FREELANCE WEB-DESIGN GUIDE
What to include in a web design proposal & contract
A clear proposal wins the project; a clear contract protects it. Here's what goes in each — the sections that turn a lead into a signed client, and the clauses that prevent scope creep, late payment, and endless revisions.
Find clients to send proposals to →What goes in a web design proposal
1. The problem, in their words
Open by showing you understand their situation — “you have no website, so searchers can’t find you” or “your current site is slow and not mobile-friendly.” This is where finding the right lead pays off: name the exact gap.
2. Scope & deliverables
Exactly what they get: number of pages, design approach, features (booking, e-commerce), who writes the content, and what’s explicitly NOT included. Vague scope is where projects go sideways.
3. Timeline & milestones
A realistic schedule with milestones (design → build → revisions → launch) and what you need from them at each step.
4. Investment & payment terms
The price, the deposit (commonly 50% up front), and the payment schedule. Tie payments to milestones, not just the calendar.
5. Next step
One clear call to action — sign here, pay the deposit, and a start date. Make saying yes a single step.
What goes in a web design contract
Scope & deliverables
The same defined scope as the proposal, in binding terms — so “can you also add a store?” is a change order, not a freebie.
Payment schedule & deposit
Deposit to start, milestone payments, and final payment due before launch/handover. A non-refundable deposit protects your time.
Revisions limit
A set number of revision rounds included; extra rounds billed. This single clause prevents endless tweaking.
Timeline & client responsibilities
Your dates depend on them providing content, feedback, and approvals on time — state that the timeline shifts if they don’t.
Ownership & IP transfer
Who owns what, and that ownership/files transfer on final payment — not before. Common and important for both sides.
Hosting & maintenance
Whether hosting, updates, and support are included or a separate monthly plan — and what happens after launch.
Cancellation / kill fee
What’s owed if the client walks mid-project, so your completed work is paid for.
Liability & warranty
Reasonable limits on liability and a clear statement of what is and isn’t warranted after launch.
This is a practical guide, not legal advice. Use a vetted contract template and, for substantial projects, have a lawyer in your jurisdiction review it.
FAQ
What should a web design proposal include?
A strong proposal names the client’s problem, defines the exact scope and deliverables (pages, features, who writes content, what’s excluded), gives a timeline with milestones, states the price and payment terms (including the deposit), and ends with one clear next step to sign and start.
Do I need a contract for web design work?
Yes — even for small projects. A simple contract that defines scope, payment schedule, revision limits, timeline, and ownership prevents the most common disputes (scope creep, late payment, endless revisions). Use a vetted template and, for anything substantial, have a lawyer review it.
How much deposit should I take for a website?
A 50% deposit up front is common, with the balance tied to milestones or due before launch/handover. A deposit protects your time, filters out non-serious clients, and is standard enough that most clients expect it.
Who owns the website after it’s built?
Typically the client owns the final site and files once they’ve paid in full — that transfer-on-final-payment clause is standard. Until then, you retain the work. Spell it out in the contract so there’s no ambiguity.
How do I limit endless revisions?
Include a revisions clause: a set number of revision rounds in scope, with additional rounds billed at an hourly or flat rate. Defining “done” up front is the single best protection against scope creep.