Free Website Design SOW Template

For UI/UX designers and web design agencies delivering branded website designs.

Typical fee: $3,000 – $15,000Timeline: 4 – 8 weeksSections: 9
Web DesignUI/UXFigmaResponsive

When to use this template

Use this template when you are being hired to design — not build — a website. It covers discovery, wireframes, high-fidelity mockups, and handoff. If you are both designing and developing, use the Web Development template instead.

1

Project Overview

Sets the context, parties, and purpose. This is the first thing a client reads and the last thing they remember.

This Statement of Work ("SOW") is entered into between [Agency Name] ("Agency") and [Client Name] ("Client") and governs the design of a website for the Client's business. The Agency will deliver a responsive, brand-aligned website design that communicates the Client's value proposition and is optimised for conversion. All work will be performed in accordance with the terms herein. Any work outside this defined scope requires a written, signed Change Order before it may commence.

2

Scope of Work

The complete list of what you will deliver. If it is not listed here, you are not obligated to do it.

  • Discovery and strategy workshop (up to 2 hours) covering brand, audience, and conversion goals
  • User flow mapping and sitemap for up to [X] pages: Home, About, Services, Portfolio, Contact
  • Low-fidelity wireframes for all pages (desktop breakpoint)
  • High-fidelity mockups in Figma for desktop (1440px) and mobile (375px) breakpoints
  • Interactive Figma prototype demonstrating key user flows
  • Brand-aligned typography hierarchy, colour palette application, and iconography selection
  • Basic on-page SEO structure: heading hierarchy, meta title/description recommendations, alt text guidelines
  • Annotation layer documenting component behaviour, hover states, and interaction notes for developers
  • Two (2) rounds of design revisions across all pages (see Revision Policy)
  • Final Figma file handoff with organised frames, components, and developer-ready export assets
  • Post-handoff walkthrough session (up to 1 hour) with development team or Client
3

Out of Scope

Equally important as scope. Explicitly naming exclusions kills the "I thought that was included" conversation.

  • Website development, coding, or CMS implementation of any kind
  • Copywriting, content strategy, or editing of any written content
  • Photography, videography, or custom illustration not specified above
  • Logo design or brand identity creation (use the Brand Identity template)
  • E-commerce design, product listing pages, or checkout flows
  • Email template design or marketing collateral
  • Motion graphics, animation, or video production
  • Accessibility audit or WCAG compliance testing
  • Any pages, sections, or features not explicitly listed in the Scope of Work above
  • Ongoing design support, maintenance, or updates after project acceptance
4

Timeline & Milestones

Commitments on both sides. Milestones keep projects moving and give you a paper trail when clients cause delays.

  1. Week 1Project kick-off and discovery workshop
  2. Week 2Sitemap and wireframes delivered for review
  3. Week 3High-fidelity mockups — desktop delivered
  4. Week 4High-fidelity mockups — mobile delivered
  5. Week 5Round 1 revisions incorporated
  6. Week 6Round 2 revisions incorporated and final review
  7. Week 6–7Final Figma file handoff and walkthrough
5

Revision Policy

The most violated clause in any SOW. Define exactly what a revision is, how many are included, and what extra costs.

This SOW includes two (2) rounds of revisions per design stage (wireframes and high-fidelity). A revision round is defined as one consolidated set of feedback submitted in writing within seven (7) business days of a deliverable being shared. Feedback received after this window may delay the timeline at the Agency's discretion. Each additional revision round beyond the two included is billed at $[rate]. Requests that change direction, scope, or core strategy after sign-off constitute a new scope item and require a Change Order.

6

Payment Terms

Protect your cash flow. Late payment clauses and upfront deposits are non-negotiable for sustainable agencies.

Total project fee: $[Amount]. A deposit of 50% ($[Amount]) is due upon signing this SOW — work will not commence until the deposit clears. The remaining 50% ($[Amount]) is due upon delivery of the final Figma handoff, prior to transfer of any source files. Invoices are payable within ten (10) business days of issue. Balances unpaid after ten (10) days accrue interest at 1.5% per month. The Agency reserves the right to withhold final deliverables until all outstanding invoices are settled.

7

Change Order Policy

The scope creep firewall. Every out-of-scope request routes through here — no exceptions.

Any request for work outside the scope defined in this SOW — including additional pages, new design directions, new features, or integrations — must be submitted in writing. The Agency will respond with a written estimate within three (3) business days. No out-of-scope work begins until a Change Order is signed by both parties and any required deposit is received. Verbal approvals are not binding.

8

Assumptions & Dependencies

Shift responsibility for inputs to the client. If they don't deliver, the timeline moves.

  • Client will supply all final brand assets (logo files, brand guidelines, approved fonts, colour codes) before design begins
  • Client will supply all final written content (copy) before high-fidelity design begins — placeholder text will not be used in final designs
  • Client will provide consolidated, written feedback within seven (7) business days at each review stage
  • Client has decision-making authority or will nominate a single point of contact with authority to approve designs
  • Stock imagery, if required, will be sourced by the Client or agreed in writing as a separate line item
  • The scope is based on the requirements stated at project kick-off. Significant changes in direction after wireframe sign-off may require a Change Order
9

Acceptance Criteria

Define "done" before you start. Silence-equals-acceptance clauses prevent endless feedback loops.

The project is accepted when: (1) all deliverables listed in the Scope of Work are delivered; (2) up to two (2) included revision rounds have been incorporated; (3) the final Figma file is organised and export-ready; and (4) Client provides written approval, or fails to respond within seven (7) business days of the final deliverable being shared — silence constitutes acceptance. Upon acceptance, source files are transferred and the remaining balance is due immediately.

Frequently asked questions

What is a website design SOW?

A website design Statement of Work is a contract that defines exactly what a designer will deliver, what is excluded, how revisions work, and how payment is structured. It protects both the agency and the client.

Should I use this for a full website build?

No — this template covers design only. If you are also building the site, use the Web Development SOW template which covers both design and development.

Can I customise the revision rounds?

Yes. Two rounds is the industry standard, but you can adjust. Just make sure to update the payment terms to reflect any change in the extra revision rate.

Use this template in ScopeShield

Generate a custom version in 60 seconds. AI writes all 9 sections, client signs online, Scope Guardian protects the project.

Generate custom SOW — free →
Free Website Design Statement of Work Template — ScopeShield | ScopeShield