Solo Biz Soft Editorial Team Many project problems start with a vague brief. A clear one saves you from wrong guesses, scope creep and rework. Send this template to a client before you quote, or fill it in together on a call.
The brief template
- About the business. What do you do, and who are your customers?
- The project. What do you want to create or change?
- The goal. What will success look like, and how will you measure it?
- The audience. Who is this for?
- Scope. What must be included? What is not needed?
- Examples. Links to things you like and dislike, and why.
- Materials. What can you provide, such as logos, text, images or access?
- Timeline. Is there a deadline, and what is behind it?
- Budget. Do you have a budget range?
- People. Who approves the work? Who else gives feedback?
How to use it
- Send it before a call, so the client can think first.
- Read the answers and ask follow-up questions.
- Turn it into a quote or proposal. See Freelance Proposal Template and Statement of Work Template.
- Price it with the project price calculator.
Warning signs in a brief
- No clear goal
- Many decision-makers
- A budget that does not match the scope
- A deadline with no reason
Frequently asked questions
Should I always ask about budget?
It helps you propose the right solution. If the client will not say, offer a few options at different prices.
How long should the brief be?
Short enough that the client will finish it. Ten questions is plenty.
Who owns the brief?
The client provides the answers, but you can keep a copy for your records.
Related reading: Freelance Client Onboarding · How to Ask for a Client Testimonial
This template is general guidance. Adapt it to your work.