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Hi Contra Community,
I’m looking for your advice today. What are your best tips for managing timelines effectively when working with clients?
I often find it challenging to stay on track, and my projects tend to take much longer than expected. I feel like I might not be setting clear expectations or deadlines from the start.
Thank you in advance for your help! ❤️
@Elsa Toussaint It all starts with the pace they give feedback. as long as feedback is on track just do your part.
Be clear about pace going down in case feedback is missing and just be upfront with your estimated pace
@Daniel G Bright Feedback and even more copywriting. It often take too much time because the copyright takes ages to be delivered.
@Elsa Toussaint Then limit the amount of rounds so that the client gets to the point :)
@Daniel G Bright @Elsa Toussaint Re: feedback response time. I bake a specific clause into my contracts differentiating [design time] vs [the project end date].
I've had situations before where a client has pressed me to work with crazy deadlines (e.g. they don't give feedback for two weeks, the feedback is...
@Elsa Toussaint What project software tool are you currently using?
@Naoto Nakada I handle everything on Notion.
@Elsa Toussaint Interesting, does Notion include a calendar as well?
Yes! I have a template with all the deliverables and timelines—a to-do list outlining what I do and what the client needs to do.
What are you using?
@Elsa Toussaint I struggled with that too at the beginning! What helped me was getting paid upfront and having a solid contract that laid out timelines and deliverables. Clear communication and setting expectations early made a difference
@Elena Perini Super interesting! Do you ask for the full payment upfront? Do you find it easy to request the entire amount in advance?
@Elsa Toussaint It really depends on the client I’m working with. For some, I still do 50/50, but with clients I’ve built a relationship with, it’s never an issue. Honestly getting a “no” doesn’t bother me, it actually helps me see who’s 100% committed and who might not be as invested....
@Elsa Toussaint Managing timelines can definitely be tricky, but a few things have really helped me stay on track:
1️⃣ Plan for feedback rounds: I always include a couple of feedback rounds in my timeline to avoid last-minute surprises.
2️⃣ Account for weekends and setbacks: Life happens, so I...
@Anita Autorino Thank you for your answer! It's so helpful
@Elsa Toussaint Anytime!
@Elsa Toussaint However long I think it's gonna take I add at least 2 weeks to it.
Then as long as you and the client have clear lines of communication they typically know and understand where the project stands.
Timelines tend to arbitrary anyways lol
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