Sometimes your vision for the logo, brand pack, social media post, website, or flyer just doesn’t align with that of your client. Hearing “I don’t like the design” can feel disheartening, but it’s also an opportunity to improve the final product. 

The key is asking the right questions to understand their concerns and steer the project back on track. Our digital marketing reseller team suggests 13 questions to ask your client to get back on track in this article. 

Why Clients May Not Love Your Designs

Clients reject designs for various reasons, ranging from misaligned expectations to unclear project briefs. Sometimes, it’s about personal taste; other times, it’s a deeper issue related to strategy, branding, or communication. 

As a designer, it’s better to approach client feedback with curiosity instead of defensiveness. That way, you’ll maintain the working relationship and likely learn a thing or two. Asking clarifying questions will help uncover the root cause of your client’s hesitancy and lead to better results.

Question 1: What Specifically Don’t You Like About the Design?

Start by getting specific. A vague “I don’t like it” provides no direction, so ask clients to pinpoint exactly what feels off. It might be the layout, colours, or overall style. 

The more precise their response, the easier it will be to address their concerns. This question also shifts the conversation from emotional reactions to actionable insights.

Question 2: Are There Specific Elements That You Prefer?

Clients often dislike some parts of a design while appreciating others. Ask which features they find appealing or worth keeping. Maybe they like the imagery but not the typography, or they appreciate the layout but dislike the colour scheme. 

Focusing on what works builds a foundation for revisions without scrapping the entire project.

Question 3: Can You Share Examples of Designs You Do Like?

Visual references can bridge the gap between your creative vision and your client’s expectations. Ask them to share examples of designs they like on the internet, on social media like Instagram or Pinterest. Comparing these examples with your current draft often reveals valuable insights into what needs adjusting.

Question 4: How Do You Visualise the Final Product?

Clients may have a mental image of the final product that they haven’t been effectively communicating with you. Asking how they envision the finished design encourages them to articulate their creative expectations. 

Even a rough description can help you align your revisions with their vision and avoid future misunderstandings.

Question 5: Are There Brand Guidelines We Should Follow?

A design that doesn’t align with established brand guidelines can be a dealbreaker. Confirm whether the client has specific brand standards, including logos, colour schemes, and typography. If such guidelines exist, ensure your revisions adhere to them. 

If not, consider helping the client establish a consistent brand identity.

Question 6: What Is the Primary Goal of This Design?

Ask what the design is meant to achieve—whether it’s generating leads, increasing brand visibility, or conveying a specific message. A goal-orientated approach helps you refine the design in ways that resonate with both the client and their target audience.

Question 7: Who Is the Target Audience for This Design?

The intended audience often dictates design choices. A modern, edgy design might appeal to younger consumers but alienate an older demographic.Clarify who the target audience is to ensure the design resonates with the right people. This focus can transform subjective criticism into strategic improvement.

Question 8: What Specific Emotions Do You Want the Viewer to Feel?

Design is an emotional language. Ask your client how they want viewers to feel when they see the design. Whether it’s trust, excitement, or nostalgia, understanding the emotional intent guides decisions on colour, layout, and imagery. 

Question 9: Are There Any Design Constraints or Limitations?

Practical constraints can affect design choices. Ask about project limitations such as budget, printing specifications, or platform restrictions. 

Sometimes, client dissatisfaction stems from design choices that conflict with these constraints. Knowing the boundaries helps you deliver solutions that fit within the project’s practical framework.

Question 10: What Feedback Have You Received from Others?

Clients often gather opinions from colleagues, friends, or stakeholders before providing feedback. Ask whether they’ve consulted anyone else and what those people said. This context can explain conflicting or unclear feedback, helping you balance diverse opinions while staying true to the project goals.

By asking these thoughtful questions before you start a project as part of the onboarding process, you will likely set yourself up for success and avoid misunderstandings. 

Just because your client doesn’t like a draft doesn’t mean the project is doomed. Trust our digital marketing reseller team to help you ask the right questions during the briefing phase and deliver the perfect social media post, logo design, branding, or print design to your client. Take a look at our full suite of white label services now.