"When Clients Say 'Make It Pop': Translating Vague Feedback into Video Gold"

Every video editor has heard it. Every designer dreads it. Every creative professional knows the sinking feeling that comes with those three little words: "Make it pop."

It's the most common piece of feedback in the creative world, and arguably the most useless.

Welcome to Dan's World: Decoding Client Feedback

Picture this: You've just delivered what you think is solid work. Clean edits, good pacing, professional color grading. You're feeling confident about the result. Then comes the client review:

"This looks great, but... can you make it pop more?"

Your heart sinks. Your jaw clenches. Your inner voice screams: "WHAT DOES THAT EVEN MEAN?"

But here's the thing about "make it pop" - it's not actually meaningless. It's just mistranslated. Learning to decode vague client feedback isn't just a survival skill for creatives; it's a superpower that separates the professionals from the amateurs.

The Psychology Behind "Make It Pop"

When clients say "make it pop," they're not trying to be difficult. They're experiencing something specific, but they lack the technical vocabulary to articulate it. It's like trying to describe the color blue to someone who's never seen color - you know what you're looking for, but you don't have the words.

"Make it pop" is client-speak for: "This doesn't feel as impactful as I imagined it would be." That's incredibly valuable feedback. The problem isn't what they're saying; it's that most creatives stop listening after those three words and miss the real information hiding underneath.

The Translation Matrix

After years of decoding client feedback, patterns emerge. "Make it pop" usually falls into one of five categories, each requiring a completely different solution:

1. "Make It Pop" = "It Needs More Energy"

What they're really saying: "This feels flat or boring."

The solution: Movement, pacing, and rhythm adjustments.

This is about kinetic energy. Maybe the cuts need to be tighter. Maybe there need to be more dynamic transitions. Maybe the camera movements need to be more intentional. The content is fine; it just needs to feel more alive.

2. "Make It Pop" = "It Needs More Contrast"

What they're really saying: "Nothing stands out."

The solution: Visual hierarchy and strategic emphasis.

This is about making important elements command attention. Maybe the key message needs a different font treatment. Maybe the color palette needs more separation between foreground and background. Maybe certain shots need different lighting or color grading to create visual priority.

3. "Make It Pop" = "It Needs More Emotion"

What they're really saying: "I don't feel anything when I watch this."

The solution: Music, pacing, and storytelling adjustments.

This is about emotional resonance. Maybe the music isn't supporting the intended mood. Maybe the pacing doesn't match the emotional arc. Maybe the story structure needs adjustment to create more connection with the viewer.

4. "Make It Pop" = "It Needs More Polish"

What they're really saying: "This doesn't look professional enough."

The solution: Technical refinement and attention to detail.

This is about production value. Maybe the audio levels need balancing. Maybe there are small technical glitches that need cleaning up. Maybe the graphics need more sophisticated treatment. The concept is right; the execution needs elevation.

5. "Make It Pop" = "It Needs More 'Us'"

What they're really saying: "This doesn't feel like our brand."

The solution: Brand alignment and personality injection.

This is about authenticity and brand voice. Maybe the tone doesn't match their company culture. Maybe the visual style doesn't reflect their brand personality. Maybe it needs more of their unique perspective or approach.

The Diagnostic Process

When a client says "make it pop," the worst thing you can do is guess. The best thing you can do is become a detective.

Here's the process that transforms vague feedback into actionable direction:

Step 1: Dig Deeper

"I want to make sure I nail this for you. When you say 'make it pop,' what specifically are you hoping to feel when you watch it?"

Step 2: Get Specific

"Can you show me an example of something that 'pops' for you? What about it works?"

Step 3: Identify the Gap

"What's the difference between how this makes you feel and how you want your audience to feel?"

Step 4: Translate and Confirm

"It sounds like you're looking for more energy in the pacing. Let me try tightening the cuts and adding some dynamic transitions. Does that sound right?"

The Client Education Opportunity

Here's where most creatives miss a huge opportunity. Instead of being frustrated by vague feedback, use it as a chance to educate your clients about the creative process.

When you successfully translate "make it pop" into specific, actionable changes, you're not just fixing the current project; you're teaching your client how to communicate more effectively on future projects.

"I made those changes based on what you said about wanting more energy. For future projects, if you're looking for that same feeling, you can ask for 'tighter pacing' or 'more dynamic movement,' and I'll know exactly what you mean." Suddenly, you've transformed a frustrating client into a collaborator who speaks your language.

The Strategic Advantage

Professionals who can decode vague feedback have a massive competitive advantage. They don't just execute; they interpret, translate, and guide the creative process.

When you can take "make it pop" and turn it into "Ah, you want more emotional connection with your audience through strategic music choices and tighter pacing," you've just demonstrated that you understand not just the technical craft, but the strategic purpose behind the work.

That's the difference between being seen as a vendor who executes tasks and being seen as a creative partner who solves problems.

The "Make It Pop" Paradox

Here's the irony: the clients who give the vaguest feedback often become the most loyal clients once you learn to translate their language. They're not bad clients; they're just clients who haven't learned to communicate their vision effectively.

When you become the creative professional who can bridge that communication gap, you become invaluable.

Beyond "Make It Pop"

This translation skill extends far beyond video work. Every creative field has its version of "make it pop":

• "Make it more modern"

• "Make it feel more premium"

• "Make it more engaging"

• "Make it stand out more"

• "Make it feel more professional"

  
  

Each phrase contains valuable information about what the client is experiencing and what they're hoping to achieve. The key is learning to ask the right questions to uncover the specific need hiding behind the general request.

The Professional Response

The next time a client says "make it pop," don't roll your eyes. Don't guess. Don't get frustrated.

Take a breath and remember: they just gave you valuable feedback about the gap between what you delivered and what they envisioned. Your job isn't to be annoyed by their lack of technical vocabulary. Your job is to be the professional who can translate their vision into reality.

Because when you can consistently turn "make it pop" into video gold, you're not just a creative service provider; you're a creative translator. And that's a skill that commands premium prices and creates clients for life.

The question isn't whether clients will give you vague feedback. They will. The question is whether you'll be the professional who knows how to translate it into something extraordinary.

Conclusion: The Path to Creative Success

Ready to turn client feedback into creative gold? Whether it's video content that truly "pops," web design that captures your vision, voiceover that brings your message home, or coaching that unlocks your authentic voice, clear communication creates extraordinary results.

Let's discuss how strategic collaboration can transform your next project. Reach out at dan@danmarionvo.com or 903-220-1428.