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This week’s roundup is all about clients, contracts, and the kind of behind-the-scenes shifts that can seriously impact your business if you’re not paying attention.

From the freelancers still working without contracts (no hate, I’ve been there too) to the platforms rolling out updates that could change how you market and sell. This issue is packed with what you need to know and what you need to do.

I’m also sharing some personal stories on the podcast about the clients who shaped me, the dream ones and the difficult ones - and the lessons I learned the hard way.

Let’s get right into it…

BUSINESS NEWS & UPDATES

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• Instagram is testing a dedicated Reels tab for Stories, shifting how users discover and engage with content.

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• YouTube now features a Top 100 Podcast Chart, giving creators more visibility and new opportunities to grow their audience.

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• The EU’s new Platform Work Directive aims to boost protections for freelancers and gig workers across Europe by 2026.

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• ​TikTok has been charged by the EU for violating online transparency laws, facing potential fines under the Digital Services Act.

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• ​Meta is paying $50/hour to scan your face and small talk, as part of its latest AI training project.

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• ​Google is working on a Pinterest-style platform, expanding into the visual discovery space dominated by Pins and boards.

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• ​A phishing scam is hijacking Meta and PayPal accounts instantly, using fake appeal links and bypassing security through a Google-owned domain.
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BUSINESS TIP

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Truth is (and I have done it too): most freelancers/businesses either don’t use a contract… or they’re using one they downloaded off Google two years ago that barely covers the basics.

But the truth is, a solid contract isn’t just about looking professional. It’s your first boundary. Your backup when things go sideways. And your best protection when money, timelines, or scope get messy. I cannot tell you the amount of times my clients have reached out to me asking me what they should do because the person they hired or another freelancer’s client didnt pay them or has been expecting more than the agreed scope and asking me what they should do…and without the right contract there isnt much you can do!

Whether you’re onboarding your first client or reworking your systems for the 10th time, these are the 6 clauses your contract should never skip:

1. Deliverables & Deadlines: Be crystal clear about what’s included, what’s not, and when it’s due.

2. Payment Terms: Spell out when payment is due, how it’s collected, and what happens if they pay late. Yes, you can charge late fees.

3. Cancellation & Refund Policy: This protects both parties if things don’t go to plan and avoids awkward “can I just get a refund?” messages halfway through.

4. Communication Boundaries: What’s your response time? Do you reply to weekend DMs? Where do you communicate? Set the clarity upfront

5. Revisions & Approval Process: Set limits on how many edits they can request, how to give feedback, and when “done” is done.

6. Force Majeure (Emergency Clause): What happens if you’re ill, have a tech failure, or a natural disaster occurs or you need to pause? Cover yourself with a clear plan.

Want one that’s already done and client-friendly?

I am giving you the exact template I use, which you can copy, paste, and personalise — no confusing legal jargon, just clear boundaries written for real service providers like you - it even comes with ad don clauses for SMMs and designers!

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Want the full setup with welcome pack, proposal, portfolio, pitch templates and contract all in one place?

ON THE PODCAST

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EP4: The Clients Who Shaped Me In this episode, I’m sharing the real, unfiltered truth about some of the clients who changed everything for me, for better and for worse.

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