5 Client Communication Tips I Learned the Hard Way

Good communication is the difference between a nightmare project and a referral-generating success. Here's what I've learned.

1. Set Expectations Early

Before any work begins, make sure you and the client agree on:

• Exact deliverables
• Timeline and milestones
• Communication frequency
• Revision process

Put it in writing. Always.

2. Over-Communicate Progress

Clients hate silence. Even if you're making great progress, they'll worry if they don't hear from you. I send weekly updates at minimum.

3. Bad News Travels Fast

If something's going wrong - a delay, a technical issue, a misunderstanding - communicate immediately. Clients can handle bad news. What they can't handle is surprises at the deadline.

4. Confirm Everything in Writing

After every call, send a summary email: "Here's what we discussed and agreed to..." This prevents "I thought we said..." conversations later.

5. Make Decisions Easy

Don't ask clients open-ended questions. Instead of "What do you want for the hero section?" say "Here are three hero section options. I recommend A because [reason]. Which do you prefer?"

"The goal isn't to avoid problems - it's to handle them so well that clients trust you even more."