Client Brief Template
A structured client brief template covering project objectives, scope, target audience, deliverables, timeline, budget, and success criteria — capture everything you need before starting work.
CLIENT BRIEF — [Project Name]
Client: [Company] | Date: [Date]
1. Project Background
[What is the context? Why is this project happening now? What problem does it solve?]
2. Objectives
Primary Goal: [specific, measurable objective]
Secondary Goals: [additional outcomes desired]
3. Target Audience
Who: [demographics, roles, industries]
Pain Points: [what they struggle with]
Desired Action: [what you want them to do]
4. Scope & Deliverables
In Scope: [list all deliverables]
Out of Scope: [explicitly list what is NOT included]
5. Timeline & Budget
Start Date: [date] | Deadline: [date]
Budget: $[amount] | Payment Terms: [terms]
6. Success Criteria
[How will you measure success? Be specific: "30% increase in organic traffic within 6 months" not "more visibility."]
How to Use This Template
Send before the kickoff call
Give clients the brief template to fill out before your first meeting. This ensures the kickoff is productive, not exploratory.
Review and clarify together
Walk through the brief on a call. Ask clarifying questions, especially around vague objectives. Document agreed answers in the brief.
Get sign-off before starting
Both parties should approve the final brief. This becomes your project's source of truth and the basis for your statement of work.
Reference throughout the project
When scope questions arise, point back to the brief. It protects both you and the client from misaligned expectations.
Customize in Dewx
Inside Dewx, send clients a brief intake form through the CX Hub portal. Dew analyzes responses, flags missing information, and generates a formatted brief document. The brief links directly to your project plan for seamless handoff.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is a client brief and why is it important?
A client brief is a document that captures everything you need to know before starting a project: objectives, scope, target audience, deliverables, timeline, budget, and success criteria. It prevents misalignment, reduces revisions, and creates a shared reference point. Projects without briefs are 3x more likely to exceed budget.
Who should fill out the client brief?
Ideally, the client fills out the initial brief with your guidance. Provide the template with clear instructions and examples. Then review it together in a kickoff call to clarify ambiguities. The brief should be a collaborative document, not a one-sided form.
How detailed should a client brief be?
Detailed enough that anyone on your team could understand the project without additional context. Include specific goals (not "increase visibility" but "grow organic traffic 30% in 6 months"), target audience details, brand references, and explicit out-of-scope items. One page is too short; ten pages is too long. Aim for 2-4 pages.
How does Dewx help with client briefs?
Inside Dewx, send clients a brief form through the CX Hub. Dew analyzes responses, flags missing information, and generates a structured brief document. During kickoff, Dew suggests clarifying questions based on common gaps. The brief links directly to your project plan for seamless handoff.
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