Verbal agreements aren't enough when things go south. Protect your business with these 10 essential contract clauses:

Scope of Work

Precisely define the format, quantity, length, and platforms for the content.

Intellectual Property

Clarify who owns the copyright. Typically, the creator retains ownership while granting a license to the brand.

Specify the exact due date and any penalties for late payments.

Define how many days the brand has to request edits and how long you have to fulfill them.

Be specific about what constitutes a "competitor" to avoid blocking yourself from future income.

State how long the post must remain live on your profile (e.g., 30, 60, or 365 days).

Ensure strategic info stays private and that you follow FTC/Legal disclosure guidelines (e.g., #ad).

Clarify who is liable if the content violates third-party rights (like unlicensed music).

Outline the conditions under which either party can exit the agreement.

Decide which local courts will handle potential disputes.