How to approve or request changes
Review a deliverable and record a clear decision in two minutes.
When your agency asks for approval, they need a clear yes or a clear list of changes. Recording it here means the decision is attached to the work rather than sitting in an inbox.
Open the item marked as awaiting your decision
Anything needing you is flagged. Start there rather than reading everything, since the flagged items are what is currently holding work up.
Check what you are being asked to approve
The request should say what specifically needs deciding. If it is unclear whether you are approving the wording, the design, or the whole thing, ask before deciding, because approving the wrong scope creates rework for both sides.
Choose Approve when the work can proceed
Approving records your decision with your name and the time. It tells the team they can move forward, which is the signal they are waiting for.
Choose Request changes and say what to change
If it is not right, say specifically what needs to be different. Make the copy shorter is actionable. Not quite there is not, and it usually costs an extra round for everyone.
Confirm and move on
Once submitted, your decision is recorded against the deliverable. You do not need to send a confirming email, and the team can see it immediately.
What success looks like
- The team knows exactly where they stand, your decision is recorded against the right deliverable, and any changes you want are written down clearly enough to act on.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Approving by replying to an email, which leaves the record unattached to the work.
- Requesting changes without saying what to change, which guarantees another round.
- Approving something you were not sure you were the right person to decide.
Common questions
Tell your agency contact. A later decision can be recorded, and the earlier one stays as history.
Say so rather than deciding anyway. Your agency can redirect the request to the right person.
Related pages
Need something changed?
Ask your agency contact and they can adjust your access or share more projects.