Freelance contract templates: what to include and how to get them signed

Most freelance disputes come down to one of three things: scope was never clearly defined, payment terms were ambiguous, or there was no agreement on what happens when either party wants out. A good contract addresses all three before work starts. Here's what needs to be in it.

1. Scope of work

Define exactly what you're delivering — in enough detail that 'this is more than I expected' has a clear answer. Include what's excluded as well as what's included. If you're writing website copy, specify how many pages, how many rounds of revisions, and whether keyword research is in scope or a separate line item. Ambiguity in scope is where most freelance disputes begin.

2. Payment terms

Include the total fee, the payment schedule (deposit, milestone payments, final balance), the payment method, and what happens if payment is late. A standard late payment clause: invoices unpaid after 14 days attract interest at 8% above the Bank of England base rate. For UK freelancers, the Late Payment of Commercial Debts (Interest) Act 1998 gives you this right automatically — having it in the contract makes it explicit and removes any ambiguity.

3. Revision and change policy

Specify how many rounds of revisions are included. 'Two rounds of revisions' is clear; 'revisions as needed until satisfied' is an unlimited work commitment. A change order process is the practical companion to a tight revision clause — a short document the client signs when they request work outside the original scope.

4. IP ownership

State clearly who owns the work product and when ownership transfers. The most common approach: the client owns the work once the final invoice is paid in full. Before that, you retain ownership. This protects against clients using your work while disputing payment on the final invoice.

5. Cancellation terms

What happens if the client cancels mid-project? What if you need to withdraw? A reasonable clause: work completed to date is billable at the agreed rate regardless of project outcome, and the deposit is non-refundable if the client cancels after work has begun. This isn't punitive — it's protection for time already spent.

6. Governing law

Specify which country's law governs the contract. For UK-based freelancers working with US clients, 'governed by the laws of England and Wales' is standard. For disputes, specify whether they go to arbitration or court and in which jurisdiction.

Building a reusable template

• Keep the core clauses fixed in the template; only fill in the project-specific sections
• Use clear bracketed placeholders: [CLIENT NAME], [PROJECT DESCRIPTION], [TOTAL FEE]
• Review your template every six months — one bad client experience usually reveals a missing clause
• Keep signed copies organised by client and year, indefinitely
• If a client asks to use their own contract, read the IP and payment terms especially carefully

Getting the contract signed quickly

Export your completed template as a PDF and send it as an e-signature request. The client clicks a link, signs in their browser (no account needed), and you get the signed copy automatically. InkRobin's free tier covers five documents per month — enough for most freelancers sending one or two contracts per month at no cost. The $12/month paid plan handles unlimited signing if your volume is higher.