Why Your Video Clients Act 'Difficult' (And What to Do About It)

As video producers, we often find ourselves caught between the creative process we love and the business realities our clients face. It’s easy to become frustrated with seemingly unreasonable demands and view clients as ignorant Philistines, but taking a step back to understand their perspectives can transform challenging relationships into productive partnerships.

Here is a quick guide to the pressures corporate clients often face, how those pressures can affect their relationship with you, and what to do about it.

The Hidden Pressures Your Clients Face

Budget Constraints

• Senior management often expects more content with less budget

• Clients must justify every dollar spent on video production

• Department budgets may be shrinking while video needs increase

• Competition from low-cost video solutions creates unrealistic expectations

Time Pressures

• Marketing campaigns have increasingly tight deadlines

• Social media demands constant content creation

• Last-minute changes from leadership must be accommodated

• Multiple stakeholders need to review and approve content

Career Stakes

• Your client's professional reputation may depend on project success

• Failed video projects can impact their standing within the organization

• They may lack video expertise, but they can't appear incompetent

• Internal politics often influence their decision-making

Common Client (Mis)Behaviors and Their Root Causes

Micromanagement

• Stems from fear of losing control

• May reflect previous negative experiences with video teams

• Often masks uncertainty about the process

Constant Changes and Revisions

• Result of unclear initial vision or just not knowing what they want

• Influenced by feedback from various stakeholders

• Attempt to perfect content under pressure

• Response to changing business needs

Budget Negotiations

• Need to demonstrate fiscal responsibility

• Compare costs with consumer-grade video solutions

• May not understand production value differences

• Often working with predetermined budgets

How to Build Better Client Relationships

Educate Without Condescending

• Share knowledge about video production processes

• Explain technical limitations in business terms

• Provide examples of successful outcomes

• Create resources clients can reference

Improve Communication

• Set clear expectations early in the project

• Document decisions and approvals

• Regular status updates prevent surprises

• Use language that clients understand

Align With Business Goals

• Understand the broader marketing strategy

• Connect video metrics to business outcomes

• Show ROI whenever possible

• Demonstrate value beyond technical execution

Practical Solutions for Common Challenges

Managing Timeline Expectations

• Build realistic buffers into schedules

• Clearly communicate dependencies

• Document impact of scope changes

• Provide alternatives for urgent requests

Dealing with Revisions

• Establish clear revision policies

• Set boundaries for change requests

• Document feedback systematically

• Create efficient review processes

Creating Long-term Success

Develop Client Education Programs

• Create onboarding materials

• Hold regular training sessions

• Share industry insights

• Build video production knowledge gradually

Establish Strong Processes

• Implement clear project workflows

• Use project management tools to stay organized and keep both you and your clients accountable

• Create templates for common requests

• Standardize communication channels

Build Strategic Partnerships

• Position yourself as a trusted advisor

• Participate in strategic planning

• Provide solutions proactively

• Share industry best practices

Action Steps to Take Today

• Schedule a meeting with key clients to understand their challenges

• Review your communication processes and identify areas for improvement

• Create educational materials for common client questions

• Develop a client onboarding program

• Establish clear project workflows and documentation

• Build templates for common client requests

• Set up regular check-ins with stakeholders

• Create a feedback system for continuous improvement

Yes, clients are people and sometimes people can be jerks. For the most part, though, they're trying to succeed in their own roles while managing all kinds of pressures and expectations. By approaching client relationships with empathy and understanding, you can transform challenging situations into opportunities for growth and success.

---

About In Focus Consulting

While this guide offers a general framework, every video team faces unique challenges. At In Focus Consulting, we work directly with in-house and independent video teams to diagnose specific pain points and implement lasting solutions that transform client relationships.

Ready to move from friction to productive partnerships? Contact us today to discuss your team's specific challenges.