Define every detail of your project scope so both you and your client know exactly what is being delivered, what is not, and what the ground rules are.
Write down the business objectives this project serves. Not the deliverables, but the reasons behind them. Why is the client doing this? What problem are they solving? Good objectives are measurable. 'Redesign the website' is a deliverable. 'Increase demo requests by 30%' is an objective.
List every single thing you will hand over to the client. Be painfully specific. Do not write 'website design.' Write '5-page website design in Figma, including homepage, about, services, portfolio, and contact pages, with mobile and desktop layouts.' Specificity protects you.
Spell out everything the client is getting for the agreed price. This reinforces the value and makes the scope crystal clear. Include things like the number of revision rounds, file formats provided, support period after delivery, and any training or handoff sessions.
This is just as important as what is included. List everything that is NOT part of this engagement. Common exclusions: copywriting, photography, additional pages, ongoing maintenance, print production, paid advertising setup. Be direct and do not apologise for having boundaries.
Document the things you are assuming to be true when you quoted this project. If any of these assumptions turn out to be wrong, the scope and price may change. Common assumptions: client will provide content by a certain date, existing branding is final, technical platform is already in place.
Note any limitations that affect the project. This could be budget limits, hard deadlines (event launch, seasonal campaign), technology restrictions, or regulatory requirements. Naming constraints upfront prevents unrealistic expectations later.
Write a clear statement that both you and the client will sign or confirm. This turns the scope document into a mutual agreement. Even if you are not using a formal contract, having both parties acknowledge the scope in writing protects everyone.