What do you do if your copywriting feedback is causing more harm than good?
When you pour your heart and soul into your copywriting, receiving feedback that seems to undermine rather than uplift your work can be disheartening. It's crucial to remember that copywriting is an iterative process, often involving multiple drafts and revisions. But what if the feedback you're getting is causing more confusion than clarity? It's a common situation many copywriters face, and handling it with grace and strategy can turn those critiques into valuable learning experiences.
-
Giada Nizzoli🧲The brand messaging strategist & copywriter for service-based women entrepreneurs | Stop wasting so much time &…
-
Sidra AmeenTop Rated CV Writer 📝 Certified CV Writer | Expert in Crafting ATS CVs | Boost your Resume | Entry to Executive…
-
Lucia OgbuDirect-Response Copywriter || I help businesses multiply their revenue growth, through high-converting sales funnel…
Before reacting defensively to feedback that feels off-base, take a moment to reflect. Consider the source of the feedback and their expertise. Sometimes, what may seem harmful at first could be a miscommunication or a difference in creative vision. Assess whether the feedback has merit by stepping back from your work. This distance can provide a fresh perspective and help you discern which critiques could lead to genuine improvement and which may not align with your objectives.
-
✹ If my copywriting feedback becomes more harmful than helpful, I prioritize my mental well-being and communicate calmly with the giver to discuss constructive approaches. I may seek input from other trusted sources for a balanced perspective and focus on extracting any useful points for improvement.ツ
-
I had a friend in high school who was on the girl's soccer team. Their coach had a rule that you had to say 2 nice things before you criticized. I take this advice when giving feedback. Tell them something positive about their work. How thoughtful it is, well-written, etc. and then give them your feedback. I like the tone to be collaborative. For example, 'we need to focus more on X' or 'Let's try to get a tighter hook'. I also believe in giving examples of other work that is similar to the end state you're trying to achieve. I find people are good at reverse engineering when they see an example of what 'great' is.
-
1. Evaluate and reflect the feedback received and assess its validity & relevance. 2. Schedule a meeting with the person giving feedback and seek clarification & suggestions. 3. Provide Context and share perspective on how the feedback is impacting your work, productivity. 4. Offer Solutions that address the underlying issues raised in the feedback. 5. Set Boundaries: Establish clear boundaries and expectations and communicate your preferences for feedback moving forward. 6. Seek Support from a mentor, manager, or HR representative to mediate the situation. 7. If attempts to address the feedback are met with resistance consider disengaging from the source of the feedback. 8.Regardless of the feedback received, maintain a growth mindset.
-
If your copywriting feedback feels detrimental, pause and reflect. Consider the source and expertise of the feedback. Distance yourself to gain a fresh perspective and discern valid critiques. Communicate openly with feedback providers, seeking constructive solutions rather than dwelling on negativity. Maintaining a collaborative attitude fosters improvement and effective communication.
-
Feedback approach, focus on constructive criticism, emphasize strengths, provide actionable suggestions, foster a collaborative environment, and prioritize improvement over fault-finding.
-
Sometimes, copywriting feedback can feel discouraging. If you find yourself feeling demotivated, it's important to take a step back and assess the situation. First, consider the tone and delivery. Is the feedback phrased constructively, or is it overly critical? Honest critique is valuable, but it shouldn't be delivered in a way that undermines your confidence. Second, evaluate the content. Does the feedback offer specific suggestions for improvement? Vague comments without clear direction can be frustrating. If the feedback truly feels unproductive, it might be time to have a conversation with the person providing it. Explain how their approach is impacting your work and ask for a more collaborative approach.
-
If my copywriting feedback is causing more harm than good, I'd first take a step back and reflect on the criticism. I'd try to understand why it's causing harm and if there are any valid points within it. Then, I'd communicate openly with those providing feedback, expressing my concerns and suggesting constructive ways to address them. It's crucial to maintain a positive and collaborative attitude, focusing on finding solutions rather than dwelling on the negative impact. Ultimately, improving communication and finding common ground is key.
-
For me, when I receive feedback that seems to be hindering progress instead of moving things along, I make sure to first understand where the other person is coming from. Do they nitpick every detail? Maybe they're not used to giving up control. Are they unsatisfied with the tone? Maybe we need to help develop their unique voice. Being open and making sure to listen to and understanding the real goals and needs of the client helps me create copy that they love.
-
Quando falamos de nos expressar, a primeira etapa é pensar como! Quando recebemos críticas, sejam positivas, sejam negativas, tendemos a expressar o que nos vem a cabeça. Aí está o problema, a falta de selecionar bem as palavras pode acarretar uma situação desagradável, aliás, pela segunda vez já que estamos falando sobre respostas a feedbacks negativos. A experiência de autodefesa, proposta pela mente como uma forma de se livrar daquilo rápido, faz com que tenhamos ações pelo impulso. A estratégia é, elabore a resposta e se coloque na posição do observador, ou seja, imagine-se lendo como se fosse outra pessoa. Pergunte-se: eu preciso falar isso mesmo? fará alguma diferença?
-
If your critique of your copywriting seems unfavorable, stop and think about it. Think about the feedback's source and level of experience. Take a step back to see things differently and identify legitimate criticism. Engage in open communication with those who are providing feedback, looking for positive solutions rather than focusing on the negative. Retaining a cooperative mindset promotes development and efficient communication.
If feedback is vague or confusing, don't hesitate to ask for clarification. A simple request for specific examples or a deeper explanation can illuminate the intention behind the comments. This dialogue not only helps refine your copy but also fosters a better understanding between you and the reviewer. Clarification turns ambiguous or negative feedback into actionable advice, guiding you towards more effective revisions.
-
Consider involving a third party for an impartial view on copywriting feedback. This perspective can help discern if feedback is constructive or not. Additionally, documenting feedback highlights patterns or areas for improvement, serving as a growth tool. Embracing feedback, even when challenging, enhances skills and resilience.
-
When feedback on copywriting feels counterproductive, it's crucial to dig deeper for clarity. Asking for specifics can transform vague critiques into useful direction, establishing shared understanding. This mirrors marketing insights emphasizing clear communication and grasping the underlying 'why' behind actions. Engaging in such dialogue not only refines your work but aligns it with successful strategies exemplified by iconic brands and leaders. This method isn't just about enhancing text; it's about synchronizing your efforts with a broader strategic narrative, akin to the approaches of renowned entities and figures in history.
-
Sometimes, the feedback you get can be a bit on the vague side, or just plain puzzling. Don’t be shy about digging deeper for the details. Ask for specifics. Getting to the heart of exactly which parts of your writing didn’t quite land can flip those broad remarks into really useful tips.
-
I love constructive criticism that is how I learn and improve. What I don't like is people putting me down and making it personal, keep it professional and don't belittle me for my mistakes. Instead if I am guided and advised on how to improve you will have a star on your hands. People resist feedback because they take it personally and sometimes that happens because people don't have a clue on how to deliver feedback, they are afraid to deliver it, be confident enough to show the person on the receiving end that you only want to help them make progress, have a mature conversation about improvement, advice them on resources and how to deal with this kind of situations because it's not the end of the world.
-
Seek clarification by discussing specific points with the feedback giver. Ask for examples or explanations to understand their perspective better.
While it's important to consider all feedback, remember that not all of it will be relevant or helpful. Strive to find a balance between being open to critique and maintaining your copywriting voice and style. Recognize that sometimes feedback reflects personal preferences rather than objective issues. Prioritize suggestions that align with your goals and the needs of your audience, and diplomatically set aside the rest.
-
First off, Feedback is very important in all areas of work, as it helps you to improve on areas that are not so were not properly done. Strive to find a middle ground where you can address the concerns raised and not allow yourself to feel defeated because of negative feedback. Always have in mind that people see things differently. Your copy may be good, but other factors can influence the overall effectiveness of a campaign. So stay true to your vision and expertise as a copywriter. And use feedback as an opportunity to learn and define your craft.
-
While feedback is valuable for growth and improvement, it's essential to balance it with your own instincts and expertise. Trust in your abilities as a copywriter and don't let negative feedback undermine your confidence. Take into account both the feedback you've received and your own judgment when deciding how to proceed with revisions or changes to your copy.
-
Engage in open dialogue with the giver, sharing insights and seeking compromises to foster a constructive feedback environment that supports growth and improvement.
-
The world is filled with many different perspectives, which is what makes it great. But feedback can be clouded by these perspectives. Before you start reviewing copy be sure to refresh yourself with the goal of the content. Who are you speaking to and what is the goal? Additionally, refresh yourself with the brand guidelines, are there preferences for how to write certain words or phrase things, should it be written in AP Style, etc. These are the core items you are reviewing for. After your first review, go back and evaluate does your feedback help drive clarity in the copy and drive towards the goal? If the copy is still effective without your feedback, it is personal preference and will only dilute your feedback.
When revising your copy, integrate the constructive feedback thoughtfully. Avoid making changes that feel inauthentic to your voice or the brand's message. Instead, use the feedback as a guide to enhance your work without compromising its integrity. By selectively incorporating suggestions, you can improve your copy while staying true to your original vision.
-
At times, not all suggestions are valid. Implement the ones that are. Reject and justify the ones that aren't. A vague example: 👉 You had an outline: A, B, C, and then D. 👉 C should be covered before B for better flow. 👉 Your editor asked you to stick to the original outline. Two options here: 👉 Either make the change: Don't do that! Your goal shouldn't be pleasing your editor but to create quality content. Focus on the latter; the prior will follow. 👉 Reject the change and justify your stance respectfully: Tell them why C should be covered before B. Provide supporting links if possible. Perfection is a myth. Continuous learning is the reality. 🐣
Feedback should be a tool for growth, not a source of discouragement. If you find yourself consistently receiving feedback that's more harmful than helpful, consider establishing a more positive feedback culture. Encourage constructive criticism that's specific, actionable, and supportive. By fostering an environment where feedback is delivered thoughtfully, you'll likely see a shift in the quality of critiques you receive.
-
Feedback, if not malicious, is there to be used to improve yourself. And even the malicious feedback will teach you important lessons in self-control. Whichever the case may be, always remain positive and professional. Don't argue.
If feedback continues to be problematic despite your best efforts, it may be time to adjust your approach. Seek out new sources of critique, such as a different peer group or a professional mentor with a track record of providing useful feedback. Diversifying the sources of your feedback can offer fresh perspectives and more beneficial insights, helping you to grow as a copywriter.
-
The first thing we should do is review what we have written to see if the intention we had is clear. Because many times we fail to convey exactly what we want to say, and that's where the problem arises. Generating debate over a copy we have written is great! As long as everything is done in a respectful manner. It is logical and healthy that not everyone thinks alike and that each person has the freedom to write what they think.
-
A melhor forma de criticar é sempre apontar opções corretas. Além de apontar aquilo que está insatisfatório, é importante trazer os porquês e indicar opções de versões que seriam satisfatórias à luz dos objetivos estratégicos, da estética e do estilo (brand guide).
-
Quick Hacks: 1. No reviews from Ai. They don't have any emotions, so for them everyone's copy is bad. 2. In feedback, you get 'confused' or 'no clear messaging' --> then work on basics. Curate blogs to develop crisp-writing habit. 3. Ask better questions in the feedback form --> Instead of review, ask things like 'which part you think is unnecessary' or 'which part you liked the most'. 4. To remove human bias, leverage data: a) Get the heat map of the webpage. This will which part users are scrolling (means the content was not engaging). b) Check session duration (if > 3mins) & bounce rate (< 70%) via Google Analytics. If not meeting the conditions, then strive to improve it. c) Use Bitly to track CTA's efficacy.
-
Consider putting a system in place to set the right expectations BEFORE delivering your next copywriting project! For example, the client should understand that, while they're welcome to request edits, their suggestions should never be based on personal preference because the copy was written for their ideal client (not for them). I now send a simple guide on how to give feedback without compromising the effectiveness of their copy
-
Tone it down and communicate better. I was editing my good friend's Master's thesis about 30 years ago, and after he made the same mistake for the 20th time or so (and I corrected them all), I wrote SCOURGE! in red ink at the top of the page. Don't do that without a long-time friendship. (I promise it was funny).
-
Consider seeking out additional perspectives or advice from trusted colleagues, mentors, or industry experts. Sometimes an outside perspective can provide valuable insights and help you navigate challenging feedback more effectively. Remember that constructive criticism is an opportunity for growth, so approach it with an open mind and a willingness to learn and improve as a copywriter.
-
The first thing to consider is defining the loss. What is affected? Are we using the right metrics? For example, a copy that more specifically targets a buyer persona may get a lower reach, but is this a problem when the conversion rate is dramatically increased ? We have to consider the feedback and the problem alongside the original objective. Do we hit the goal or not ?
Rate this article
More relevant reading
-
CopywritingWhat do you do if you receive feedback in copywriting that you strongly disagree with?
-
CopywritingHow can you receive feedback on your copywriting without feeling defensive?
-
CopywritingWhat do you do if your response to feedback in copywriting is defensive?
-
CopywritingHow can you encourage risk-taking on your Copywriting team?