Free template
Freelance proposal template
A vague quote is how a fixed-fee project turns into unpaid extras. Fill in the problem, deliverables, what is not included, fee, deposit, timeline, revision rounds and how change requests become change orders, then copy a one-page proposal. Runs in your browser, nothing stored, no signup.
Your proposal
FREELANCE PROJECT PROPOSAL Project: Marketing website redesign Prepared by: Your Name Prepared for: Client Co. Date: 2026-11-05 1. Problem / goal Problem: The current site is hard to update and does not convert visitors into leads. Goal: A clean five-page site that is easy to edit and captures contact requests. 2. Deliverables (in scope). - Homepage design - Four inner page designs - Responsive build in Webflow - One handover call and short Loom walkthrough 3. Not included (out of scope). - Copywriting - Stock photo purchases - Ongoing maintenance or hosting - SEO content or ads Anything not listed in section 2 is out of scope and needs a written change order before work starts. 4. Timeline / milestones. - Week 1: discovery + wireframes - Week 2: design round 1 - Week 3: revisions + build - Week 4: final polish and handover 5. Fee and deposit. The total project fee is $4,000. A deposit of $2,000 (50%) is due before work starts. The balance of $2,000 is due on final delivery. Invoices are payable within 14 days. 6. Revision rounds. The fee includes 2 rounds of revisions. A round is one consolidated list of changes sent in a single message. Extra rounds or new deliverables are quoted separately. 7. How change requests work. Requests that add deliverables, change direction or expand the problem/goal are not revisions. Your Name will send a written change order with the price and timeline impact, and will start that work only after Client Co. approves it in writing. 8. Payment terms. Deposit before kickoff. Balance on delivery (or as listed in the milestones). Late invoices may pause further work until paid. 9. Validity. This proposal is valid for 14 days from the date above. After that, availability and pricing may change. 10. Acceptance. Signing below, or approving this proposal in writing by email, means Client Co. accepts the scope, fee, timeline and change-order process above. A separate contract or statement of work may follow. Client Co.: ____________________ Date: ________ Your Name: ____________________ Date: ________
Not legal advice. Starter wording only; check it against the law where you and your client work. Nothing you type is stored.
How to use it
- Fill in the project title, your name, the client and today's date.
- Write the problem you are solving and the goal of the project in plain language.
- List every deliverable the fee covers, one per line. Be specific: pages, rounds, formats, calls.
- List what is not included. This is the line that stops scope creep later.
- Set the timeline or milestones, the fee, deposit, revision rounds and how long the proposal stays valid, then copy and send it.
After they say yes, lock the same scope into a statement of work or a freelance contract. Price the work with the project quote calculator, set revision language with the revision clause generator, and when they ask for something outside the proposal send a change order.
Hold the client to the proposal, kindly
ScopeLine stores your original deal, logs each request against it, flags anything outside scope and turns it into a change order the client can approve. Free for 3 active projects, no card.
Start free on ScopeLineFAQ
- What should a freelance proposal include?
- At minimum: who it is for, the problem and goal, a list of deliverables, what is not included, the timeline, the fee and deposit, how many revision rounds are included, how change requests become change orders, payment terms, how long the proposal is valid, and an acceptance line. This template covers all of them on one page.
- How is a proposal different from a contract or statement of work?
- A proposal is the offer: what you will do, for how much, and on what terms. A contract or SOW is the binding agreement once both sides accept. Many freelancers send this one-page proposal first, then lock the same scope into a contract or SOW after the client says yes.
- Why list what is not included in a proposal?
- Because most unpaid extras start with a request that was never discussed. Writing down what is out of scope, and saying anything not listed needs a written change order, gives you a clear, friendly reason to quote extra work before you do it.
- How long should a freelance proposal stay valid?
- Fourteen to thirty days is common. A short validity window protects you if your calendar fills up or your rates change, and it nudges the client to decide. This template defaults to 14 days; change it to match how you work.
- Is this freelance proposal template legally binding?
- It is plain-English starter wording, not legal advice, and it is not a substitute for a lawyer. Once a client accepts it in writing it can form an agreement in many places, but rules differ. Check it against the law where you and your client work, especially for larger projects.
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