Last modification on July 18, 2021 by Loïc Frissard
When you are a Freelancer, you often have to wear many hats. Not only do you have to do your job as a Community Manager, but you also have to do your own accounting, communication or prospecting.
You must also be very vigilant about your legal protection each time you take on a new mission. This is why I recommend that you systematically have your client sign a contract to avoid possible conflicts. Here are the basics of what a freelance community manager should know about contracts.
Even if your clients don’t offer you a contract, take the initiative for your work. Asking for a contract should not be an act of distrust but rather should show your professionalism.
No matter the size, scope or duration of a freelance assignment, make sure you have a written contract. Contracts are important to protect both the community manager and the customer. As a freelancer, the contract allows you to delimit your field of action and to be paid for the work you do. On the client side, this allows them to have a vision of the tasks to be accomplished and to ensure that the work will be done correctly.
Define the scope of your service
The contract must explicitly state that you are an independent contractor and not an employee or representative of the client.
It will also need to cover ownership of all work produced during the term of the agreement. It is important to know, for example, that the publications and content created belong to the client.
The sensitive point: Payment
There will often be a section covering indemnification in your contract. Again, this is meant to protect both parties in the agreement.
You must make it clear to the client that you live thanks to them, and that therefore you must be paid for your services on a regular basis. Be sure to indicate the amount of your services, whether it is a fee or a monthly package. Also indicate how you will be paid with maximum payment deadlines.
Avoid conflicts of interest
As a freelancer, it’s standard to have multiple projects for multiple clients at once. However, please be aware that customers must ensure that their interests are protected. This is why it is essential to indicate a confidentiality or even non-competition clause.
This section basically confirms that the freelancer should not go to the competitor or reveal confidential data. It is also your duty as a freelancer to have ethics and professional conscience towards your clients.
I know that it is complicated to draft this type of contract, especially in an area which is not yet well regulated in French legislation. For my part, I use this model for freelance community manager contracts:
However, keep in mind that this is a standard model and is not necessarily standard for all community management missions. You can be helped by legal specialists according to specific needs or simply contact certain associations or communities.
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