Freelance Contracts So… you’ve landed a new freelance client. Yay! You’re excited, ready to dive in, and the client seems cool. You agree on the project over email or a quick Zoom call, and boom—you start working.
But two weeks later Freelance Contracts, the client starts ghosting you. Or they want “just one more revision” for the sixth time. Or they suddenly say they never agreed to pay that much.
Sound familiar?
If you’re nodding, it means one thing: you skipped the contract.
And hey, we’ve all done it early on. But skipping a contract? It’s like walking a tightrope with no net. Not fun.
Why Freelance Contracts Actually Matter
Let me tell you about a friend—Jenna. She’s a freelance illustrator. She once did a full book cover design for a self-published author. It turned out amazing.
But guess what?
The author used the artwork Freelance Contracts… and never paid. Why? No written agreement. No contract. Just a few friendly emails and “trust.”
That’s when Jenna learned: a contract isn’t just paperwork. It’s protection.
It doesn’t have to be legalese or scary. It just needs to say: “Hey, here’s what we’re doing, what you’re paying me, and what happens if either of us flake.”
What Should Go in Your Freelance Contract:
Okay, let’s break this down. Here’s what your contract should include—without the fluff.
1. Basic Info (You + Them)
Start with the basics:
- Your full name or business name
- Their full name or company name
- Contact info (email + address)
Yeah, it sounds boring. But if you ever need to legally refer back, these tiny details matter.
2. Scope of Work (SOW)
This is everything.
Be super clear on what you’re doing and what you’re not doing Freelance Contracts.
Example:
- I’ll write 4 blog posts, 1,000 words each, delivered by August 30.
- I won’t do keyword research, image sourcing, or CMS uploading.
Be bold about it. If it’s not listed, it’s not included.
3. Timeline & Deadlines
Set start and end dates. Mention turnaround times and revision windows too.
Bonus tip: Add a line like:
“Delays in feedback from the client may shift final delivery.”
Protects you if they vanish mid-project and return expecting delivery tomorrow Freelance Contracts.
4. Payment Terms
Please don’t work without clear payment terms. You’ll regret it.
State:
- Total amount
- Deposit (like 50% upfront)
- When final payment is due
- How they’ll pay (PayPal, bank transfer, etc.)
- What happens if they pay late (like 5% fee after 7 days)
Late fees may feel awkward to add, but trust me—they help get you paid on time Freelance Contracts.
5. Revision Policy
Set clear limits on revisions. Otherwise, you might be editing forever.
Say something like:
“Includes 2 rounds of revisions. Additional edits charged at $XX/hour.”
This keeps everyone focused Freelance Contracts.
6. Cancellation Terms (Kill Fee)
Sometimes projects don’t work out. That’s okay. But your time is still valuable.
Add a clause like:
“If the client cancels after the project begins, a 25% kill fee will apply.”
This makes sure you’re paid something for time already spent.
7. Copyright and Ownership
You need to say when the client officially owns the work. Usually, that’s after full payment.
Example:
“Ownership of the final deliverables transfers upon full payment. Until then, they remain the property of the freelancer.”
Boom. Covered Freelance Contracts.
8. Confidentiality (Optional)
If you’re working with sensitive info—like for startups or agencies—add a basic confidentiality clause.
Something like:
“All client information will remain confidential and won’t be shared without written permission Freelance Contracts.”
9. Legal Jurisdiction
Include the boring-but-important bit: what law applies if things go south.
“This agreement is governed by the laws of [Your State/Country].”
10. Signatures
Finally, both of you should sign it. You can use free e-signature tools like Hello Sign or even sign a PDF.
No signature? No contract.
Free Freelance Contract Template (Copy + Use)
Here’s a simple template you can use and customize:
Freelance Contract Agreement
This agreement is between:
Freelancer: [Your Name or Business Name]
Client: [Client’s Name or Business Name]
Scope of Work:
[Explain exactly what you’re doing and not doing]
Timeline:
Start: [Date]
Final Delivery: [Date or Timeline]
Payment Terms:
Total: $[Amount]
Deposit: $[Amount] (due before project starts)
Final payment: Due within 7 days of delivery
Late payments: 5% fee after 7 days
Revisions:
Includes 2 rounds of revisions. Extra edits: $[Your hourly rate].
Cancellation:
If canceled after project start, client pays a 25% kill fee.
Ownership:
Client owns final deliverables only after full payment. Until then, they remain the freelancer’s property.
Jurisdiction:
This agreement is governed by the laws of [Your State/Country].
Signatures:
Freelancer: ___________________
Client: _______________________
Date: ________________________
Mistakes to Avoid (Please Don’t Do These)
- Sending contracts after starting the project
- Not listing what’s excluded from scope
- Not asking for a deposit
- Trusting “handshake” deals or DMs
- Saying “it’s a small job—I don’t need a contract”
Every job deserves a contract. Big or small.
Final Thoughts: Contracts = Confidence
Freelancers often fear contracts will scare clients away. But the truth? Most legit clients will respect you more for using one.
It shows you’re professional. You know what you’re doing. And you’re not going to let things slide.
Now that you know how to write contracts, don’t wing it anymore. Use the freelance contract template above, tweak it to fit your style, and make it a habit.
Your freelance biz will feel 10x more secure with this one simple step.
No more awkward money convos. No more “he said, she said.” Just clear, clean agreements.
Go protect yourself—and get paid right.
