How to Finally Get Clients to Approve Your Work (Without Waiting Weeks)
Hey,
It’s Mladen.
Let me paint you a painfully familiar picture…
You’ve done the work.
The project’s 95% done.
Everything’s looking sharp.
Now you just need the client to review it, give the green light, or send over that final approval so you can wrap it up.
And then…
Crickets.
No reply.
No feedback.
No invoice sent.
Just silence.
And while they’re off “thinking it over,” you’re:
Delaying your next job
Holding up your team
Refreshing your inbox like it owes you money
Why does this keep happening?
You're not alone.
Every service-based business has been ghosted at the finish line.
But here’s what most people get wrong:
They treat the final approval as a single moment in the process…
Instead of something that should be earned and prepared for from day one.
Let me show you what’s actually going on underneath the surface — and what to do about it.
Problem 1: Clients get overwhelmed
Your client isn’t ignoring you because they’re rude.
They’re just busy. Distracted. Drowning in decisions.
To them, “approving your work” is just another to-do on a list they’re already behind on.
If the only time they hear from you is when you want sign-off, it feels like a demand.
And demands get ignored.
Problem 2: You're not "top of mind" anymore
You were top priority during the build phase.
Now that you’ve sent the final version?
You’re out of sight. Out of mind.
If there’s no momentum, no regular check-ins, no rhythm of communication…
Your project slides to the bottom of their brain.
Problem 3: The approval moment feels heavy
When people hear “final approval,” they think:
"Ugh, now I have to review everything"
"I better not miss anything"
"If I say yes now, I can't change anything later, right?"
That level of mental friction?
Leads to delays. Every time.
So how do you fix all of this?
You fix it before you get to the end.
The key is to build communication momentum throughout the project.
Let me break it down:
Phase 1: Start light
Early in the project, you’re in deep work mode.
You don’t need to send daily updates — but don’t go silent, either.
A quick message like:
“We’re laying the foundation this week. Nothing to review yet, just keeping you in the loop.”
keeps you warm in their mind without being annoying.
Phase 2: Mid-project check-ins
Now it’s time to drop in with more regular touchpoints.
Keep it easy. Keep it low-friction.
“Here’s a preview of the new section. Just a 👍 if it’s on track is perfect.”
You're not asking for a dissertation — you’re creating response habits.
Phase 3: End-game communication
Now the finish line is close.
This is when you turn up the heat.
Schedule a final call in advance
Open a fast-response channel (WhatsApp, Slack, etc.)
Let them know approvals will come in chunks, not one giant block
You're preparing them for speed — not surprise.
Final Word:
If your projects are constantly stalling at the finish line,
it’s not because your work isn’t good enough.
It’s because your communication system doesn’t support a fast finish.
The real secret to fast approvals isn’t just reminders — it’s relationship + rhythm.
Stay in touch.
Build momentum.
Make replying a habit.
Then, when it’s time to approve, they’re already in motion.
Want more client-handling tactics like this?
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