Project exclusions list
A project exclusions list names the work a project does not include, so “is this covered?” has a written answer before anyone asks. Good exclusions are specific (“copywriting for new pages”, not “extras”) and say what happens instead: the work can be quoted separately.
Copy the exclusions for your project type
Start with the general list, add the list for your type of project, delete what doesn’t apply, and fill in the [numbers].
Any project
NOT INCLUDED IN THIS PROJECT The following are outside the scope of this agreement. We're happy to quote any of them separately. - Work not listed in the Deliverables section - Revision rounds beyond the [2] included per deliverable - Changes to work after it has been approved in writing - Third-party costs: software licences, plugins, fonts, stock images, hosting and domains - Content creation (copywriting, photography, video) unless listed as a deliverable - Rush delivery requested with less than [5] business days' notice - Training, documentation or handover sessions beyond [1] hour - Support or fixes after the [30]-day warranty period - Meetings beyond one [30]-minute call per [week]
Website
WEBSITE PROJECT: NOT INCLUDED - Pages beyond the [8] pages listed in the sitemap - Copywriting, editing or translation of page content - Sourcing or editing photography (stock licences are billed at cost) - Functionality not listed, e.g. booking systems, member areas or custom integrations - E-commerce setup, product entry or payment gateway configuration - Migrating content from the old site beyond [20] pages or [50] posts - Support for browsers older than the last two versions of Chrome, Safari, Firefox and Edge - SEO beyond basic on-page setup (titles, meta descriptions, XML sitemap) - Hosting, domain and email setup, and third-party subscription fees - Updates, backups and security monitoring after launch (available as a maintenance plan)
Branding
BRANDING PROJECT: NOT INCLUDED - Logo concepts beyond the [3] initial directions - Revision rounds beyond [2] on the chosen direction - Trademark searches, registration or other legal checks - Naming or tagline development - Brand guidelines beyond the [12]-page guide listed - Collateral not listed, e.g. packaging, signage, presentation or social templates - Printing, production and supplier management - Font and image licence fees - Website design or development using the new identity - Animated or motion versions of the logo
SEO
SEO RETAINER: NOT INCLUDED - Content writing beyond [4] articles per month - Development work to fix technical issues (we provide the list; your developer or a separate quote fixes them) - Buying links or paid placements - Paid search (Google Ads) or paid social management - Local SEO for more than [1] location - Translation or international SEO - Guaranteed rankings, traffic or revenue - Rebuilding or migrating the website - Analytics setup beyond GA4 and Search Console configuration
App / software
APP OR SOFTWARE PROJECT: NOT INCLUDED - Features not listed in the specification or user stories - Additional platforms (e.g. Android when only iOS is listed, or a web app) - Third-party API costs, app store fees, cloud hosting and infrastructure - Data migration from existing systems beyond [one] import - Support for OS versions older than [iOS 17 / Android 12] - Penetration testing, security certification or compliance audits - App store optimisation and marketing - Fixing issues caused by changes others make after handover - Maintenance after the [30]-day warranty period
Social & ads
SOCIAL MEDIA AND ADS: NOT INCLUDED - Ad spend (paid by the client directly to the ad platforms) - Platforms beyond [Instagram and LinkedIn] - Posts beyond [12] per month - Comment and DM replies beyond [30 minutes a day, business hours] - Video production, photo shoots and influencer fees - Landing page design or development - Crisis or PR response - Reporting beyond the monthly report and one review call
How to write exclusions that work
An exclusions list only helps if it settles the argument before it starts.
Be specific
“Copywriting for new pages” is clear. “Additional work” is not, and invites debate.
Put numbers on limits
“Pages beyond the 8 listed” or “rounds beyond 2” makes the next one obviously extra.
Name what clients assume
Copy, photos, hosting, ad spend and translations are the usual surprises. List them.
Say what happens instead
“Quoted separately” keeps the door open. An exclusion is a price list, not a refusal.
Keep it next to the deliverables
Clients read what’s included and what isn’t in one place.
Read it out at kickoff
Two minutes on exclusions at the start saves weeks of “I thought that was included”.
How to use this exclusions list
- 1
Start with the general list
It covers what goes wrong on almost every project: revisions, approvals, third-party costs and rush work.
- 2
Add your project type
Paste the website, branding, SEO, app or ads list underneath.
- 3
Delete what doesn’t apply
If you do include copywriting, remove that line rather than leaving a contradiction.
- 4
Fill in the numbers
Pages, rounds, hours, posts: match them to the deliverables section.
- 5
Walk through it at kickoff
Read it with the client so nothing on it is a surprise later.
- 6
Point to it when a request lands
“That’s listed as not included, so here’s a quick quote” is an easy conversation.
Creepless checks every request against your scope
Clients send requests through their own private link. Each one is checked against the plan you set and marked included, extra or needs review. Extras get a suggested price and a drafted reply, and the client approves the quote before work starts. Free for 2 clients, no card needed.
Project exclusions list, answered
More free templates: see all templates, or read what scope creep is.
What are exclusions in a scope of work?
Exclusions are the items a project or retainer explicitly does not cover, listed in the scope of work so both sides know what will be quoted separately.
Why should I list exclusions?
Because clients fill gaps with assumptions. A written “not included” list turns “I thought that was part of it” into a simple reference and a quote.
What should be excluded from a website project?
Typically: pages beyond the agreed number, copywriting and translation, photography, features not listed, e-commerce setup, large content migrations, hosting and licence fees, and maintenance after launch.
Will a long exclusions list put clients off?
Rarely, if it’s framed as “quoted separately” rather than “not allowed”. Clients generally prefer knowing the limits upfront to an argument later.
What if the client asks for something on the list?
Treat it as a new request: say it’s outside the current scope, give a price and timing, and start once they approve. A change request form makes this quick.
Where do exclusions go in a contract?
Right after the deliverables, inside the scope of work or a scope exhibit, so the included and excluded lists are read together.
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