For developers and dev agencies building custom websites, CMSs, and web applications.
When to use this template
Use this template when you are building — not just designing — a website or web application. It covers technical architecture, CMS setup, integrations, testing, and launch. Pair it with the Web Design template if design is a separate phase.
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") governs the development of [Project Name] by [Agency Name] ("Agency") for [Client Name] ("Client"). The Agency will design and develop a fully functional, responsive website on [Platform] (e.g. Next.js / WordPress / Webflow), deliver all agreed features, complete quality assurance testing, and assist with launch. All work is governed by the terms herein. Any work beyond this defined scope requires a signed Change Order.
The complete list of what you will deliver. If it is not listed here, you are not obligated to do it.
Equally important as scope. Explicitly naming exclusions kills the "I thought that was included" conversation.
Commitments on both sides. Milestones keep projects moving and give you a paper trail when clients cause delays.
The most violated clause in any SOW. Define exactly what a revision is, how many are included, and what extra costs.
This SOW includes one (1) structured review cycle after the staging site is delivered. Client submits consolidated, written feedback within seven (7) business days of staging delivery. Bugs and deviations from approved designs are corrected at no charge within this cycle. Design changes, new features, or revised requirements are treated as out-of-scope and require a Change Order. Each additional review cycle beyond the included one is billed at $[rate].
Protect your cash flow. Late payment clauses and upfront deposits are non-negotiable for sustainable agencies.
Total project fee: $[Amount]. Payment schedule: 50% ($[Amount]) due upon signing — work begins upon receipt. 25% ($[Amount]) due upon staging site delivery. Final 25% ($[Amount]) due upon site launch. Invoices are payable within ten (10) business days. Balances overdue accrue interest at 1.5% per month. The Agency will not transfer hosting credentials, source code, or domain access until all invoices are paid in full.
The scope creep firewall. Every out-of-scope request routes through here — no exceptions.
Any work outside this SOW — additional pages, features, integrations, or design changes after development begins — requires a written Change Order signed by both parties before work begins. The Agency will provide estimates within three (3) business days of receiving a written request. Verbal approvals do not constitute authorisation to proceed.
Shift responsibility for inputs to the client. If they don't deliver, the timeline moves.
Define "done" before you start. Silence-equals-acceptance clauses prevent endless feedback loops.
The project is accepted when: (1) all deliverables in the Scope of Work are delivered; (2) the QA checklist is signed off; (3) the site is live at the agreed URL; (4) Client provides written acceptance, or fails to respond within seven (7) business days of final delivery — silence constitutes acceptance. The 14-day bug-fix period begins at acceptance. Source code and credentials are transferred upon receipt of final payment.
Name the specific platform — WordPress, Webflow, Next.js, Laravel, etc. Vague platform references lead to disputes. If the platform is still undecided, resolve it before signing.
Only if you are doing both. If a designer is handling design separately, reference the approved design files as a dependency and state that design is out of scope here.
The 14-day post-launch bug-fix period covers bugs — functionality that does not work as specified. New features or change requests in that window are change orders, not bugs.
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