The Complete Guide to Writing a Freelance Contract
A good contract protects both parties and sets clear expectations. Here's exactly what to include.
Why you always need a contract
Handshake deals feel fine until they don't. A clear contract prevents misunderstandings, sets payment terms, and gives you legal recourse if things go wrong.
Essential contract sections
Every freelance contract should include: scope of work, deliverables, timeline, payment terms, revision policy, intellectual property rights, confidentiality, and termination clauses.
Scope creep is the enemy
Be specific about what's included — and what's not. "Design a homepage" should specify how many sections, how many rounds of revisions, and what happens when the client asks for "just one more thing."
Payment protection
Require a 50% deposit before starting any project. This filters out non-serious clients and ensures you're compensated even if the project falls through.