Putting yourself in the client's shoes.

You’ve probably heard the phrase “put yourself in their shoes” more times than you can count. But in the world of client work—whether you’re a designer, copywriter, developer, or coach—it’s not just good advice. It’s a game changer.

When we see things from our client’s perspective, we don’t just deliver a service—we build trust, offer value, and create solutions that actually work for their world.

Let’s talk about what that really means—and how to practice it well.

Why Empathy Wins Every Time

At the core of every great project isn’t just talent—it’s understanding.

When you genuinely care about what the client cares about, you:

• Speak their language

• Anticipate their needs

• Remove friction from the process

• Build lasting partnerships (not just one-off gigs)

Empathy isn’t fluffy. It’s strategic. It helps you create experiences that feel personal, intentional, and impactful.

What It Looks Like in Practice

1. Understand Their “Why”

Before jumping into deliverables, dig into their goals:

• Why did they come to you?

• What does success look like for them?

• What challenges are they up against?

This insight helps you align your work with what really matters to them—not just what they say they want.

2. Speak Their Language

If your client isn’t a creative or a tech expert, avoid jargon. Simplify your process. Explain the “why” behind your decisions in clear, confident terms.

Remember: If they don’t understand it, they won’t trust it.

3. Respect Their Time & Budget

Clients are often juggling 10 other priorities. Make things easy for them:

• Be clear and timely in communication

• Stick to timelines (or give heads-up if you need more time)

• Be transparent with pricing and scope

When you show you value their time and investment, they’ll value your work even more.

4. Anticipate Their Needs

What questions might they have? What pain points can you smooth out? What could you provide before they ask?

Proactive service builds confidence—and keeps clients coming back.

5. Celebrate Their Wins

When a launch goes live, a brand book is approved, or a sales page starts converting—celebrate with them. You’re not just a vendor. You’re part of their success story.