Let’s talk money

Here’s something we don’t talk about enough in the web development world: money.

It’s the uncomfortable part of any project, but let’s be real—it’s the part you need to get right upfront.

I’ve seen it happen over and over again. A team gets excited about a new project, and jumps straight into the build—designs are rolling, code is flying.

But there’s one problem: payment terms get pushed to the side.

Big mistake.

Why Payment Clarity Is Everything

When it comes to getting paid, clarity is king.

You need to know:

- When you’ll get paid.

- How much you’ll get paid?

- What triggers each payment?

Because here’s the thing: Nothing kills momentum like waiting on a check.

You could be halfway through the project, pouring hours into coding, only to find yourself waiting for that next payment with no clear date in sight.

It’s frustrating, and it doesn’t have to be this way.

The Good Ol Milestone Payment

I’m a big believer in milestone payments.

Here’s why: When you break down the project and get paid as you go, you’re not stuck waiting until the end with empty pockets.

Let’s say you’ve landed a $50,000 web development project. Here’s how you can structure it:

- 25% upfront to get started.

- 25% after phase one (maybe design approval).

- 25% after phase two (functionality build).

- 25% on project delivery.

Simple, right? The client knows exactly what’s expected at each stage, and you keep your cash flow healthy.

No awkward conversations halfway through the build. No chasing payments. Just clear expectations from day one.

Why This Hit Home for Me

When I launched my YouTube channel last week, I was reminded of how clarity and structure are key to progress. You can check out the channel here btw: https://www.youtube.com/@itsakhilmishra

Just like setting up payment terms, building out a channel and editing content requires setting milestones to keep things moving smoothly.

And the same goes for the consultation calls I’ve been doing.

You can have the best advice, but without clear terms, you’re left waiting on payments that should’ve been settled upfront.

It’s all about setting expectations—whether it’s in web development or legal consultations.

The Problem With Overlooking Payment Terms

Here’s what happens when you skip this crucial step:

You’re chasing clients for money.

Nobody likes awkward follow-ups or sending reminder emails about invoices.

The project slows down. You can’t focus on the building when your mind’s on whether or not the payment is coming in.

You lose trust in the client. Clear terms build trust. If clients know what to expect, they respect the process and stick to the plan.

How to Set Clear Payment Terms (Without Awkward Conversations)

1) Break Down the Project:

Divide your project into clear phases. Design. Functionality. Final delivery.

Each phase should have a corresponding payment milestone.

2) Get Paid Upfront:

Always ask for 25% upfront. This shows commitment from the client and keeps you financially secure from day one.

3) Set Milestone Triggers:

Be specific. “Pay me after phase one” is vague. Instead, tie the payment to an event, like “Pay after design approval” or “Pay after the demo”.

4) Put It in Writing:

Make sure the payment structure is written into the contract. No one can argue with terms that are clear and agreed upon from the start.

What’s Next?

As I dive into more video content and experiment with different styles, one thing’s clear:

The same rules that keep a web dev project on track apply to just about everything. Clarity, structure, and momentum are key.

Next time you start a new project, don’t rush into the build without setting your payment terms straight. It’ll save you headaches—and keep your business running smoothly.

Because let’s be honest: nobody enjoys chasing money. Get paid as you go, and keep your project moving.

If you want a Contract that's clear with your Payment Terms, reply "CLARITY" and I'll send you my calendar invite for a call.