When the client requests yet another round of changes, you can remind them of the extra revision fees. This creates a natural point for the client to reconsider whether the change is truly necessary or if they’re ready to finalize the work. Sometimes, the mere mention of an added cost can help the client focus and make a decision.
As the writer, make sure you have processes in place to safeguard your time and effort, and don’t be afraid to gently guide the client toward a final decision. Ultimately, it's about delivering high-quality work without burning yourself out in the process.
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