5 Tips For Collecting Client Feedback

Not all client design feedback is made equal. From vague thoughts to unhelpful negative feedback, getting a response can be little better than not getting a response at all. Luckily, your agency can guide clients in the right direction, so you get the feedback you’re looking for.

In this article, we’ll provide five tips to help you collect valuable client feedback. With smart tactics and feedback collecting software, you can get feedback that actually helps your agency succeed.

1. Know What Type of Feedback You Need

If you don’t know what type of feedback you need, clients will be just as lost as you. Each time you collect feedback, ask yourself what thoughts you actually need your clients to provide. For example, do you need them to check for bugs and design flaws? If they’re unhappy with a page element, do you want them to actively brainstorm ideas?

Clients must be aware of the level of depth their feedback must have.

Similarly, you should be able to guide clients toward specific parts of your web design. While clients should be able to freely explore, it’s easier to collect quality feedback if you point out key areas to focus on. For example, you might ask your clients to zoom in on content or a single web page.

2. Ask the Right Questions

Your clients can’t read your mind. When you ask a broad question — such as “What do you think of this?” — you’ll get a broad answer. Leaving a question up to interpretation will lead clients to respond with whatever opinions come to mind. This creates a constant need for follow-ups, which can frustrate your agency and your clients.

As the experts, your agency must provide guidance. Ask more specific questions, such as:

• What stood out to you most about the design?
• Did any part of the design feel out of place or boring?
• Did you feel like any features were missing?
• Would this design appeal to your target audience?

Give your clients enough direction that they can offer helpful design feedback from the start. Then, if you still need additional details, all you’ll need to do is ask a simple question like, “Why?”

3. Simplify the Feedback Process

A poor design feedback process can prevent clients from providing valuable opinions. For example, if you’re asking for feedback via email, you’ll likely end up with unorganized notes and little to no visuals. If your process requires too many steps, clients may delay contributing altogether.

A website feedback tool can help you improve and streamline client feedback in two ways. First, software like SimpleStage allows clients to leave comments right on your website. Your clients won’t have to jump on an entirely different channel to provide their thoughts. Instead, they can leave comments as they review each web page or design.

Second, SimpleStage allows clients to easily add visual context to every comment. With the website feedback tool, clients can mark up designs and start conversation threads in the areas they’re referencing. You’ll be able to avoid vague feedback that leaves client expectations up in the air.

4. Time Your Design Feedback Requests Wisely

Asking for feedback (and following up) at the right times can help you avoid inadequate responses. Your agency must offer clients enough time to thoughtfully review your design. A 24-hour turnaround is definitely out of the question.

Ideally, your clients should be aware of your design feedback timeline from the start. Include design feedback deadlines when you communicate milestone requirements, so they can anticipate when you’ll reach out. If clients have deadlines in their calendars, they’ll be able to block off a proper amount of time to review your web design.

Don’t expect all your clients to remember your deadlines. If you send over web pages to review without prior warning, they may feel flustered and rush through their review and feedback. To get thoughtful design feedback, remind clients of upcoming due dates in your weekly updates. Giving clients at least a few days to process can also help them contribute actionable ideas.

Still not getting the design feedback you need? Don’t be afraid to follow up within 24 hours after a deadline — but avoid rushing them beforehand. Reaching out a few hours before the deadline can lead to rushed and incomplete feedback.

5. Implement Regular User Testing

User testing is a process in which clients try out your website, after your agency completes its own expert testing. Clients can give real-time feedback based on their direct interaction with your site.
Your agency may already have a testing stage implemented. But to improve client feedback, you can consider performing it more regularly. Creating frequent checkpoints helps clients properly guide you as you go, instead of after you make major changes.

With SimpleStage, clients can see real-time website updates and offer timely, relevant feedback. When clients have more than one opportunity to leave design feedback, they can help you stay in tune with their evolving expectations.

Improve Feedback With Feedback Software

Collecting great feedback is easier with the right strategies and a website feedback tool. Your clients won’t know what you need unless you tell them, so your agency must set the stage with clear expectations and specific questions. Timely feedback requests and follow-ups can make a difference, too. Clients need time to thoroughly review your website each time.

With feedback software like SimpleStage, clients can further improve their communication with your agency. Not only can they offer regular, real-time support, but they can offer visual context with every thought.