When a client has strong opinions about something, your role as a freelancer is to understand why. The first step is to listen and show that you understand their viewpoint, even if you disagree. Creating a respectful dialogue space is key: be patient and refrain from reacting if something challenges your own beliefs.

Next, ask open-ended questions to grasp why the issue is important to the client. Sometimes, it may not be that significant—it could just be a lack of context. These questions help you find some common ground, opening the door to more constructive discussions.

Then, provide context to help the client understand your perspective. Conduct benchmarks, quote competitor strategies, and find concrete and successful examples. Look for analogies in past decisions made by the client. Share personal stories about similar situations with previous clients. The goal is not to attack the client’s ideas but to broaden their perspective. Encourage curiosity by sharing authoritative external resources, such as reports, book summaries, or case studies.

If nothing changes despite your efforts, accept the client’s viewpoint for now and move on. You might get another opportunity to reintroduce your brilliant idea later.