What to put in client updates besides updates

by Dale Davidson March 18, 2026

One of the things that can be uncomfortable at work is giving the "weekly update" to your clients. Some times it's even a former deliverable called the "Weekly Activity Report" or WAR.

If you haven't made much progress on your work for whatever reason, it's embarrassing.

Even if you're not required to give consistent updates, you should be, because it reduces client anxiety.

So what to do about it?

Well, if you're not actually doing any work that's a problem.

But here are other things you can report on:

Insights and opportunities - Interesting things you discovered (work-related) that could help the customer. Potential future projects.
Blockers/challenges - Areas where you're stuck and where you could use some advice.
Next steps - Actions you're going to take on your current projects or backlog projects
Questions - Ask the client what they think of X.

Establishing a good client communication cadence will help solidify the relationship and make you more valuable to them.

Want the full playbook? Check out Going 1099.