Not every agency is equipped to work effectively with remote and international clients. At Pulling Power Media, our experience in this area dates back to the very beginning of our journey. In this blog, we share practical advice on working with remote clients in marketing. Whether you’re an agency seeking tips or a client wondering what to expect, you’re in the right place.
1. Establish Trust
Building trust with remote clients starts with ‘face-to-face’ interactions. Set up a video call to have a casual, unstructured conversation about the project. Introducing your team members to the client is also a great way to build rapport.
Once trust is established, maintain it through open communication, consistently high-quality work, and a commitment to confidentiality. Demonstrating reliability and transparency helps reinforce that you’re fully invested in their success, even from a distance.
2. Set Clear Boundaries
Clear boundaries are critical for a smooth working relationship with remote clients. Here’s how to set them:
- Time zones: Clearly communicate your working hours and request live communication within overlapping times. For after-hours discussions, ask clients to schedule meetings in advance.
- Scope of work: Define expectations early on and make it clear that additional requests will incur extra charges. This helps manage scope creep effectively.
3. Don’t Allow Shifting Deadlines
Stick to agreed deadlines to maintain efficiency. Avoid extending deadlines unless absolutely necessary, and explain to clients how rushed timelines may compromise quality. This ensures your team can dedicate the appropriate attention to each project.
4. Talk in Person
Use video calls for important discussions such as reviewing content, brainstorming campaigns, and planning. These conversations foster better collaboration, allowing real-time feedback and quicker resolutions compared to email exchanges. Reserve emails for administrative tasks, such as budgets and reports, to keep communication streamlined.
5. Actually Collaborate
True collaboration goes beyond sharing content and reports. Keep clients engaged by:
- Running experimental ideas by them.
- Providing access to shared folders and documents.
- Encouraging feedback and responding promptly.
Celebrate achievements together to strengthen the relationship.
6. Use Feedback Purposefully
Feedback is an invaluable tool for improvement. Here’s how to make the most of it:
- Accept feedback: If you disagree, ask questions to understand the client’s concerns.
- Request examples: Ask clients to share visual or conceptual references to clarify their ideas.
- Identify patterns: If feedback is repeated, apply it proactively to all relevant work to save time and avoid frustration.
7. Take Advantage of Online Communication Tools
Use professional tools for communication and collaboration. Avoid apps like WhatsApp, which can blur the line between personal and professional interactions. Instead, opt for platforms like Slack or Discord for organized, centralized communication.
8. Put Everything in Writing
Document all key information, including invoices, budgets, contracts, and meeting summaries, via email. Sending follow-up emails after calls ensures alignment and provides a written record for future reference.
At Pulling Power Media, we’ve worked with international clients across different time zones and cultural backgrounds since our inception. If you’re seeking a marketing agency with remote expertise, we’d love to help. Tell us what you’re looking for here.