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When I did alot of research about Fiverr, I always found one section so underrated. It’s the requirements section. Now some time later, I find the requirements to be my lifesaver when it comes to workflow improvement, understanding clients and getting started easier.

Here is how you can get the most out of the requirements section, with additional questions to consider adding, and how to update them along the way.

Requirements are the information, materials, and instructions a client must provide before a freelancer can start working on a project. Clear and complete requirements help avoid misunderstandings, save time, and lead to better results for both parties.

As a freelancer, your job is to guide the client in providing what you need. Good requirements should include:

Any text, images, files, or materials that should be included.

Logos, colors, fonts, tone of voice, or references to follow.

The final file type, size, platform, or medium the work will be used for.

Who the work is for, and how it will be delivered or presented.

Optional, but useful for understanding the client’s preferences.

Collecting this information upfront sets the foundation for a smooth project and a satisfied client. 

… You are the expert, but you need to create requirements that are easy to understand for the potato ;) Try to NOT include difficult words, and try to consider specific things you need.

Play the game: “What can go wrong, and what should I do”. I find this little game a great way to avoid mistakes beforehand. I’ll give an example below.

: I use the wrong shade of blue, resulting in an unhappy client.

 : Add a requirement that requests specific color details (CMYK)

 : I used generic print requirements, but the print house of my client requires specific settings.

 : Add a multiple choice requirement that ask if the buyer has specific requirements or if I should use the general settings.

 : I can add in “()” a small piece of text on WHY this is important.

Now why would I add that text section? Because 

 educate my client on this to prevent mistakes. 

In this case, the print failure is not really my fault nor my responsibility. But the client might not see it that way, and leave a negative review. It’s also a great opportunity to show professionalism by warning and educating a client before the mistake can even happen.

3. Balancing Open-Ended and Multiple-Choice Questions

When creating your requirements form, finding the right balance between open-ended and multiple-choice questions is essential for gathering clear, useful information without overwhelming the client.

Multiple-choice questions provide structure. They guide the client to select from predefined options, reducing confusion and making it easier for them to answer quickly.

Open-ended questions give clients the freedom to provide more detailed or specific information that may not fit into predefined categories.

(e.g., brochure size, format, print vs. digital)

(e.g., “Describe your target audience”)

(e.g., “Any special messaging or tone?”)

Additional details that can’t be anticipated by fixed answers

Avoid asking too many open-ended questions at once; too much text to fill out can overwhelm clients.

Provide clear examples or hints in open questions to help clients know what kind of answers you expect.

Where possible, combine approaches. For example, offer multiple-choice options but add an 

Clear and simple language in your requirements form is key to getting accurate and useful answers from your clients, especially when they might not be familiar with industry terms or technical terms.

Clients come from all backgrounds and expertise levels. Using complex or technical words can confuse them, cause misunderstandings, and slow down the process.

“Please upload your logo in AI, EPS, or SVG format (these are high-quality, scalable file types).”

“Specify your desired brochure dimensions and orientation,”

“What size and layout do you want for your brochure? (e.g., A4 portrait, letter landscape)”

 This helps clients understand exactly what you’re asking for without confusion. Example: 

“Please upload your brand colors. For example: ‘#FF5733’ or ‘CMYK: 0, 80, 80, 0.’”

Break complex questions into smaller parts.

 If you need several pieces of info, split them into separate questions instead of one big question.

Imagine you’re explaining the requirements to a complete beginner… A “potato” client who knows nothing about design. How would you ask the question so it’s easy to understand?

5. Managing Changes and Additional Information Mid-Project

It’s common for clients to provide new details or change requirements after the project has started. Managing these updates efficiently helps avoid confusion and keeps the workflow smooth.

Keep a dedicated folder for each project on your computer or cloud storage.

Save all original files, source files, deliveries, and especially the requirements documents.

Create a file named “Additional Requirements” or “Updates Log” where you record any new client requests or changes as soon as they happen.

You won’t waste time searching through messages for info. (improving workflow)

You reduce the risk of forgetting important changes. (client satisfaction)

When discussing revisions or disputes, you have clear records of what was added and when. 

Politely remind clients that major changes might affect timelines or require extra fees. (client expectations). Setting expectations upfront protects you from scope creep and maintains professionalism.

A Fiverr Guide: Think twice when creating the requirements!

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