You’ve finally found a freelancer who gets it. Now comes the hard part: explaining your vision clearly enough that they don’t build a spaceship when you asked for a kite.
The freelancer brief is your holy grail. Done right, it saves time, avoids awkward revisions, and gets you that sweet “exactly what I imagined” result.
Let’s break down what a perfect brief looks like—plus give you a swipeable template you can use right away.
Why a Good Brief Matters (Yes, Even for Simple Jobs)
Imagine hiring someone to design a logo, but all you tell them is: “Make it modern.”
You’ll get something modern, alright… but probably not modern you had in mind.
A great brief bridges the gap between your brain and theirs. It answers all the questions before they have to ask.
Stat Check: Clients who provide a detailed brief are 3x more likely to get the results they want on the first try. (eFrelance survey, 2024)
What to Include in Your Freelancer Brief
Here’s the cheat code to writing briefs that freelancers actually understand:
1. Project Overview
Keep it short but clear. What are you hiring them to do?
“We need a 60-second explainer video introducing our SaaS product to new users.”
2. Your Business Context
Give them the big picture. Who are you? Who’s your audience?
“We’re an AI-based budgeting app targeting Gen Z creators in the UK.”
3. Goals & Success Metrics
What does a win look like?
“The video should improve user onboarding and reduce support tickets by 20%.”
4. Deliverables
Be specific. Don’t just say “a website.” Say “5-page responsive site with a blog, contact form, and Stripe integration.”
5. Timeline
Add a buffer. Always.
“We’d like drafts by August 10 and final delivery by August 20.”
6. Budget (Optional But Recommended)
Even a range helps freelancers scope their approach.
7. Brand Guidelines or Inspirations
Link to examples, Pinterest boards, or past work. Show, don’t just tell.
8. File Formats / Technical Requirements
If you need layered PSDs, editable files, or mobile-first design, say it upfront.
9. Communication Preferences
Slack? Email? Daily check-ins or weekly wrap-ups?
10. Legal or NDA Notes
Especially important for startups working on unreleased products.
Steal This Template 📎
Project Title:
Overview:
Company Background:
Target Audience:
Goals & KPIs:
Deliverables Needed:
Preferred Style/Examples:
Timeline:
Budget Range (if any):
File Format Requirements:
Preferred Communication Method:
NDA or Legal Info (if any):
Feel free to copy-paste and adapt it for your next job post.
Use this template when posting a job on eFrelance
Final Thoughts
A vague brief guarantees vague results. A great brief? It sets you up for smooth communication, fewer revisions, and a better working relationship.
If you’re not getting the quality of work you hoped for, your brief might be the missing link.
Need help? Our Buyer Checklist helps you prep every step before hitting “post.”
