How Specificity Saved My Sanity (and My Schedule)

Last week was a total rollercoaster.

I was juggling my work schedule, trying to bounce back from being sick for five days, and doing my best to stay on track even though I was feeling pretty weak.

But in the midst of all that chaos, I had a lightbulb moment: having systems in place really changes everything. Whether it’s personal stuff or work-related, having solid processes helps keep things from going off the rails.

This got me thinking about how important it is to be specific in everything we do - especially when it comes to web development projects.

The Issue With Vague Deliverables

Imagine this: a client reaches out and says, “We need a new website.”

You jump on a call and chat about timelines, pricing, and goals. Everyone’s happy, contracts get signed, and then the deliverable?

Just “Deliver a website by [X date].”

Fast forward to delivery day. The client was expecting a full-blown e-commerce site with all the cool features while you ended up creating a clean brochure site with just a few pages.

Now the client’s upset, you’re feeling frustrated, and your reputation could take a hit.

What went wrong? When deliverables are vague, everyone’s left guessing. “Deliver a website” can mean totally different things depending on who's interpreting it.

The client is picturing a site with all the bells and whistles, while you see it as a simple, straightforward project. That gap is where all the misunderstandings - and conflicts - start.

In the end, loose and vague language can lead to big headaches, but when you get specific? That’s when projects run smoothly, clients are happy, and everyone can breathe easy.

My Steps To Be Crystal Clear

If you want your next project to go smoothly, here’s the playbook:

1) Define Deliverables with Laser Focus

Break everything down - no shortcuts. Instead of “a website,” ask:

• What platform? WordPress, Webflow, or something custom?

• Will it include e-commerce? What kind?

• How many pages? Static or dynamic?

• Are branding elements, like logos or custom graphics, included?

Think of every question the client might ask after delivery and answer it upfront.

For example:

“The deliverable will be a five-page responsive website built on WordPress, including a homepage, services page, and contact form. E-commerce functionality is excluded.”

2) Set Measurable Acceptance Criteria

What does “done” mean? What does success look like? Define it in terms of measurable benchmarks:

• “All pages must load within 3 seconds.”

• “The site must pass mobile and cross-browser usability tests.”

• “The client will provide feedback within 7 days of delivery. If no feedback is provided, the work will be deemed accepted.”

This clarity not only manages expectations but keeps projects moving forward without endless back-and-forth.

3) Plan for Post-Launch Support

Web projects don’t end on launch day. Bugs pop up. Clients ask for tweaks.

If you’re not clear about post-launch responsibilities, you’ll be fixing things for free six months later.

Set boundaries:

• “Bug fixes are included for 30 days post-launch.”

• “Ongoing maintenance is available at $X per month.”

• “Any updates or feature requests beyond the original scope will require a new agreement.”

Why This Matters

A good contract doesn’t just protect you - it also protects the relationship.

When expectations are clear, your clients trust you more. They know exactly what they’re getting, and you know exactly what to deliver.

• No disputes.

• No awkward follow-up conversations.

• No wasted time on “extras” you didn’t agree to.

And you know in today's world where your reputation is everything. So clear deliverables can make or break your business.

Final Thought

I’ve been in this industry long enough to know that success isn’t about working harder - it’s about working smarter.

It’s about creating systems and sticking to them, even when life throws curveballs. The same applies to your contracts.

Be specific. Define everything. Protect your time, your energy, and your work. Because when you’re clear from the start, you don’t just finish projects - you build relationships that last.

If you need my help with a Contract that does all this, then reply "Contract" and let's see how I can help you out.

Talk soon.

-- Akhil Mishra