'Thats Not My Job!' : 4 Ways to Combat Freelance Scope Creep

Most freelancers are familiar with ‘scope creep’ - when responsibilities on a project get blurred or added to without consent. Maybe you were hired to write on a particular topic, & suddenly it’s expected you’ll format blogs, add pictures, citations, or even elements of design.

Say you applied for a graphics job & are asked to provide copy to accompany your art. Or your job description says transcription & you’re composing in-depth professional bios to keep the project moving. Scope creep refers to a change of circumstances that adds unbillable hours.

Although freelancers are flexible, adding to your workload without compensation negotiation is bad business. If your deliverables regularly shift to your frustration, read on.

How can a freelancer combat scope creep & ensure that contractual duties are the only duties met?

1. Clear communication: Always be 100% upfront with your client. If a project has stalled or you’re waiting for another piece of the puzzle, make everyone aware of the delay & remind them regularly. Follow up quickly & consistently & file all correspondence carefully.

2. Never tell a client that any aspect of a project is 'easy' or will 'only take a minute'. Instead, think about all the minutes you spent learning that 'easy' thing in the first place. When your contract says you’re providing X & not doing XYZ, remind the client in writing.

3. Robust contracts: Outline your role in the project whenever you need to. The invoice is the one document the client is guaranteed to read, so summarise your tasks here and point the client back to what they have paid for you to do. This saves trawling through long contracts.

4. Look around: Scope creep is a huge red flag. It indicates that either the manager, the business plan or the budget is lacking in a major way. The next step is often pausing the project before folding entirely so be ready for the inevitable client collapse & seek a new project.

Reasons that scope creep occurs include lousy project managers, inadequate budgeting & panic; all problems with the client, not the freelancer. If you are struggling under creeping project scope, look for a natural break in the project & prioritize a conversation about your role.

Some project managers are 'idealists' who believe everyone should be as passionate about their business as they are & might try to guilt a freelancer into extending invoice dates, promoting their products, or completing admin tasks for free. These clients are best left behind.

Things change fast in business & your ideal project will change too. Be open to a challenge, but if more time is spent as non-billable hours, it’s time to discuss your pay cheque.

Be flexible with advice but rigid with deliverables.

Your bottom line will thank you for it.