Statement of Work Template for Freelancers

A Statement of Work (SOW) is your freelancer contract. It defines what you're doing, when, and how much you're getting paid.

Without it, clients assume one thing. You assume another. Conflict.

With it, you're protected.

The Template

Header

Statement of Work

Client: [Client name] Project: [Project name] Date: [Today's date] Valid until: [Expiration date - typically 30 days from today]

About This Agreement

This Statement of Work ("SOW") defines the services [Your name] will provide to [Client name] for the project [Project name].

Scope of Services

I will provide the following services:

[Service 1: Design 5-page website]
[Service 2: Mobile optimization]
[Service 3: 2 rounds of revisions]
[Service 4: Design documentation]

Services NOT included:

Copywriting
Photography
Third-party integrations

Timeline

Project start: [Date] Deliverables due: [Date] Final delivery: [Date]

The timeline assumes:

Client provides content by [Date]
Client provides feedback within 48 hours of deliverables
No major scope changes

If assumptions aren't met, timeline extends accordingly.

Investment

Total project fee: $[Amount]

Payment schedule:

50% ($[Amount]) due upon signing this SOW
50% ($[Amount]) due upon final delivery

Payment method: [Invoice to be sent upon each milestone]

Late payment: If invoice is unpaid 15 days after due date, work pauses until paid.

Revisions and Changes

Included: 2 rounds of revisions per phase

How revisions work: Client provides all feedback in one document. I revise and send updated version. This counts as one round.

Additional revisions: $[Rate]/hour, billed in half-hour increments

Scope changes: Any work outside the "Scope of Services" requires a change order and additional fee.

Your Responsibilities

To complete this project on time, you'll need to:

Provide content/materials by [Dates]
Respond to requests for feedback within 48 hours
Designate a primary point of contact for approvals
Have decision-maker available for key approvals

My Deliverables

I'll deliver:

Figma file with all designs
HTML/CSS (or theme file)
Design specifications document
Brand guidelines for the project

Format: Files delivered via [Google Drive/Dropbox/GitHub]

Success Metrics

This project is successful when:

All deliverables are complete
Client approves the design
Website is deployed and live

Intellectual Property

Upon full payment, all work product is yours. You own the design, code, and any documentation I create.

Until paid, all IP remains mine.

Termination

Either party can terminate this SOW with 7 days notice.

If terminated by client:

Client pays for work completed to date (50% of total fee minimum)
I return all deliverables to date

Confidentiality

I won't share details of this project, your business, or your data with others.

Questions or Changes

Before accepting this SOW, please ask any questions or request changes.

Once signed, this SOW is binding. Changes require a written amendment.

Agreement

By signing below, both parties agree to the terms of this Statement of Work.

Client signature: _________________ Date: _________

Your signature: _________________ Date: _________

Key Sections Explained

Scope: Be specific about what's included. Be explicit about what's NOT included.

Timeline: Set dates that include buffer. If you think it's 4 weeks, say 5 weeks.

Payment: 50/50 split is standard. Some do 33% upfront, 33% mid-project, 34% at end. Pick what works for you.

Revisions: 2 rounds included. Anything beyond costs extra. This prevents endless revisions.

IP: Until paid, you own the work. This protects you.

Customizations for Different Services

For design: Emphasize revisions limits. Include deliverable formats.

For copywriting: Specify number of pieces, revisions per piece, deliverable format.

For development: Include technical environment, browser compatibility, testing scope.

For consulting: Specify meeting hours, deliverable format (report, presentation, etc.), follow-up support.

Red Flags

No defined scope
No timeline
Unlimited revisions
Vague deliverables
Client can change scope anytime

If your SOW has these, revise it.

Getting Signature

Send the SOW via email. Ask client to sign (digital signature is fine - DocuSign, Adobe Sign, even a scanned signature).

Return signed copy to client. Keep a copy.

Once signed, you're protected.

Payment Protection

Add this clause: "Work pauses if invoice is unpaid 15 days after due date. Work resumes upon receipt of payment."

This incentivizes on-time payment.

Change Order Template

If scope changes mid-project:

"Change Order - [Date]

Project: [Project name]

Change: [What's new]

Additional fee: $[Amount]

New total fee: $[Old total] + $[Change] = $[New total]

New timeline: [If applicable]

By signing below, Client authorizes this change and the additional fee.

Client: __________ Date: __________"

FAQ

Is a SOW legal?

Yes. It's a contract. Either party can enforce it.

What if the client won't sign?

Address concerns. Most sign happily.

If they refuse, the engagement is risky. Consider declining.

Can I use the same SOW for all clients?

Use a template, yes. Customize the details for each client (name, project, dates, fees).

What if the client wants to negotiate terms?

Negotiate. But protect yourself on scope, timeline, and payment.