You get a new inquiry! YESSSS. They book the discovery call. On the call, you chat through the logistics of what it's like to work with you, what's included with your services, and all the good stuff that someone needs before committing.
They say they're excited and ready to work with you, so you end the call, send them their contract, and then... radio silence for 3 days. What gives?!
As a business owner or service provider, there's a good chance you've experienced this scenario a time or two, and the reason is because getting a client to say yes is one thing...
But getting them to confidently sign your contract without hesitation, follow-up emails, or awkward "just checking in!" messages is a whole different skill. It comes down to how you set up the contract signing process, not just the paperwork itself.
So if you're tired of sending out contracts just to get them ghosted, keep reading for five ways to get clients to confidently sign your contracts without all the back-and-forth.
How Do You Get Clients to Sign a Contract Without Hesitation?
Getting clients to sign a contract quickly comes down to removing friction and building trust before, during, and after the signing process. A professional, easy-to-read contract paired with a streamlined digital signing experience and clear next steps makes clients feel confident enough to sign within hours instead of days. The key is to set expectations about the contract early, use plain language so nothing feels intimidating, and follow up with a clear next step so the contract feels like progress, not paperwork.
- Use professional contracts: a clean, lawyer-drafted contract signals legitimacy and puts clients at ease.
- Streamline the signing process: use a CRM or e-signature platform so clients can sign digitally in minutes.
- Set expectations early: mention the contract during your discovery call or initial conversations so it's not a surprise.
- Write in plain language: clear section headers and everyday language help clients understand exactly what they're agreeing to.
- Provide a clear next step: tell clients what happens after they sign so the contract feels like a step forward.
5 Ways to Get Clients to Confidently Sign Your Contract
Sending a contract to a potential client shouldn't feel like a shot in the dark that you sit and hope gets sent back to you signed in a matter of days. Instead, when you send a contract to a potential client, you want to have full trust and certainty that they're going to sign it within hours (sometimes even minutes!) because your process is so clear and easy for them to sign with confidence.
Here's how to make that happen:
1. Use Professional Contracts
This one might seem obvious, but as your favorite online business lawyer (who also just so happens to sell professionally drafted contract templates 🫢), it's worth repeating over and over: a sloppy, generic, or overly complicated contract can make a potential client hesitant, no matter how excited they were on the discovery call.
A clean, professional contract, on the other hand, does two things at once: 1) it helps protect you legally and 2) it makes your client feel like they're in good hands.
When a contract is well-organized, easy to read, and clearly written by a lawyer (without being stuffed with legal jargon), clients feel more comfortable signing quickly. It signals that you run a legitimate business and that you've thought through the details, so they don't have to worry about what they might be missing.
Sooo, if you're still using a contract you found in a random Facebook group three years ago, it might be time for an upgrade (and we'd highly recommend choosing a TBL contract template!)
2. Use a Trusted CRM to Streamline the Signing Process
Beyond the actual contract itself, one of the best things you can do to get your clients to confidently sign your contracts is to use a trusted CRM that can streamline the entire process.
This part matters just as much as what's written in your contract. Because think about it... if you're emailing a PDF back and forth, asking them to print, sign, scan, and send it back, you're adding friction that gives them time to overthink, get busy, or lose the email altogether.
A good CRM, on the other hand, like HoneyBook or Dubsado, makes signing feel effortless since you can directly upload your contract and allow your clients to electronically sign the document. And yes, e-signatures generally carry the same legal weight as handwritten signatures under federal law (the ESIGN Act) and most state laws, as long as both parties consent to sign electronically.
In addition to signing the contract through a CRM, many online business owners send the first invoice and the client's welcome guide or onboarding form right within the same platform, making the entire first step of working together feel seamless and professional from the start.
3. Set Expectations Before You Ever Send the Contract
A lot of business owners get caught up in the logistics of their contracts, like what to include and how to send them, and while those things of course matter, it's important to realize that a lot of contract hesitation from clients actually starts earlier than the contract itself.
Think about it... if a client goes from having a casual chat with you straight to "here's a legal document, please sign," it can feel like a biggg jump that they weren't prepared for.
Instead, be sure to mention the contract early in your conversations, whether that's in your discovery call, a DM exchange, or an inquiry email, that working together involves a contract and a short onboarding process.
Something as simple as "once we're both ready to move forward, I'll send over a contract and invoice to get everything official" removes the surprise factor and primes them to expect it!
4. Make the Contract Easy to Understand
As mentioned, the words that you use in your contract matter a lot and can often be a huge thing that causes hesitation, and that's simply because a lot of contracts include legal jargon that feels intimidating and reads as if it were written in a courtroom.
And while it's of course important to use correct legal language and terminology in your contracts, you're allowed to use plain language too to explain what each section means, especially around payment terms, timelines, and cancellation policies, which are typically the parts of a contract that clients tend to worry about most.
One of the biggest things I want business owners to understand is that you don't have to sacrifice legal protection for clarity. Including a short summary at the top, clear section headers, or even a quick line like "this section covers what happens if either of us needs to cancel" can go a long way in helping clients feel like they know exactly what they're agreeing to.
If you aren't sure how to write a contract this way, the good news is that you don't have to!
Here at The Boutique Lawyer, all of our contract templates have been lawyer-drafted in a way that leaves out the legalese while still protecting you, and you can browse our full collection of contract templates to find the one that best suits your business.
5. Follow Up With a Clear Next Step
Lastly, one of the best things you can do to get your contracts signed quickly is, once the contract gets sent out, don't leave your client guessing about what happens next.
Let them know what to expect after they sign, whether that's a welcome email, a kickoff call, or access to a client portal.
Overall, clients are more likely to sign quickly when they can see the contract as a step toward something, not just paperwork to get out of the way.
A simple line in your onboarding message like "once this is signed, you'll get a welcome guide with everything you need before our kickoff call" gives them a reason to sign now rather than later!
What to Include in Your Client Contract
If you want clients to sign without hesitation, it helps to know that the right sections are already covered. Here are the key elements a strong client contract typically includes:
| Contract Section | What It Covers | Why It Builds Client Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Scope of Work | What's included, what's excluded, deliverables, timelines | Clients know exactly what they're getting |
| Payment Terms | Pricing, payment schedule, accepted methods, late fees | No surprises about when or how to pay |
| Cancellation Policy | Notice window, fees or consequences, exceptions | Clients feel safe knowing there's a fair exit process |
| Revision Policy | Number of rounds included, what counts as a revision, out-of-scope fees | Sets clear boundaries so no one feels taken advantage of |
| Communication Terms | Preferred channels, response times, meeting frequency | Clients know how and when they'll hear from you |
| Intellectual Property | Who owns the final work product and when ownership transfers | Avoids disputes over who can use the deliverables |
If your current contract is missing any of these sections, it could be contributing to client hesitation. The Boutique Lawyer contract templates cover these elements in plain, easy-to-read language.
Sample Language: What to Say When You Send a Contract
Not sure what to say when you send the contract over? Here's a sample message you can customize for your own onboarding process:
Hi [Client Name],
I'm so excited to work together! I've attached our contract for you to review and sign. It covers everything we discussed, including the scope of work, payment terms, and timeline.
If you have any questions at all while reading through it, please don't hesitate to reach out. Once the contract is signed and the first invoice is paid, I'll send over your welcome guide with next steps to get us started.
Looking forward to it!
Giving your client a short, friendly message alongside the contract reinforces trust and reduces the chances of the email sitting in their inbox untouched.
Online Business Contract Templates That Clients Will Want to Sign Quickly
Overall, getting clients to confidently sign your contract isn't about pressuring them; it's about removing friction and building trust at every step.
One of the very best ways to do that is by starting with a professional contract that includes all the right things without intimidating anyone while they're reading it. And that's our very mission here at The Boutique Lawyer!
We want your business to be equipped with contracts that your clients feel confident signing quickly, regardless of the industry you're in.
All TBL contract templates include:
- Attorney Walkthrough Video: our founder, Amber Gilormo, Esq., walks you through your purchase to point out the most important clauses, what they mean, and how to make them work for your business.
- Word + Google Docs Versions: our templates are available in both Word and Google Docs versions so you can easily edit in whichever platform you love best. Just plug in your details and protect your biz without tech headaches.
- Customization Guide: if you prefer a checklist-style walkthrough or want something you can follow along step by step, the customization guide breaks it all down in a simple, non-intimidating way, perfect for visual learners or those new to contracts.
- Future Updates Included: if the legal landscape shifts (which it often does), we've got your back. You'll receive access to future updates of your purchased template so your business stays covered even as laws evolve.
Grab the contract template that best suits your business so you can be on your way to signing more clients with less hesitation!
FAQs About Getting Clients to Sign Contracts
Do I really need a contract for every client?
Yes, even for small projects or repeat clients. A contract protects both you and your client by clearly outlining the scope of work, payment terms, and what happens if something changes. Without one, you may be on weaker footing if a dispute arises. It doesn't have to be complicated; even a simple, well-drafted agreement is better than a handshake.
Are electronic signatures legally valid?
In the United States, electronic signatures generally carry the same legal weight as handwritten signatures under the federal ESIGN Act and most state-level laws (like UETA). As long as both parties consent to sign electronically and the signature is clearly associated with the document, an e-signature can be enforceable. Platforms like HoneyBook, Dubsado, and DocuSign are built to meet these requirements.
What should I do if a client won't sign the contract?
Start by asking if they have questions or concerns. Often hesitation comes from confusion about a specific section, not from unwillingness. Walk them through the key terms in plain language and offer to clarify anything that feels unclear. If a client still refuses to sign after that conversation, it may be a sign that the working relationship isn't the right fit, and that's okay.
Can I start working with a client before the contract is signed?
It's generally best practice to have a signed contract in place before any work begins. Starting without one means there's no written agreement defining the scope, timeline, or payment terms, which can lead to misunderstandings or scope creep. If a client needs time to review, set a clear deadline and hold off on starting until the signed contract is returned.
How long should I give a client to sign a contract?
A reasonable window is typically 3 to 5 business days. Setting a deadline helps prevent the contract from sitting in someone's inbox indefinitely. You can include this timeline in your onboarding message, such as "please review and sign by [date] so we can get started on schedule." If the deadline passes, a friendly follow-up is completely appropriate.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR, AMBER GILORMO – ATTORNEY AND FOUNDER OF THE BOUTIQUE LAWYER
Amber Gilormo is the cool lawyer behind The Boutique Lawyer – a one-stop contract template shop for creative entrepreneurs, online business owners, coaches, and service providers.
From client agreements to digital product terms and everything in between, our lawyer-drafted templates take the guesswork out of staying legally protected online (no legal jargon required).
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