Service descriptions are critical to defining the scope of the work you deliver to your clients.
Moreover, a good description improves the clarity of the agreement between you and your client, making it easier for them to approve it, and build a long-term relationship with your business. 🤝
When clarity goes up - confidence and trust go up as well!
Read this article to learn what’s the recommended formula for Anchor service descriptions – we’ve also created an example sheet that you can download at the end!
Our recommended description formula
It'll be easier to manage scope and create an agreement if you first outline your services’ descriptions clearly. Our recommendation is to include the following:
A brief, one-sentence description of what the service offers.
Service scope - a breakdown of what you will do for your client as part of the service. Make sure to use terminology that your client can understand, and avoid internal jargon.
For example, "match credit card/bank account transactions and update accounting software" is better than "reconciling credit cards and cheque/savings accounts".Timeframe - indicate when your client will receive the items detailed in the service.
A critical distinction should be made between the billing timings of service (the service is completed and invoices were issued) and the delivery timings of the service.
In Social Media services, for example, Instagram stories might be published twice a week but paid on a monthly basis. Payroll services may be provided monthly on a specific date of the month, but paid per employee at your client's company.
Therefore, we suggest setting clear expectations and including information about the service scope's timeline when possible.Optional: Tools used / limitations/notes - include an overview of the tools you'll be using to provide the service, as well as any limitations the client should know, such as how many hours will be required before the cost increases.
For example, "We will use QuickBooks as the general ledger, and your subscription is included in the price of this package" or guidelines you agree on (“Adjust the pricing after a 3-month period”).
Of course, if the client doesn’t see or use any software with the service in question, you don’t need to mention it.
Additional tips from our team
Emphasis your differentiation
A proposal is also a marketing and sales tool, so if you provide something special within a standard service, you can mention it here. By comparing, the customer will gain a better understanding.
Include clients notes
If anything is needed from the client, you can briefly mention it here, but in order to avoid tiring the client, keep it short and straightforward.
Click here for our how-to guide on setting up your Services.
Download our sheet of service examples that you can use to easily set them up in your account.
Examples of well-structured services
Service Name
Monthly Social Media Services - Waycup Coffee
Service Description
Our company will manage social media channels including; Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok.
Service Scope
Publish 3 posts a week, on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday (days might be adjusted according to analytics and optimization purposes)
Create original IG Stories every day to share on all channels
Answer clients who ask questions via private messages on a daily basis
Timeframe
The above will be provided on a weekly basis
Optional: Tools used & Limitations
Canva will be used to edit and design images – the subscription is already included in the service’s pricing
Payment will be billed on a monthly cadence
Service Name
Bookkeeping Services
Service Description
Tracking and recording financial transactions for your business, ensuring that all financial information is accurate and up to date.
Service Scope
Reconciliation of bank and credit card statements up to 100 transactions on a monthly basis
Receipts and payments reconciliation for up to 100 invoices per month
Paperless Payables - Importing invoices and receipts from suppliers via online software
Debtor reminders
Maintain data feeds into your accounting software files
Troubleshooting & support.
Timeframe
The listed items in the scope will be provided on a weekly basis, throughout the month.
Tools/limitations / notes
This package includes a subscription to QuickBooks Online.
