scope creep is a b*tch
let's talk about recognising her in your client work
Scope creep is an absolute b*tch. Let’s talk about it.
If you’ve never heard the term scope creep before, I’ll explain. Scope creep is a kind of project disruptor that starts usually as a small change and snowballs into something much bigger.
It’s what happens when a project’s original deliverables start to shift, often by a bunch of minor, informal requests. What starts as "just one more thing" typically leads to a boatload of extra work that’s far beyond what you originally agreed to, and of course, without an increase in pay or even the common courtesy of extended deadlines.
And when the project scope isn’t managed carefully, it messes with your project timelines, the client’s satisfaction and ultimately guarantees burnout.
Here are some examples of how I’ve found it typically sneaks up.
The “Quick Favor” Request
Imagine you’re working on a client’s social media campaign and they ask, “Can you add a quick post about our latest product launch?”
It’s a simple enough ask but it’s outside of the scope of the original agreement.
It might not take a lot of extra effort or take you very long to complete but these small, one-off tasks add up fast and can sometimes shift your focus from the core project.
Adding New Mid-Project Deliverables
Let’s say you’re midway through a website redesign and the client requests a new blog section be added.
This isn’t just one post or page; it’s an entirely new aspect of the project that 100% requires additional planning, design and content.
Without a set plan for this extra work, the existing project scope and budget will definitely not cover the added hours you’ll need to complete it.
Expanding the Project Vision
You got hired to create a digital marketing strategy. Halfway through, the client decides that in addition to building the strategy, they also want you to implement it, manage their ad campaigns and oversee analytics.
This kind of massive shift is well beyond the agreed scope but it also turns your strategic consultation into a long-term management project which you may not have the space to onboard at that time.
Now you’re stuck feeling frustrated at the audacity and the additional expectations, and if you’re anything like me, you’re also feeling anxious about how to not get caught up in the extra work while also giving your best to the client.
It’s in moments like that that I like to think about Hanlon's razor.
Now stupidity is a bit harsh of a descriptor for these kinds of requests because, in my experience, it comes from a client’s lack of understanding.
But all too often, especially in the digital field, clients think that it’s only a couple of clicks to get from an idea we spoke about in a consultation call to the final product that they see in their digital spaces.
Now creep doesn't just happen in digital. It happens in every single industry but now that you’re seeing the kinds of ways that it manifests we’ll be better able to prepare ourselves to avoid it. That’s what next week’s email is all about!
Between now and then though I’m giving you a bit of homework.
I want you to think about your last five clients. Think about the interactions with them that feel even remotely like scope creep and then write that down. I want you to be able to refer to it next week when we go over how to keep it in check.
If you’re confused then you can always reply to this email and we can chat more about it. Looking forward to how we’re going to kick scope creep’s ass next week.
Love from your Chronically Online Friend,
Sydney ✨💖