A clear, professional contract is one of the most important tools in a freelancer’s business. It protects both you and your client, defines expectations, and helps prevent misunderstandings or payment issues.
Even if you’re working with someone you trust, never start a freelance project without a written agreement. Here’s what every freelancer needs to know about creating solid contracts and exactly what to include.
1. Why a Contract Is Essential
Freelancers often skip contracts, especially with small or friendly clients. But doing so can lead to problems like:
- Late or missed payments
- Scope creep (never-ending revisions)
- Misaligned expectations
- Legal risks
- Damaged professional relationships
A contract sets the foundation for a respectful, professional collaboration.
2. Project Scope
Clearly define what the project includes and just as importantly, what it doesn’t.
Include:
- Deliverables (e.g., “3 blog posts of 1,000 words each”)
- Platforms/formats (e.g., “for WordPress blog” or “for Instagram feed”)
- Number of revisions included
- What’s considered out of scope
This protects you from clients constantly changing the project without extra pay.
3. Timeline and Deadlines
Clients like to know when they’ll receive results and you need structure to manage your time.
Add:
- Project start and end dates
- Milestones (if applicable)
- Review or feedback timelines
- Revision turnaround times
Example:
“Client agrees to provide feedback within 3 business days of delivery.”
4. Payment Terms
This is the most important section never leave it vague.
Be specific:
- Total project fee or hourly rate
- Payment schedule (e.g., 50% upfront, 50% upon delivery)
- Accepted payment methods
- Due dates (e.g., “7 days from invoice date”)
- Late payment penalties (optional)
Tip: Use invoicing tools like Bonsai, QuickBooks, or PayPal to keep records clean.
5. Revisions Policy
Avoid revision overload by defining limits.
Example:
“This project includes 2 rounds of revisions. Additional revisions will be billed at $XX/hour.”
This encourages clients to provide thoughtful feedback and saves you from redoing work endlessly.
6. Intellectual Property and Usage Rights
Define who owns the work and when.
Options:
- The client owns the work after final payment
- You retain rights until full payment is received
- You may showcase the work in your portfolio
- You retain certain rights (e.g., to resell templates or license versions)
This protects your creative work and ensures legal clarity.
7. Cancellation or Termination Clause
Sometimes projects end early by you or the client. Prepare for it.
Include:
- How to cancel the contract
- What happens if either party cancels
- What payment is required for work completed
- Whether deposits are refundable
Example:
“If the client terminates the project after work has begun, payment is due for the portion completed to date.”
8. Confidentiality Clause (Optional)
If you’re handling sensitive data, NDAs or confidentiality clauses may be needed. You can include a basic confidentiality statement, or the client may provide one.
“Freelancer agrees not to disclose, share, or reproduce any proprietary or confidential information received during this project.”
9. Dispute Resolution
Hopefully you won’t need this but it’s smart to cover how disputes will be handled.
Common clauses:
- Use of mediation or arbitration
- Jurisdiction (e.g., “governed by the laws of [your state/country]”)
- No liability for consequential damages
Keep it simple but clear.
10. Signatures
Digital or handwritten, signatures make the agreement official and legally binding.
Tip:
Use platforms like HelloSign, DocuSign, or Bonsai to easily sign and store contracts.
Bonus: Templates and Tools
You don’t need to start from scratch every time. Use freelance contract templates from:
- Bonsai
- AND.CO
- Freelancers Union
- Fiverr Workspace
Always customize to match the specific project and client.
Final Thoughts: A Contract = Peace of Mind
Freelance contracts aren’t about distrust they’re about clarity and professionalism. A well-written contract helps you set expectations, protect your time, and ensure you get paid fairly.
If you want clients to treat you like a professional, show up like one starting with your contract.