Let’s talk about contracts.
Yes, we know — contracts are about as thrilling as unbuttered toast. But here’s the thing: a clear, well-structured freelance contract is one of the most powerful tools in your solopreneur toolkit. It protects your time, your money, and your peace of mind. And if you're working without one? You might as well be juggling flaming swords…blindfolded…on a unicycle.
Not ideal.
So whether you’re drafting your first agreement or upgrading from that dusty template you grabbed off Google in 2017, we’ve got you covered. Let’s walk through the essential elements every iron-clad contract needs, plus a few tips to make it even stronger (and a lot easier to manage with Moxie, of course).
Avoid confusion and scope creep by spelling out exactly what’s included.
Think of this section as your project blueprint. It should cover:
Remember to use bullet points for clarity. If your client can’t skim it in 30 seconds, they’ll miss the fine print that protects you.
And when it comes to managing shifting expectations, Moxie lets you convert proposals directly into contracts, so you’re starting off aligned from day one.
The work doesn’t flow if the cash doesn’t. Set boundaries around when and how you get paid.
Every freelance contract should include:
You’re not just protecting your money but setting the tone for the relationship. With Moxie, you can automatically generate invoices from your contract (and get paid even faster via ACH or credit card).
And yes, late fees are like flossing. Not fun, but very necessary.
A defined schedule keeps everyone accountable, without requiring you to play inbox babysitter.
Even if your project is open-ended or flexible, including a rough timeline helps prevent miscommunication and last-minute fire drills.
Outline:
Deadlines aren’t about micromanaging; they’re about respecting your time. And with Moxie’s built-in task management, you’ll always know what’s due, when.
Revisions are part of the process, but your time isn’t unlimited. Put a cap on it.
Spell out:
Example:
“This project includes two rounds of revisions. Additional revisions will be billed at $X/hour.”
This protects you from spending 12 hours fine-tuning a font size because a client “isn’t sure how they feel about it yet.”
Breakups happen. A contract makes sure they’re clean and compensated.
Life happens. Projects pause. Clients change direction. That’s why every freelance contract needs an “out.”
Include:
Moxie makes this process smoother by offering editable contract templates that cover these tough topics without making it weird.
Make it crystal clear who owns the final work, and when that transfer happens.
Are you granting full copyright or just licensing it? Can the client modify your work or resell it? These answers matter, and they should be in writing.
Typical language might include:
“Upon receipt of final payment, the client will have full rights to use the deliverables as outlined. Until payment is made in full, [Your Name] retains ownership of all work.”
This section is especially important for designers, writers, photographers, and other creatives who produce “stuff.”
Some clients are fine with you sharing their work on Instagram. Others are…very much not.
A solid contract includes language around:
Even if a formal NDA isn’t needed, it’s smart to include a clause that shows you value discretion. It builds trust and keeps everyone on the same page.
Sometimes, life throws curveballs. This clause protects both parties when the unexpected happens.
A force majeure clause releases both parties from liability if something beyond your control (like a pandemic, natural disaster, or alien invasion) prevents the project from continuing.
It’s the legal equivalent of “stuff happens.”
Creating contracts from scratch? That’s fine for lawyers and masochists.
For the rest of us, Moxie offers approved templates that you can customize with your scope, rates, and timelines. Once signed, those contracts become living documents — connected to invoices, task lists, and client communication.
No more copy-pasting from Google Docs. No more losing track of version 6b_final_FINAL.pdf. Just a smart, seamless workflow.
Look, we know contracts aren’t the sexiest part of running a freelance business. But they are one of the most important. Because a handshake and a “no worries, I’ll pay you later” only work until…well, they don’t.
A strong freelance contract protects your time, sets expectations, and builds trust with your client. And with a tool like Moxie, you can create, send, and sign beautiful, professional contracts without hiring a legal team or losing an afternoon to formatting.
Ready to protect your work — and your peace of mind? Try Moxie free and start sending contracts that work as hard as you do.
.jpg)
.jpg)
