How Freelancers Can Deliver Work Securely to Clients

One of the trickiest parts of freelancing is the delivery process. You need to show work before getting paid, share samples without enabling unauthorized use, and deliver final files securely. Each step carries risk if handled carelessly.

The Delivery Challenges Freelancers Face

Exposing Work Before Payment

Clients reasonably want to see progress, but showing the complete final deliverable before payment opens the door to non-payment after the work is handed over.

Unauthorized Use of Samples

Portfolios and samples get used without a contract more often than most freelancers expect. This is especially common in design, illustration, and copywriting.

File Leakage Risk

Files sent via email or messenger can be forwarded to unintended third parties. Once a file is sent, you lose control over its distribution.

Secure Delivery at Every Stage

Stage 1: Sharing Portfolios and Samples

When showing your portfolio to a prospective client, prevent unrestricted sharing.

Using password-protected links:

1. Create a password-protected link to your portfolio site or files
2. Send the link and password to the client through separate channels
3. Set an expiration period to limit the viewing window

Situation	Recommended Expiration
Portfolio viewing	7 days
Project proposal	3 days
Price quote	5 days
Work samples	48 hours

Stage 2: Sharing Work-in-Progress for Review

How to show progress without giving away the full deliverable.

Watermarks (design/image work):

• Share low-resolution images with watermarks applied
• Deliver through password-protected links to prevent unauthorized sharing
• Set auto-expiration after client review

Secret memos (text/code work):

• Share excerpts only via a secret memo
• Set short expiration times to prevent long-term storage
• Deliver the full result only after payment

Stage 3: Final Delivery

After payment is confirmed, deliver the final files securely.

Secure final delivery workflow:

1. Confirm payment received
2. Upload final files to cloud storage
3. Create a password-protected download link
4. Send the link and password through separate channels
5. Receive delivery confirmation
6. Back up original files and set shared link to expire

Delivery Guide by Field

Design and Illustration

Stage	Content Delivered	Protection Method
Draft	Low-res + watermark	Password link (48 hours)
Revision	Medium-res + watermark	Password link (24 hours)
Final	High-res original	Password link after payment

Development and Coding

• In progress: Protect demo environment access with a password
• Code review: Share code excerpts via secret memo with expiration
• Final delivery: Grant private Git repo access or send password-protected download link

Writing and Copywriting

• First draft: Share key paragraphs only via secret memo
• Revision: Share the full document through a password-protected link with watermark
• Final: Deliver original files after payment

Video and Music

• Preview: Share low-quality watermarked video via password-protected link
• Final: Deliver high-quality original via password-protected link after payment

Contract and IP Protection Tips

Essential Contract Clauses

Always include these items in your freelance contract.

• Copyright transfer timing: Specify that copyright transfers to the client only after full payment
• Unauthorized use prohibition: Clause prohibiting use of samples or drafts shared before the contract
• Payment schedule: Clearly tie milestone sharing to payment deadlines
• Revision limits: Specify the number of included revisions to prevent unlimited rework requests

Keep Records

Document every work delivery.

• Record creation time and expiration time of password-protected links
• Save screenshots of what was shared with the client
• Back up email and messenger conversation history

Preparing for Disputes

If a client refuses to pay or uses your work without authorization.

1. If shared via an expiring link, access is already blocked
2. Delivery records (timestamps, content) can be submitted as evidence
3. You can change the password to immediately block further access

Communicating with Clients

Benefits of a Professional Delivery Process

A secure delivery process also demonstrates your professionalism to clients.

• Building trust: A structured delivery process creates a professional impression
• Preventing disputes: Clear delivery records reduce the chance of conflicts
• Encouraging repeat business: A secure experience increases the likelihood of future engagements

How to Explain It to Clients

"For security purposes, I deliver all work through password-protected links. I will send you the link and the password separately. The viewing period is 7 days, so please download the files within that timeframe."

Wrapping Up

A freelancer's work output is their most valuable asset. Sending files without protection exposes you to non-payment, unauthorized use, and leakage. Password-protected links with expiration features let you secure your deliverables while providing a professional client experience.

Start delivering your work securely with a password-protected link today.

Create a Password-Protected Link ->