Skill tutorial

Communicate with clients and handle revisions

You will have a kickoff question list, a written scope template, a revision policy, and ready-to-use messages for updates and feedback.

8steps

40minutes, about

Beginnerlevel

Updated October 30, 2026 · Built from the official sources listed at the end · How we research

What you’ll need

A freelance platform account
A notes app or document
One current or practice project
40 minutes

40 minutes, about. Your progress saves in this browser, so you can stop and come back.

Step 1 of 8

Ask kickoff questions before you start

Most problems start with a vague brief. Before you begin, ask a short set of questions. Keep it to five or six so the client actually answers.

Fiverr suggests ending your reply with a question that clarifies scope, deadline, or the outcome the client wants (Fiverr Help).

What is the goal of this work?
Who will see or use it?
What does "done" look like to you?
When do you need it?
Can you share an example you like?

Example: "Thanks for the details! Before I start, what does a finished result look like to you, and when do you need it?"

Checklist I wrote a kickoff question list I can reuse I sent it before starting work

Step 2 of 8

Put the scope in writing

After the client answers, write the scope back to them in one short message. List what you will deliver, the format, the deadline, and the number of revisions. Ask them to confirm.

On Upwork fixed-price contracts, Upwork says payment protection depends on a funded milestone and work that matches the milestone description. If the project changes, ask the client to update the milestone first (Upwork Help).

Example: "To confirm: 1 logo in 3 concepts, PNG and SVG files, delivered by Friday, with 2 rounds of revisions included."

Checklist I sent a written scope with deliverables, deadline, and revisions The client confirmed it in writing On Upwork, I checked the milestone shows "Funded" before starting

Step 3 of 8

Set a clear revision limit

Revisions are normal. Unlimited revisions are not. Decide how many rounds are included and what counts as a revision versus new work.

Fiverr recommends that your Gig description states your turnaround time and number of revisions (Fiverr Help). Do the same in every custom offer or proposal.

Tip: A revision fixes the agreed work. A new idea or extra item is new scope, and it gets a new price.

Checklist I decided how many revision rounds I include I wrote one line explaining what counts as new work

Step 4 of 8

Send short status updates

Silence makes clients nervous. Send a short update at agreed points, even if the update is "on track".

Upwork lists "going silent" as something to avoid and asks you to discuss changes to timeline or scope promptly (Upwork Help). If you need more time on Fiverr, you can request a delivery extension, and the client has 48 hours to respond (Fiverr Help).

Example: "Quick update: the first draft is 70% done and on track for Thursday. No questions from my side yet."

Checklist I agreed on when I will send updates I tell the client early if a deadline is at risk

Step 5 of 8

Handle feedback calmly

When feedback arrives, read it twice before replying. Thank the client. Repeat the changes back as a short list so you both agree.

1Brief
2Draft
3Feedback
4Revision
5Approval

If feedback is unclear, ask one specific question. If a request is outside the scope, say so kindly and offer a price or a new milestone.

Example: "Thanks! Here is what I will change: 1. darker blue, 2. bigger headline. Adding a second page is new work, so I can send an offer for that."

Checklist I replied with a numbered list of the requested changes I asked a clear question for any vague feedback

Step 6 of 8

Deliver revisions through the platform

Deliver every version inside the platform. On Fiverr, a client can request revisions after delivery, and you re-deliver the revised work. The client has three days to accept or request changes before the order completes automatically (Fiverr Help).

On Upwork, use the Submit Work for Payment button. Upwork says this starts the 14-day countdown for automatic payment (Upwork Help).

Checklist I deliver files through the platform's delivery button I keep a note of which revision round we are on

Quick checkOn an Upwork fixed-price contract, what should you do if the client wants extra work?

Show the answer

Ask the client to update the milestone first. Upwork says to stick to the agreed scope and, if the project changes, ask the client to update the milestone first. (Upwork Help)

Step 7 of 8

Keep talks and payments on the platform

Platforms can only help in a dispute if they can see the record. Fiverr says third-party tools are allowed only after an order is placed, and you should share notes from those calls on the platform (Fiverr Help). Upwork says communication outside Upwork is only allowed once a contract has begun (Upwork Help).

Never move payment off the platform. It breaks the rules and removes your protection. For red flags, see Spot and avoid job scams.

Watch out: A client who pushes to pay you outside the platform is a red flag.

Checklist I keep all messages and files on the platform After any call, I post a written summary in the platform chat

Quick checkOn Fiverr, when may you use a third-party tool like a video app to talk with a client?

Show the answer

Only after an order has been placed. Fiverr says communication through third-party tools is permitted only after an order has been placed. (Fiverr Help)

Step 8 of 8

Close the project well

When the client approves, send a short thank-you. Share the final files once more and say how long you keep them. A good finish helps you earn reviews. See Get your first five reviews.

Fiverr says not to ask clients for positive reviews (Fiverr Help). Just do good work and be helpful.

Tip: Reuse your kickoff list and scope message on every project. It saves time and prevents most arguments.

Checklist I sent a thank-you message with the final files I saved my scope and revision messages as templates

Sources

Checked in October 2026. Platforms change their rules often, so follow the links for the latest version.

Fiverr Help: Best practices for client management help.fiverr.com
Fiverr Help: A freelancer's guide to the Fiverr order process help.fiverr.com
Fiverr Help: Stay protected, Fiverr's off-platform policy help.fiverr.com
Upwork Help: How to communicate professionally on Upwork support.upwork.com
Upwork Help: How Fixed-Price Payment Protection works for freelancers support.upwork.com