Is getting great results unrealistic in a 30 day window?

[LiveEntrepreneur]

So I'm doing work for clients running their ads, and I noticed a trend which I guess that every marketer running paid ads for clients has. Which is that, if you don't get great results compared to where they were previously within 30 days, especially if they aren't a large business, then they just stop working with you. This has happened quite a few times, and I think I've realized that it's pretty much impossible to get any sort of meaningful growth in a month. I think that a lot of testing and grow needs to be done. Success is not a one-off event or task that gets done once and the business skyrockets from there.

I always deliver new suggestions so they can improve their results and the clients do try them, but the results aren't instant so the chance of losing a client is quite high. Maybe I need to emphasize in the beginning on the expectations more and tell them that for the first 3 months, not to expect amazing results? Then the problem that arises is that I'm going to be competing with others who will sell them the world and guarantee results within a month, because people just want to listen to whatever they want to hear, lol. Maybe it's just how it is, dealing with small businesses?

How do you deal with this and is it unrealistic for a client to expect to go from a 3x average roi to a 4-5x roi in 30 days, for example?

 

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[chuckstar_za]

So I'm doing work for clients running their ads, and I noticed a trend which I guess that every marketer running paid ads for clients has. Which is that, if you don't get great results compared to where they were previously within 30 days, especially if they aren't a large business, then they just stop working with you. This has happened quite a few times, and I think I've realized that it's pretty much impossible to get any sort of meaningful growth in a month. I think that a lot of testing and grow needs to be done. Success is not a one-off event or task that gets done once and the business skyrockets from there.

I always deliver new suggestions so they can improve their results and the clients do try them, but the results aren't instant so the chance of losing a client is quite high. Maybe I need to emphasize in the beginning on the expectations more and tell them that for the first 3 months, not to expect amazing results? Then the problem that arises is that I'm going to be competing with others who will sell them the world and guarantee results within a month, because people just want to listen to whatever they want to hear, lol. Maybe it's just how it is, dealing with small businesses?

How do you deal with this and is it unrealistic for a client to expect to go from a 3x average roi to a 4-5x roi in 30 days, for example?

Looking at it from your client POV, they are hiring you to deliver results which are better than they are currently getting.
That's the long and the short of it.

Fail to deliver that expected result and you're kicked to the curb.

A few ways to combat this spring to mind:
3 month initial contract, then rolling.
Put a few case studies on your site/blurb which emphasize the journey, rather than 'hey look, client X got a 500% ROI by working with us'
Do a lot of hand holding during that initial period - a client feeling nervy, or like things aren't working would be more likely to stay if they know you are actively involved in their success. The fact you are is irrelevant, they need to feel like you're devoted to them 100%

Loads of small businesses expect instant results - it's the world we live in. The first thing you could look at in the client journey is managing those expectations.

 

[Vinnland]

So I'm doing work for clients running their ads, and I noticed a trend which I guess that every marketer running paid ads for clients has. Which is that, if you don't get great results compared to where they were previously within 30 days, especially if they aren't a large business, then they just stop working with you. This has happened quite a few times, and I think I've realized that it's pretty much impossible to get any sort of meaningful growth in a month. I think that a lot of testing and grow needs to be done. Success is not a one-off event or task that gets done once and the business skyrockets from there.

I always deliver new suggestions so they can improve their results and the clients do try them, but the results aren't instant so the chance of losing a client is quite high. Maybe I need to emphasize in the beginning on the expectations more and tell them that for the first 3 months, not to expect amazing results? Then the problem that arises is that I'm going to be competing with others who will sell them the world and guarantee results within a month, because people just want to listen to whatever they want to hear, lol. Maybe it's just how it is, dealing with small businesses?

How do you deal with this and is it unrealistic for a client to expect to go from a 3x average roi to a 4-5x roi in 30 days, for example?

With respect, this is flawed thinking.

The most important thing here is that: Not all clients can generate 4-5x ROI from paid ads PERIOD. Let alone doing it in 30 days.

There are so many factors to consider. Price point. AOV. Competitive fight on the traffic source in question. Type of product. ETC ETC.

The second most important thing here is this: You need to do a better job at managing the client's expectations BEFORE they pay you and AFTER they pay you.

If you promise every client 4-5x ROI then you will lose clients frequently. Because, As I said, not everyone can get there. This is an unpopular truth. Because people would rather enjoy wishful thinking.

Let's say you do find a brand that can make it. I would set 90 days' KPI targets. This is the managing expectations part of client work. It is a stand-alone skill.

Hope that helps.