I’ve been freelancing for a few years now, and it’s worked out pretty well so far. I usually get simple projects, complete them on time, and move on. But recently, I landed a big client, and now I’m feeling a little out of my depth.
What do you usually ask for from a client before starting a project? Do you go for an SRS (Software Requirement Specification), SOW (Statement of Work), or maybe even an SOP (Standard Operating Procedure)?
Also, when it comes to task breakdowns, do you expect the client to provide that, or do you handle it yourself?
Honestly, I don’t think there’s a “right” way—just whatever works best for you and the client. I usually get a project brief (kind of like an SOW) and go from there. As for the task breakdown, I make sure to do it myself. It shows initiative and gives you more control over how the project flows.
Big clients can be overwhelming, but communication is key! I usually start by asking for a detailed SRS if it’s a tech project, or a project brief if it’s something less technical. And no, I don’t expect clients to break down tasks. That’s part of what they’re paying us for! Just make sure you agree on the deliverables upfront.
Hey, congrats on landing a big client! I usually ask for an SOW. It gives a good outline of the project’s scope, timelines, and deliverables. Sometimes clients are vague, so it’s on us to dig a little deeper. I also break down tasks myself—it gives me more control over the workflow. You could always share the breakdown with the client for feedback.
When it comes to breaking down tasks, I never expect clients to nail it. Even if they provide their own breakdown, I treat it as a rough outline and rework it myself. Doing this gives me a clearer picture of the project, helps with planning, and often reveals hidden complexities (aka “rabbit holes”) that might affect the timeline or cost.
Even if the client is a fellow dev, it’s always a good idea to do your own breakdown.
There are two main ways to approach this, depending on the type of client you’re dealing with:
Client Needs Your Expertise:
This type of client has a project but isn’t sure how to tackle it, or they might think they know but have unrealistic expectations. They want the latest and greatest, or their idea is way too complex, like “that should be easy, right?”. In these cases, it’s your job to guide them in the right direction. You might not know every single skill needed right away, but you figure it out as you go and maintain that air of expertise. It’s all about steering them toward a realistic solution.
Client Knows Exactly What They Need:
This client has a clear understanding of what the project requires. They’re looking for someone with a specific skill set who can jump in and hit the ground running. It’s like when a company needs to hire a specialized contractor for a particular role—they know what they need, and you’re there to execute their plan.
So no matter the size of the client, it really comes down to whether or not they understand what they’re asking for. If it’s someone, say, from marketing who doesn’t quite grasp the technical details or scope, it’s your job to take charge and help them figure out what they need. But if they’re coming to you with a clear, specific task, you’re there to deliver based on their direction.
I’ve worked with both types of clients, and the key is gauging early on what kind of help they’re looking for. Then you either lead the project or jump in like part of a S.W.A.T. team, ready to execute.
A lot of my value comes from the fact that I can bring structure to a project for the client. I take ownership, design my own onboarding process, and figure things out along the way. I’m good at identifying their real needs and helping them allocate resources efficiently to meet those needs. The less they have to worry about, the more value I bring to the table. Ideally, the goal is that they trust that if I’m involved, the project is going to succeed—even if they’re unsure of what they’re doing.
So when a client is disorganized or doesn’t fully understand how to work with a developer, I don’t get frustrated. That’s actually when I’m most valuable, and I reflect that in my rates.
Plenty of people can write good code, but not as many can handle this side of things effectively!
Plus, it gives me the opportunity to help build the kind of process I love working in, so in the end, everyone wins.