Define a specific service and customer
Start with a problem you can solve repeatedly, not a long list of unrelated skills. Describe the deliverable, the customer who needs it and the evidence that you can produce it. A small portfolio can use real personal, volunteer or open-source work, provided you label the context honestly.
Research how clients describe the problem. This helps you write a clear profile and identify the questions to ask before quoting. Never present confidential work without permission.
Qualify the project before agreeing a price
Ask what the client needs, why it matters, what inputs are available, who approves the work and when it is due. Define the number of concepts, revisions or deliverables. A price is only meaningful when both sides understand the scope.
Choose a pricing method that fits the uncertainty: a fixed fee for a clearly bounded deliverable, a day or hourly rate for evolving work, or milestones for a longer project. Account for research, meetings, revisions, tools and administration rather than pricing only the final production time.
Put the agreement in writing
Record the scope, timeline, payment schedule, revision limits, ownership, confidentiality and cancellation terms. For larger projects, use milestones and avoid delivering all final work before the agreed payment conditions are met. Keep invoices and project records as required in your jurisdiction.
Build trust through dependable delivery
Communicate early when a dependency or risk changes. Deliver in the agreed format, explain what is included and make handover straightforward. After completion, request permission before using the work in a portfolio and ask for a factual testimonial rather than writing praise for the client to approve.
Practical checklist
Your service, deliverable and intended customer are specific.
The brief defines scope, approver, timing and revisions.
Price accounts for the complete work, not only production time.
Payment, ownership and cancellation terms are in writing.
Portfolio items are real and shared with permission.
Further guidance
These independent, official resources provide additional context. Always use the current rules published by the organisation responsible for an opportunity.
UK government: Freelancers and contractors
UK government: Working for yourself