Freelance Marketing Consultant Contract Template (UK 2025)
Last updated: February 2025
When You Need This Contract
Marketing consultant contracts must distinguish between strategic advisory work and hands-on execution, clearly define deliverable expectations, and address the ownership of marketing strategies and campaign concepts. The contract should cover confidentiality of client marketing budgets and competitive intelligence, the consultant's right to reference the engagement in their own marketing, and whether any performance-linked fee elements are included.
Key Clauses
- Advisory scope distinguishing strategy from execution
- IP ownership for strategies, plans, and campaign concepts
- Marketing budget and competitive intelligence confidentiality
- Performance metrics and measurement framework
- Competitor restriction for direct competitors during engagement
What to Watch Out For
- Not distinguishing between strategic deliverables and tactical execution, creating ambiguity about what the consultant will actually produce
- Failing to include confidentiality provisions covering marketing budgets and competitive positioning information
Sample Clauses
- Sample scope clause: 'The Consultant shall provide strategic marketing advisory services including: market analysis report, competitive positioning strategy, channel strategy and budget allocation recommendation, and 12-month marketing plan. Execution of the strategy and campaign management are not included and may be agreed separately.'
- Sample IP clause: 'All marketing strategies, plans, campaign concepts, and recommendations developed during this engagement shall belong to the Client upon payment. The Consultant retains the right to reference the engagement in their portfolio with anonymised client details after [6] months.'
FAQ
Who owns a marketing strategy developed by a freelance consultant?
The consultant owns the copyright unless the contract assigns it. Include an express IP assignment clause transferring ownership of all strategies, plans, and campaign concepts to the client upon payment. However, it is reasonable for the consultant to retain their underlying methodologies and frameworks for use with other clients, as long as client-specific strategies and data are not reused.
Should a marketing consultant contract include performance fees?
Performance-linked fees can align interests but require careful structuring. Define clear, measurable metrics that the consultant can directly influence. Separate base advisory fees from performance bonuses. Specify the measurement period, attribution methodology, and payment triggers. Avoid linking fees to revenue outcomes that depend on many factors beyond the consultant's control.
Generate this contract in 60 seconds
AccountsOS generates customised, UK-compliant freelancer contracts. From £10/month.
Get Started FreeThis is guidance for UK businesses, not legal advice. Templates are illustrative. Consult a solicitor for complex matters.
View all templates