Here's how you can navigate differences in client's vision for the copy.

Let's not make it rocket science. If your client has a different vision than yours, how would you understand what they want you to craft? You'd listen to them, right? Be natural. Do that. But... Would that solve everything? NOPE!! So, listening is one thing and comprehending is another. Most clients fail to clearly explain their vision. It's your task to question whatever part you did not understand to avoid future conflicts. So, listen first. Then ask a valid question. Some questions only your client can answer and some can be answered by research. So, don't waste time. Once, you are on the same page as your client, start working on the project.

If you truly want to navigate differences in your client's vision, listening is very important to clearly understand their perspective and expectations. So, just let them speak everything they want and ask questions to have a clear idea. Let's now craft a perfect copy that works best for you as well as for your client!

Start by actively listening to the client's vision and concerns. Understanding their perspective is crucial. Ask open-ended questions and encourage them to share their ideas in detail. This builds rapport and shows that you value their input.

Speak less. Listen more. Soak in the brief. Concentrate. The first brief is the most important. After that, the client may not repeat all the points because she believes she has already spelt out the KRAs to you.

Navigating a client's differing vision can be a tightrope walk, but it’s manageable with a few tricks. First, listen closely to understand their perspective. It’s like tuning into their favorite playlist, get to know their style. Next, share your insights clearly, using examples and visuals to bridge gaps. I once had a client who wanted bold and edgy copy, but their brand was classic and refined. We worked together, tweaking and adjusting, until we found a balance. Tools like Canva for visual mockups and Google Docs for collaborative feedback can make this smoother. Keep the conversation open and flexible; it’s about blending visions into something fantastic.

Ensure that you have a clear understanding of the client's objectives and goals for the project. Clarify any ambiguities and align on the desired outcomes. This common ground will guide the direction of your work and help resolve differences.

From the first meeting to the last full stop, it is natural to run into some doubts. Do not consider them your shortcomings. Instead, they show the client that you have a mind that ticks and a ticking mind that you apply to the assignment. It may seem awkward at first to keep clarifying your doubts, but till you see the vision that your client does, it is unlikely that you'll get the copy pat.

Don't forget that it's not the client's vision alone that will determine your copy. It's your job to tell them if what they have on offer is not ideal, if they have not achieved the product market fit yet. What they think about the copy won't matter unless you've had this conversation before.

Leverage your expertise to provide insights and recommendations. Explain the rationale behind your approach and how it aligns with the client's goals. Demonstrating your knowledge builds trust and can help persuade the client to consider your perspective.

Don't be afraid to challenge. Know that your client may not realise where they are missing the point and it's your job to gently nudge them to see what's not working.

Provide multiple options or drafts for the client to review. Offering different approaches can help the client see the possibilities and make informed decisions. It also shows your flexibility and willingness to collaborate.

Lead with good data. Do your homework. Don't make it sound like you dreamt it up. At the end of the day, the only choice you both want to be making is this - the copy that converts is the copy that wins. And be prepared for a client disagreeing with this.

Work collaboratively with the client to refine the copy. Be open to feedback and make adjustments as needed. Iterative collaboration ensures that the final product meets the client's vision while incorporating your professional input.

Once you work on a project, you are one team. The project demands that you work seamlessly and not as a client, on one hand, and a service provider, on the other. You need to share your observations on the project also, so do that in a manner that does not impose on the client's vision or come across as too dominating.

There's no dance here. Don't write unless you have a solid reason to put the word on paper. Spend time to gather those reasons; through surveys, interviews etc and if you have all this research to back it up, make no qualms about fighting the case for your copy, respectfully. Know that they might not agree and that's ok. The final call is theirs. But let them know that conversions may tank and you won't be responsible for that.

Set realistic expectations about what can be achieved within the scope and timeframe. Be transparent about potential challenges and limitations. Managing expectations helps prevent misunderstandings and ensures a smoother working relationship.

The best way to avoid problems around diverging opinions about the copy is to delineate clear roles to all involved in the project from the outset. I use the popular DACI framework: - D:Driver -> responsible for leading the execution of the project -A: Approver -> the only person(s) with the authority to sign off on the the deliverable -C: Consulted -> people involved in a peripheral way with the project whose input may or may not be taken into account -I: Informed -> People who need to know about the projects but whose opinions do not impact the material This framework avoid the common pitfall of "copy by committee".

Customer is King. Remember those placards? It's not a remnant of times gone by. Even today, for a client is king or queen. If you have doubts, express them, clarify the vision you have for the copy. If the client still disagrees, mould yourself to write according to the client's brief. Most clients have a clear vision. It's the creativity with words that they have hired you for. Rise to that.