Website Design Contract Template
The contract template built for web designers who offer custom website builds or template customizations. Protect your process, your calendar, and your work.
You block out weeks of your calendar for every web project. You coordinate client content, manage platform quirks, and deliver a polished, functional site. A generic freelancer contract doesn't cover how web design actually works. This contract template was built specifically for web designers, with two project types pre-built and ready to customize: custom website design and template customization.
Ready to customize and send. Just pick your project type, fill in your details, and go.
Includes a bonus Scope Change Form for documenting mid-project additions.
Quick Details
What it is: An attorney-drafted contract template built specifically for web designers, with pre-built scope, payment, and revision structures for both custom builds and template customizations.
Who it's for: Web designers, website design studios, and creative professionals offering custom website builds or template customization services.
When you need it: Before starting any website design project. Sign before you build.
Why you need it: Web design projects are uniquely vulnerable to scope creep, content delays, and post-launch blame. Clients submit copy late, request "just one more page," expect unlimited revisions, and sometimes disappear mid-project. This contract protects your calendar, your process, and your income while keeping the client relationship professional and clear.
Two project types, one template:
- Custom Website Design. Full build from scratch with a suggested 6-week timeline, page-by-page scope, and two payment schedule options (50/50 or 40/30/30 for larger projects).
- Template Customization. Starting from your pre-existing theme or framework with a suggested 3-week timeline. The Designer Templates clause automatically protects your underlying template while giving the client exclusive rights to their customized version.
Each project type comes with clear drafting notes that walk you through what to customize, what to delete, and why. Choose one, delete the other, and fill in your details.
What makes this contract template different:
- Two project types in one template. Custom builds and template customizations each have their own pre-built scope and timeline. Pick your project type, delete the other, and customize.
- Protects your templates and frameworks. If you build client sites on your own Showit, WordPress, or Squarespace templates, the Designer Templates clause keeps the underlying template yours while giving the client exclusive rights to their customized site. You keep selling your base template; they keep their unique website.
- Built for the #1 web design problem: late copy. Website copy is explicitly listed as a required Client Deliverable with a firm deadline. The Pause Clause triggers after 14 days of client silence, and the 90-day project expiration ensures you're never waiting indefinitely.
- Payment always lands before launch. Every payment schedule option requires final payment before the site goes live. You are never in a position where a client's live site is running on unpaid work.
- 14-day post-launch support. Bug fixes and broken links attributable to your work are covered for 14 days after launch. Clear boundaries exclude client edits, platform updates, and new feature requests. Builds client confidence without creating an open-ended maintenance obligation.
- Covers the whole platform stack. Third-party platform disclaimer names the platforms web designers actually use. Expense clause covers hosting, domains, SSL, plugins, and app fees. Credential handling covers every account the designer touches during a web project.
Format: Instantly downloadable, fully editable Word document (.docx) and Google Docs formats with fill-in-the-blank fields, optional clauses clearly marked, and drafting notes throughout to guide customization. Pre-filled with industry-standard defaults for web design projects.
A note: This is a contract template, not legal advice. We recommend having an attorney in your jurisdiction review your completed contract before use.
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What's Included With Each Purchase
Attorney Walkthrough Video
We’re continually improving our library – many templates (including all future templates) now include a video walkthrough from our founder, Amber Gilormo, Esq., pointing out the most important clauses, what they mean, and how to make them work for your business. No guesswork, no law school required.
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
Prefer a checklist-style walkthrough or want something you can follow along step by step? The included 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, we’ve got your back. You’ll receive access to future updates of your purchased template so your biz stays covered even as laws evolve.
Whether this is your first contract or your fifteenth, you’ll have everything you need to feel confident and covered.
Disclaimer & Product License
Disclaimer
The contract templates provided by The Boutique Lawyer are for educational and informational purposes only.
They are not a substitute for personalized legal advice, and purchasing a template does not establish an attorney-client relationship. While we strive to ensure our templates are accurate and up to date, you should consult with a local attorney to ensure compliance with your jurisdiction's specific laws.
Product License
Each purchase from The Boutique Lawyer comes with a single, non-transferable, non-exclusive business-use license. This allows you to use the templates and policies within your own business only. Website policies may be applied across multiple sites you own but are not permitted for client sites or redistribution.
Our templates are designed for use by U.S. based businesses. We recommend having an attorney review the template to ensure it meets your specific business needs, regardless of your location.
For full terms of purchase, click here.
If you’d like to explore a commercial license for website policies, please contact us at hello@theboutiquelawyer.com.
7-Day Risk-Free Guarantee
We want you to feel 100% confident about your purchase, not stuck with a template that doesn’t fit.
Take 7 days to review, customize, and see if it works for your business. If not? Just send us an email at support@theboutiquelawyer.com and we’ll take care of the refund request.
No hoops, no guilt-trips. Just peace of mind, lawyer-style.
What Happens After You Click 'Buy'
You’ll get a simple customization guide, and tips to send and protect with confidence. Some templates also include an attorney-led walkthrough video to make setup even easier.
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