Once a client says yes, two things protect the relationship: clear written terms, and steady, reliable delivery. Neither needs to be complicated. A short written agreement and a simple system for deadlines and changes prevent most disputes before they start.
Why put things in writing
Memories differ. A client may honestly remember agreeing to "unlimited changes" when you remember "two rounds". A WhatsApp chat scattered over weeks is hard to search and easy to argue about. A short written agreement, even one page or one clear email, means both of you can look back at the same words.
Written terms are not a sign of distrust. Good clients usually welcome them, because they protect the client too: they know what they will receive, when and for how much.
What this section covers
- Simple written agreements. The parts every agreement should have: the work, the deadline, the number of revisions, the price, the payment dates and who owns the finished files.
- Deposits, milestones and invoices. How taking part payment before you start, and splitting large jobs into stages, limits how much you can lose. How to write a clear invoice and follow up late payment politely and firmly.
- Managing deadlines and revisions. How to track every deadline, give updates before anyone asks, handle change requests calmly and quote for extra work instead of doing it free.