Worst Client Comments
Here’s some Friday fun for our agency/consultant readers.
A couple of Irish creatives decided to enlist others of their ilk and design some posters to illustrate the worst client feedback they’d received on their work.
They started selling the posters (proceeds to charity) and were swamped by orders.
And ‘fess up’ you client-side readers … you know you’re guilty.
Tom
P.S. Thanks to Ken Smith.
4 responses to “Worst Client Comments”
Behavioral Science Q & A
Whether “help” is more engaging or not really depends on the framing and context. The word help can sometimes weaken the perceived agency of the supporter, making their role feel secondary rather than central (your point). On the other hand, help can also signal collaboration rather than implying full ownership of the outcome, which might […]
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Great question! Here’s how behavioral science can help unpack what might be happening: Pain of Paying: Even a small extra charge can make giving feel more transactional than emotional, potentially reducing generosity. Fairness Concerns: Some donors might perceive donor cover as a surcharge rather than a contribution to the cause. If they feel the charity […]
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The choice between “Your gift CAN…” and “Your gift WILL…” taps into the psychological framing of certainty vs. possibility. Currently, there is no academic research directly comparing these two framings in charitable appeals. However, I suspect no framing is universally better—the outcome likely depends on your target audience and the campaign’s goal. Here are some thoughts: Certainty Framing – […]
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Integrating an individual giving appeal with other communications from a charity can have both positive and negative effects, and the outcome largely depends on how it’s executed. Advantages of Integration Brand Consistency: Maintaining a consistent appearance and messaging across all communications can reinforce the org’s brand identity and strengthen brand recognition and trust among your […]
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I’m not aware of any in-market tests specifically comparing recurring vs. gift frequency language. I suspect the answer might not be the same with all gift frequencies, nor with all people. It sounds like a great opportunity for you to test and find out what works for your audience. Based on the literature, here’s a couple […]
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Based on what we know from existing data, those renewal notices can actually be pretty effective in getting people to donate. They tap into our psychology – creating a sense of urgency, reminding us of past support, and using personalization to make the message hit home. They’re playing on our natural tendencies to feel obligated […]
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Brilliant! Best start to a Friday I’ve had for a while. Thank you 🙂
Hehehehe!
Sorry Tom – can’t get to it today. Those of us on the “client-side” are too busy doing the work….
Thanks to Tom and Roger for finding the curious, commenting and agitating.
I think these posters are marvelous. And, sadly, too truthful. How about a collection of things clients have said to us consultants who are not designers? I’m not remembering the direct quotes – but you get the gist and intent!
“When you said we actually had to meet as a full board and talk with you, our consultant, about governance or fund development… We didn’t think you really meant it.”
“I know you said that this consultancy was a change process. But I don’t want to change.”
“You actually expected us to read that stuff in advance? I didn’t have access to my computer. I didn’t have time (two weeks isn’t enough time?”
Oh my….