First Project Checklist

Review these essentials before starting any freelance project to avoid common problems.

✓ FREE CHECKLIST

Scope & Deliverables

What exactly are you delivering?

Be specific. 'A website' is vague. '5-page website with contact form and blog' is clear.

What's NOT included?

Just as important as what IS included. Prevents scope creep.

How many revisions are included?

E.g., '2 rounds of revisions included, additional rounds at $X each'

What's the timeline?

Set realistic deadlines - and buffer time for revisions

Payment Terms

How much are you charging?

Total project cost, clearly stated

When do you get paid?

E.g., '50% upfront, 50% upon completion' or 'Net 14 days'

What payment methods do you accept?

PayPal, bank transfer, check, etc.

What happens if payment is late?

Consider adding late fees or pausing work

Communication Expectations

How will you communicate?

Email, Slack, weekly calls?

When are you available?

Set working hours and response time expectations

How often will you provide updates?

E.g., 'Weekly progress emails every Friday'

Who's your main point of contact?

Avoid confusion with multiple stakeholders

Legal Protections

Do you have a contract?

Even a simple agreement protects both parties

Who owns the work after completion?

Clarify ownership rights upfront

What happens if someone wants to cancel?

Define cancellation terms and kill fees

Are there confidentiality requirements?

NDA if handling sensitive information

Red Flag Check

Does this client respect boundaries?

Texting at midnight = future problem

Are they clear about what they want?

Vague requests = endless revisions

Do they seem trustworthy with payment?

Trust your gut. If it feels off, it probably is.

Are they respectful in communication?

Rude now = worse later

Don't Skip These Steps

Missing any of these items increases your risk of scope creep, payment issues, or client conflicts. Take time to clarify everything upfront.

Remember:

Good clients will appreciate your professionalism. Difficult clients will reveal themselves when you try to set clear terms - and that's valuable information.