How to Stop Scope Creep in Social Media Management
So we talk about how to avoid scope creep, but what about when you suddenly realize you are already in the thick of it?
You know, when you are mid-Zoom call and the client mentions a task you did one time a few months ago as a "favor," like it's actually written in your contract, and you feel trapped into saying yes because if not they might think you're crazy for offering it up once and not again, and...ahem, anyway. It's not like we've been there or anything...
They call it scoop creep for a reason. It creeps up on you. Sometimes you don't even realize that you're there, going above and beyond, and doing all this extra work that you aren't being paid for. It might seem like a few hours here and there, but it's actually costing you big time.
Your time as a social media freelancer is your most valuable asset. It's why business owners hire you; they are out of time, too. It's why we say always start with an hourly rate when you create your packages, because we don't want you to put in 40 hours and only get paid for 4. Why? Because that means you're losing money, even if that doesn't feel that way directly.
Firstly, we don't want you to feel out of the loop here, so let's define scoop creep if this is the first you're hearing of this term.
What is Scope Creep?
Scope creep is "uncontrolled expansion of a project's goals, features, or requirements after it has started." In other words, you are taking on tasks beyond what you signed up for without sending an invoice. In other other words, WORKING FOR FREEEEEEE.
What does Scope Creep look like in social media management?
What does scope creep look like when it comes to socials?
Adding extra posts
Working on other channels
Extra meetings/communications outside of your hours
Branding
How To Avoid Scope Creep
Here's what you can do if you notice scoop creep before you start.
Send estimates for additional tasks before completing them ("I'd love to help, but this would be an additional fee to your current package.")
Refer them back to your contract.
Tell them you'll look into it. Instead of saying “yes” on the spot, say: “Let me check what that would look like timeline-wise and cost-wise.” It gives you time to evaluate what you'd actually put into it.
Build in your boundaries — mention them frequently, have them in your contract, welcome guide, etc., so it's not a secret what the specific deliverables are.
Practice saying no, and meaning it. For any of us who were used to working in retail, customer services, or anywhere where the 'customer is always right', we are trained not to have that word in our vocabulary, but here's your time to change that and practice using it!
How to Stop Scope Creep
Acknowledge it. The first step is realizing when it's an issue and where you are doing this.
Start building your boundaries from there. Even if you said yes once, you can let them know that was just a favor and you have to charge from here on out.
Rate increase: let your client know that you re-evaluated your time and tasks, and you need to change your rates to reflect this. (Give them enough time to adjust!)
The last tip we will leave you with if you feel really stuck on whether it's scope creep or not, your contracts aren't clear enough. Go back and add more boundaries and deliverables so you know exactly what you're overstepping on and where you are staying in your lane!