Ever felt that little spark when someone just gets you or that frustrating wall when you feel like you’re speaking a different language? That, in essence, is the power of communication, and in the world of agency-client relationships, it’s not just important.. it’s everything! 

The Art of Setting Expectations

From the get-go, we believe in having frank conversations about what’s achievable, the timelines we’re looking at, and how we’ll measure success. This isn’t about dampening enthusiasm; it’s about building a solid foundation of trust. When everyone understands the playing field and the goals, there are no nasty surprises, only collaborative progress. It’s about saying, "Here’s what we’re aiming for, here’s how we plan to get there, and here’s how we’ll track our journey." This clarity helps everyone feel secure and confident. 

 

Sharing the Ups and Navigating the Downs

Once the journey is underway, silence is never golden. We’re big believers in keeping our clients informed every step of the way. This means regular updates, whether it’s through scheduled calls, clear reports, or quick emails. And crucially, this isn’t just about trumpeting the wins (though we love sharing good news!). It’s also about being upfront when challenges arise.

If a particular approach isn’t bringing in the results we anticipated, or if market conditions throw us a curveball, our first instinct isn’t to hide it; it’s to talk about it. We see challenges not as dead ends, but as detours that often lead to new insights and even better strategies. Sharing these moments and how we’re adapting strengthens the relationship. It shows we’re actively managing the campaign and are committed to finding the best path forward, together. This transparency is vital because, as humans, we’re wired to appreciate honesty, even when the news isn't what we hoped for. 

 

Tackling Hurdles with Transparency

In digital marketing not everything always goes 100% according to the initial plan, an algorithm might change, a competitor might launch a massive campaign, or user behaviour might shift unexpectedly. When these things happen, transparent communication becomes even more critical.

Our approach is to lay the cards on the table. We’ll explain the challenge, share the data and our analysis of what’s happening, and most importantly, present a clear plan of action. It’s not about dwelling on the problem, but about focusing on the solution. This proactive stance means our clients aren’t left wondering; they’re part of the conversation and the resolution. This builds a sense of partnership and reassures them that their campaign is in capable and honest hands. We find that this approach fosters mutual respect and a deeper understanding.

 

It’s All About the Human Connection

Even though we work with data, algorithms, and digital platforms, our relationships are with people. That’s why a human-first approach underpins everything we do, especially our communication.  We strive to be approachable, to listen actively, and to understand our clients’ businesses and goals on a deeper level.

Effective communication isn't just about relaying facts and figures; it's about building rapport, showing empathy, and fostering a genuine partnership. It’s about making our clients feel heard, understood, and valued. Because when that connection is strong, even the trickiest challenges become manageable, and successes become shared celebrations.

 

Key Takeaways

To wrap up, let’s run through a summary of how you can make or break a relationship with communication:

  • True partnership in growth marketing hinges on clear and honest dialogue.
  • Setting realistic expectations from day one builds a foundation of trust.
  • Regularly communicating progress, including any bumps in the road, keeps everyone aligned.
  • Facing challenges with transparency and a solution-focused mindset strengthens the relationship.
  • Ultimately, putting that human-first approach into your communication can be the difference between a campaign that just runs, and a partnership that truly flourishes.

If you would like to speak to one of our team further about this, contact us now!

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MEET THE
AUTHOR.

HANNAH WELSH

Far from your workaday Account Manager, Hannah strives to be your organisation’s representative within Reflect Digital. She brings a strategic mindset to all of her work, and works consultatively with her clients to ensure that, together, they can find the way to take their digital marketing to the next level, and smash their targets. She also ensures all of the Reflect’s teams are aligned, prepared and organised to give her clients the best experience.

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