Every freelance contract should include these 7 clauses

A solid contract protects both you and your client. Here are seven essential clauses every freelance contract should include.

1. Scope of work Clearly define what you will deliver, including specific deliverables, milestones, and any exclusions. This prevents scope creep and misunderstandings.

2. Payment terms Specify your rate, payment schedule, accepted payment methods, and late payment penalties. Be clear about when invoices are due and what happens if payment is late.

3. Timeline and milestones Include start and end dates, key milestones, and delivery deadlines. Build in buffer time for revisions and unexpected delays.

4. Revision policy Define how many rounds of revisions are included and what constitutes a revision versus new work. This avoids endless back-and-forth.

5. Intellectual property rights Clarify when ownership of the work transfers to the client — typically upon full payment. Specify if you retain rights to use the work in your portfolio.

6. Confidentiality Include a clause protecting both parties' confidential information. This is especially important if you'll have access to client data or trade secrets.

7. Termination clause Define how either party can end the agreement, including notice periods, kill fees for work completed, and what happens to IP upon termination.

Remember: ProposAI can generate these contracts automatically from your proposal data, so you never have to start from scratch.