{"id":8627,"date":"2023-10-03T03:52:29","date_gmt":"2023-10-03T03:52:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ownr.co\/blog\/?p=8627"},"modified":"2026-04-13T13:15:28","modified_gmt":"2026-04-13T13:15:28","slug":"how-to-create-a-freelance-contract","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ownr.co\/blog\/how-to-create-a-freelance-contract\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Create a Freelance Contract"},"content":{"rendered":"

Pretty much every freelancer comes across problem clients. They\u2019re the ones that work on their own schedule, expect more for less, delay a project, then expect things to be done on a tight budget.\u00a0<\/span>No<\/span> freelancer<\/span><\/a> wants to deal with a client like this. You became an <\/span>entrepreneur<\/span><\/a> because you wanted to control your own schedule, not spend your time pleasing clients who don\u2019t respect what you do.<\/span><\/p>\n

That\u2019s where freelance contracts come in. Here\u2019s what you need to know about creating a freelance contract and what to include.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Why do so many clients take advantage of freelancers?<\/span><\/p>\n

Contracts are often made in favour of the party writing or defining them, and some companies use them to take advantage\u2014intentionally or unintentionally\u2014of freelancers. It\u2019s not uncommon for clients to underpay, overwork, and allow the scope of the project to creep well beyond what it\u2019s supposed to be.<\/span><\/p>\n

As a freelancer, it’s hard to get out from under this, especially when you\u2019re first starting out\u2014you want the work, you may need the money, and you need a few projects under your belt. You want to be easygoing and adhere to the \u201cclient is always right\u201d mantra.<\/span><\/p>\n

This can often be chalked up to a lack of open communication and clear guidelines. Having your own contract in place is one way to ensure your interests are taken care of. You don\u2019t have to sign a client’s contract simply because they have one. As the vendor, you have every right to propose your own.<\/span><\/p>\n

What is a freelance contract, and why do you need one?<\/span><\/h2>\n

A freelance contract is a document that outlines the deliverables, responsibilities, and expectations for any project you undertake with a client. They help to clearly define expectations in terms of a specific project for both you and the client.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Many new freelancers may receive contracts from prospective clients to sign. However, as a freelancer, you\u2019d benefit a lot more by taking ownership and responsibility for defining your own contract terms.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

But just because a client sends you a contract doesn\u2019t mean you have to sign it. Freelancers can create their own contracts, and there are several reasons that you might want to consider creating your own.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Benefits of a freelance contract<\/span><\/h2>\n

Whether you are a<\/span> freelance writer<\/span><\/a>,<\/span> marketing consultant<\/span><\/a>, graphic designer, voice actor, or offering some other service on a contract basis, there are clear benefits to creating your own contracts for clients to sign. Set out payment terms.<\/span><\/p>\n

The number one benefit to using a contract is to ensure you are paid fairly. You can agree on a project, complete the work, send an invoice to a client and get paid, all without a contract. It\u2019s not an actual requirement\u2014but it sure helps.<\/span><\/p>\n

Contracts help to ensure that the scope of the project, deliverables and deadlines are all clearly set out and understood by both you and your client. This can help to clear up any confusion and hopefully avoid future misunderstandings.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

But a contract also outlines specifically what you\u2019re doing, so if a client approaches you halfway through the project with a major scope change you can either reel them back in with the original set out terms, or clearly explain why the extra work is going to cost more money.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

This is the same if a client cancels halfway through a project you\u2019ve already completed work on. Having terms outlined clearly in a contract helps to ensure that you get paid for the work you did, even if it never gets completed.<\/span><\/p>\n

Look more professional<\/span><\/h3>\n

Contracts help bolster your professional image with clients. If you\u2019re not prepared to fill out a scope of work and send a contract to a client, and instead expect them to do the heavy lifting, it can look a little amateur.<\/span><\/p>\n

Likewise, if your potential client balks at the fact they have to sign a contract to get work done by you, it can be a huge red flag. Those indications to RUN before you end up with a problem client on your hands are gold.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Legal protection<\/span><\/h3>\n

Even though everyone hopes it will never happen, sometimes legal issues can arise. It could be a disagreement over who owns intellectual property, a lawsuit because of the work product, or some other reason entirely\u2014that\u2019s where a contract comes in.<\/span><\/p>\n

Contracts help outline the details of the project and agreement you have with your client. This can help clear up things like who owns the intellectual property beforehand. They also make sure that you get paid (and can dictate how that happens), and give you legal backing if it ends up that you don\u2019t get paid.<\/span><\/p>\n

When do you need a freelance contract?<\/span><\/h2>\n

It\u2019s a good idea to sign a freelance contract anytime you start a project with a client\u2014preferably before you start working on it. It doesn’t matter if you\u2019re managing their social media pages daily or delivering a single blog post, contracts help you define your role and protect your business.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

It\u2019s important to note that you can sign multiple contracts with a single client, or sign a contract that will handle a larger business arrangement. Some freelancers work on a recurring basis and sign a single contract for an entire year, while others choose to sign one for each project or deliverable.<\/span><\/p>\n

What to include in a freelance contract<\/span><\/h2>\n

The best, most sound legal advice on freelance contract clauses will always come from a lawyer or legal professional, but here is a general overview of what you should include in a freelance contract:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

1. Names, dates and contact information<\/span><\/h3>\n

At the most basic level, a freelance contract should include the first and last names of both parties, along with their physical address, email address, and phone number.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

If your freelance business operates under a different legal name than your own or either parties use a<\/span> DBA<\/span><\/a>, you should make sure that the legal company name is included in the contract. You can sign as yourself on behalf of the business, so long as you have the authority to do so.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Speaking of signing, contracts need to be signed and dated by both parties to be official. This usually happens on the final page before any appendices or additional documents are tacked on.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

2. Scope of work<\/span><\/h3>\n

A well-written scope of work clearly outlines the project, any deliverables, milestones, deadlines, and expectations. This information should all be included in the contract, as simply and clearly written as possible.<\/span><\/p>\n

Scope creep happens all the time. Clients get excited about projects or get middle-of-the night epiphanies that can result in freelancers doing more work for the same pay. A contract helps mitigate this scenario.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Clearly defining the scope of work in a freelance contract is one of the best ways to prevent a project from snowballing and taking on a life of its own. Spelling out your deliverables in the contract helps to ensure everyone is on the same page.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

This way, if you do see the scope creep happening, you can reign it back in. Or you can modify the contract to include the new work along with additional compensation. This ensures everyone is happy, and the clients\u2019 expectations are realistic.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

3. Copyright and ownership<\/span><\/h3>\n

Defining the details of copyright and ownership goes a long way to ensure everyone gets what they need. They can also help you build your portfolio if needed.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

In most cases, when you\u2019re paid to do work, the client will receive the work product. \u201cWork product\u201d usually refers to the finished product, as well as anything else that you work on in relation to it\u2014such as drafts, notes, mockups, patents, and codes.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

This section is also where you outline whether you receive credit for the work you produced or the client adopts it as their own. Likewise, it outlines whether you can use the final product as part of your portfolio<\/span>\u2014<\/span>that way there are no issues down the line.<\/span><\/p>\n

4. Confidential information<\/span><\/h3>\n

Contracts also cover confidential information. Namely, that you won’t spill any company secrets you’re privy to while completing the work. Freelancers are sometimes given access to confidential information like business strategies, customer lists, website metrics, and other like material that your client doesn’t want everyone to know about.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

5. Payment information<\/span><\/h3>\n

If you want to get paid\u2014and it\u2019s assumed you do\u2014your contract\u2019s payment information is crucial. This section defines how and when you will be paid, and it can also cover what happens if payments are delayed or missed.<\/span><\/p>\n

You want to define the following in your freelance contract:<\/span><\/p>\n