If you’ve been in web design or development long enough, you know one thing for sure: client revisions are a part of the process. Some clients are clear about what they want from the start, but most will ask for revisions—sometimes a lot. A lot more than you expected.
The truth is, revisions are inevitable, but they don’t have to be a nightmare. The trick lies in how you handle them. Let’s break down how you can survive, even thrive, during the revision process.
First Things First: Get on the Same Page
The absolute worst time to figure out that you’re not aligned with your client is mid-revision.
By then, you’ve already spent hours working on something that might get torn down or completely changed. So, start from the beginning with a clear agreement.
Steps to prevent future chaos:
- Set expectations upfront: How many revisions are included in the contract? Clarify that minor tweaks are expected but large overhauls might require more time and cost.
- Get a brief, and stick to it: A client may come in with ideas that aren’t fully thought out. Dig deep and get the real vision behind what they want.
- Use wireframes or prototypes early: Show the client how their ideas will take shape, and get their feedback on it before you commit to the full design or development. This way, you avoid wasting time.
Why Do Clients Ask for So Many Revisions?
Sometimes it feels like clients just love changing their minds, but there’s usually a deeper reason. Understanding why revisions are coming your way can help you better manage them.
Common reasons:
- Unclear vision: Clients often don’t know what they want until they see it. They’ll say “make it pop” without knowing what “pop” means.
- Personal preferences: Sometimes they just don’t like the way something looks (even if it’s perfectly fine from a design perspective).
- Feedback overload: They might be getting feedback from multiple stakeholders, making it hard to reconcile all opinions into one clear vision.
- Market changes: They might need to pivot based on new business goals or competitor moves, especially if you’re working on a project for a fast-moving company.
The key takeaway: they don’t always know what they want at first, and it’s your job to help guide them.
How to Manage Revisions Without Losing Your Mind
There’s no way to completely avoid revisions, but here are strategies to manage the process without getting bogged down:
1. Set Boundaries and Stick to Them
You can’t let clients dictate every change. Establish boundaries so that the revision process remains manageable.
- Limit the number of revisions: Include a set number of revisions in the contract (usually 2-3). Any additional revisions come with extra fees.
- Create a revision cycle: Give clients a timeline to submit changes (e.g., a week after you submit the draft). It prevents endless back-and-forth.
- Document everything: Keep a record of all requests and revisions so you can track changes and have a clear picture of what’s been asked for.
2. Communicate Early and Often
As soon as you realize a client wants something drastically different from what was agreed upon, speak up.
- Ask questions: Instead of diving straight into changes, ask clarifying questions to make sure you understand the reasoning behind the revisions.
- Set clear expectations on time: Let them know how long the requested revisions will take. If the changes require significant extra work, be upfront about potential delays.
3. Educate Your Clients
One of the most overlooked parts of working with clients is helping them understand the why behind your choices. If they know why you’re doing something (i.e., the design or functionality is user-centered or optimized for SEO), they might be more likely to accept it.
- Explain the design process: Walk them through the design decisions you’ve made, especially for things like layout, colors, and typography. Help them understand that design isn’t just about looking pretty—it’s about user experience and conversion.
- Propose alternatives: If a client insists on something that doesn’t make sense, offer an alternative that meets their needs. Instead of just saying “no,” show them a better way.
Know When to Push Back
Sometimes, clients will ask for unrealistic changes or things that don’t fit within the scope of the project. Here’s when to push back:
When to say “No”:
- If the change would require reworking a large part of the site and isn’t part of the initial agreement.
- If the revision request is outside of the project scope (like adding a completely new feature that wasn’t planned for).
- If the revision goes against user-centered design principles (e.g., asking for a design that reduces usability or accessibility).
Don’t be afraid to say “no” when it’s in the best interest of the project. If the client is adamant, be ready to justify your decision with facts.
Turning Revisions Into a Positive Thing
Revisions don’t have to be frustrating. In fact, they can be a great learning opportunity and a way to improve your own process. When handled well, revisions can lead to a better final product.
Some benefits of revisions:
- Client collaboration: The revision process is a chance to work closely with the client and fine-tune the product. Their feedback can help you see things from a different perspective.
- Strengthens your relationship: If you manage revisions well, it shows professionalism and builds trust with your client.
- Improves your design skills: Every revision request is a chance to improve your ability to communicate and create more functional, appealing designs.
The Final Word
Dealing with client revisions is one of the most challenging—and rewarding—parts of being a designer or developer. By setting clear expectations, maintaining open communication, and knowing when to stand your ground, you can manage revisions without feeling overwhelmed.
But above all, remember this: client revisions are a natural part of the process. They’re not a sign of failure, but rather an opportunity to perfect your work and make your final product the best it can be.
Gyatt 
Leave a comment