Here’s a great question that came up in one of the copywriting groups I belong to:
When you’re working with clients, and wanting to collaborate with them, do you share work via a Google Doc, a Word doc, or something else? Do you set up a portal for them to log in to to share files etc?
I love swooping in with an answer to save the day…
So may have one or two things to say 🗣
So you know I care about you a lot… I’m sharing with you the nicely edited down version for your speedy viewing— ahh… reading pleasure.
Here you go:
You can make this as simple or as complex as you like.
Having portals and suchlike can look professional.
But what’s the reality?
Probably extra software for you to learn, maintain and pay for.
And another HEEE-UGE PITA login for your client to deal with.
Speaking from past experience with over-engineering things and just wasting time for no returns:
Take the simple route wherever possible.
All I do with clients is use a Google Doc.
I might not write the content in Google Docs. But when it’s ready for review I put it there.
Then will share it with them so they can comment only.
I don’t use the built-in email notification it sends. Because I like to take the document link and paste it along with a request for reviewing the content into Discord (or whatever instant messaging system I’m using with the particular client).
Just about everyone has a Google login already so this is so straightforward… even if they are from a “Microsoft house”.
And now for your super-valuable bonus tip-of-the-day that you’ll thank me profusely for later 😉 …
Pull on your Mandalorian helmet and tell them:
“This is the way”
In other words:
Tell them what YOUR process is. Don’t ask them what they prefer.
Of course confirm they’re happy to fit in with that.
My experience is: they’ll be fine.
Possibly due to the ubiquity of Google Docs. But I expect it won’t be a problem for most clients.
Of course you can be flexible…
But I suggest you start with telling them your preferred way. And not leave options open.
Perhaps let them push back if they really want, and you’re OK with that. But you can generally expect to tell them what’s what… and get the system that works for you 😁
The thing about all this is: it’s YOUR system.
So… just tell them how it is. How you work.
And having a clear process helps to build your clients’ confidence in you.
So it’s a good thing for them.
But:
I STRONGLY advise to keep it as simple as possible.
Because complexity leads to the dark side of busywork.
It can make you feel all productive and self-congratulatory…
When in fact you’re simply feeding the Resistance demon — that’s a The War of Art reference (read it if you get the chance).
Another area to keep simple is how clients book appointments with you. Savvycal is the solution I use.
Details are here via my affiliate link:
https://a.chrismilham.com/savvycal
Bye for now,
Chris “Din Djarin” Milham
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Chris Milham