You have created a website or a page on your website that you hope is great! But how do you know if you for sure have managed to get it right?
The daring thing to do is to ask for feedback.
We can do our best to create a great website for our visitors, but we have to be aware that every visitor and their mind is different, and we are not mind-readers. So, although it can be a bit intimidating, the best way to know if your website transmits the message the way you want to, is to ask people in your target market:
- What do people notice?
- What do they feel?
- What do they click? Do they behave the way you intended when browsing around?
You might not feel like putting yourself out there – vulnerable to people’s opinion, but do it anyway. Just do it. We might fear negative feedback, but remember that those who might say something unpleasant will have forgotten it in less than a day. Really.
It’s part of the process to have moments where you feel a bit annoyed, vulnerable, and unsure which advice to follow, but be brave. The following steps will help you in the process:
3 steps for dealing with feedback
(It works for everything – not just your website!)
Step 1 – Before asking
Be ready to hear feedback you don’t like to hear – it will happen. The purpose is to get a range of unbiased opinions from various people. It doesn’t mean you have to take on their advice. Instead of being tempted to argue, ask questions to clarify their points if needed.
Also, agree with yourself to gladly receive positive feedback. Say thank you without being modest. You did hard work, and you deserve every praise!
Step 2 – During the feedback
Remember to stay neutral and listen. Keep reminding yourself that nobody has the intention of criticizing you with the aim to make you feel bad or irritate you (although that inevitably happens). People can get carried away with their ideas. It doesn’t matter. You don’t need to agree.
Be your own secretary, and take note of everything as if it wasn’t your own creation they were giving feedback on. Of course, write down all the amazing feedback you get too – it’s equally important.
After you have all the information from everyone get a good night’s sleep – and maybe a drink or meditation moment (take your pick!) – to get distance from your immediate emotions, then go to the next step.
Step 3 – Evaluating the feedback
Divide the feedback into what you agreed with and what you didn’t agree with.
- If you agree, change accordingly.
- If you didn’t agree, ask yourself the following:
Is the person who gave me this feedback someone who fits in with my target market and ideal client profile? If the answer is no, maybe this person was not the best one to ask, so you don’t need to put too much weight on the feedback.
If the answer is yes, then have a check-in with yourself. Why don’t you agree?
- Because you don’t like the person who said it (but the argument may still be valuable)?
- Because you have to let go of something you really liked (and you feel a bit devastated that the feeling was not mutual)?
- Because the opinion was given to you in a way that made you feel criticised personally (but they may have a point)?
Sometimes you need to hear it and make a change even if you really resist it at first. If you come to the conclusion that the feedback was valuable, give it a few days to set into your mind to allow “process of loss and acceptance” 🙂
What do you think?
Can you relate to the above? I’m sure I’m not the only one having little fear of feedback.
Are you ready to ask for feedback, but don’t know where to start?
Here a couple of options:
- Ask for feedback is in my Facebook group Biz Ladies. We’re a good-vibe group who help and support each other in the nicest possible way 🙂
- Write me a message to book a website review. No more agony about what to put where and how to write it. I can help you get clarity and confidence 🙂
Really like that step 2…stay neutral and listen…key to handling feedback. Step 3, evaluating it all is sometimes the hardest part…all those conflicting opinions…who to take on? I like the way you break it down Vibeke…shall remember that for next time 🙂
Hi Georgia,
Happy you like the breakdown!
Yes, step 3 is a challenge. I put most weight on the comments from people who are, or could become, clients. Eventually, those are the ones I prioritize bringing value to, so if more than one make the same suggestion for change, then… I change it (even if I loved it – grrr 😉 ).
Great article – I particularly like “be your own secretary” – will use this method for me too as it sounds like a good way to makes sure to gather all the information without being emotionally too involved.
Thank you Laura! Yes, the secretary trick help me keep emotions in check (although I might still grumble in my head sometimes). Look forward to hear if it works for you!
Great points. It’s easy to ‘fall in love’ with something you do just because of all the time and effort you have put into it. And that is what you see when you look at it, and that could cloud your judgement.
Thanks!
Yes, I agree to consider who the feedback comes from. Not everyone knows enough about your business and what your clients need to give good advice.
Exactly. And sometimes those who don’t really get you, are the ones to give the most annoying advice 🙂