Contract automation for agencies: what it saves and how it works

How long does it take you to create a contract after a client approves your quote?

If you’re like most agencies, it’s a 2-hour process involving:

• Finding your contract template
• Copy-pasting client details
• Manually transferring quote items
• Creating payment schedules
• Setting up signature collection
• Praying you didn’t typo anything

There’s a better way.

The Manual Contract Problem

Let’s walk through the traditional process:

Step 1: Find Your Template (10 minutes)

Where did you save that contract template? Is it the latest version? Did you update it after your lawyer reviewed it?

Step 2: Update Client Information (15 minutes)

• Client company name (search and replace all instances)
• Client contacts and titles
• Project name and description
• Start date and duration
• Your company info (hopefully consistent)

Step 3: Transfer Deliverables (30 minutes)

• Copy from approved quote
• Reformat for contract language
• Organize into logical sections
• Add acceptance criteria
• Define delivery timelines

Step 4: Create Payment Schedule (20 minutes)

• Calculate milestone percentages
• Set payment dates
• Link to deliverables
• Include payment terms
• Note late fee policies

Step 5: Format & Review (30 minutes)

• Ensure consistent formatting
• Check for typos
• Verify all fields updated
• Review legal language
• Generate final PDF

Step 6: Signature Setup (15 minutes)

• Upload to DocuSign/HelloSign
• Configure signature fields
• Set signing order
• Add reminder settings
• Send to all parties

Total time: 2 hours (if everything goes smoothly)
Risk of errors: High
Client experience: “Finally!”

The Automated Way

With Tillage’s Contract Wizard:

Step 1: Click “Create Contract” (30 seconds)

From approved quote, click one button. Client details auto-populate.

Step 2: Choose Template (30 seconds)

Select from your saved templates or use standard contract.

Step 3: Map Deliverables (1 minute)

Review auto-pulled deliverables from quote. Everything transfers automatically.

Step 4: Set Payment Schedule (1 minute)

Choose from payment schedule templates (50/50, 50/25/25, 33/33/34, installments, milestones, recurring) or customize.

Step 5: Add Timeline (1 minute)

Set start date and key milestones. Deliverable dates can auto-calculate.

Step 6: Preview & Send (1 minute)

Review complete contract with all details filled in. Add your signature, then send it to your client to sign online.

Total time: 5 minutes
Risk of errors: Minimal
Client experience: “Wow, that was fast!”

What Happens After Signing (60 seconds)

Once your client signs, Tillage’s payment schedule automatically:

• Creates every invoice in the schedule
• Issues the deposit invoice right away
• Sends date-based invoices on their dates, and sets up recurring billing
• Holds milestone invoices as drafts, ready to send when you hit the milestone

Your invoices are ready before you finish celebrating the signed contract.

What Gets Automated

A good contract automation system handles:

Data Transfer

• Client company and contact information
• Project name and description
• All quote line items
• Pricing and totals
• Dates and timelines

Smart Calculations

• Payment milestone amounts
• Percentage-based splits
• Date calculations
• Recurring service schedules
• Total contract value

Professional Formatting

• Consistent section numbering
• Proper legal language
• Professional typography
• Branded appearance
• Mobile-friendly layout

Signature Management

• Signature blocks built into the template
• You sign first, then your client
• Completion tracking
• Signed copy you can download or share

The Hidden Benefits

Beyond time savings, automation provides:

Consistency

Every contract looks professional, uses correct legal language, includes all necessary terms.

Compliance

Templates reviewed by your lawyer. Every contract inherits those protections.

Tracking

Automatic status updates. Know which contracts are out for signature and which are signed, with the date recorded.

Speed to Cash

Faster contracts mean faster signatures mean faster invoices mean faster payment.

Client Confidence

Professional, error-free contracts build trust and position you as a premium provider.

Payment Schedule Automation

One of the most powerful features is automatic payment schedule creation:

Template-Based

• 50/50 split: Deposit + final
• 33/33/34: Deposit + milestone + final
• 25/25/25/25: Quarterly payments
• Custom: Whatever works for your business

Milestone-Based

• Payment tied to deliverable completion
• Milestone invoices created with the schedule
• Sent when you mark the milestone reached

Date-Based

• Monthly recurring (retainers)
• Quarterly payments
• Annual billing
• Custom schedules

Whatever your payment model, automation handles it.

Integration with Invoicing

Here’s where it gets really powerful:

When your contract automation integrates with invoicing:

• Payment schedules create the invoices for you
• Invoices include contract details
• Payment links integrated
• Status updates automatic
• Reminders go out automatically on overdue invoices

No more “Did I invoice for that milestone?” moments.

Getting Started

Transition to contract automation gradually:

Month 1: Set Up Templates

• Review current contract
• Create 2-3 templates for different project types
• Get lawyer review if needed
• Test with internal projects

Month 2: Hybrid Approach

• Use automation for standard projects
• Manual for complex/custom deals
• Note where you still need manual editing
• Refine templates based on patterns

Month 3: Full Automation

• Default to automation
• Rare manual overrides
• Build new templates as needed
• Enjoy the time savings

Common Questions

“What if I need custom terms?”
Templates are starting points. Customize as needed. Still faster than starting from scratch.

“Will clients think it’s impersonal?”
Opposite. Fast, error-free contracts show professionalism and respect for their time.

“What about complex projects?”
Start with standard projects. Add complexity as you build confidence.

“How much does this cost?”
Tillage’s Contract Wizard is included free. Tillage is $0/month with no per-signature fees like DocuSign. See contracts for more.

The Bottom Line

Time is your most valuable asset as an agency owner. Spending 2 hours on each contract is time you could spend:

• Closing new deals
• Managing projects
• Growing your team
• Taking a break

Automation isn’t about being lazy. It’s about being smart with your time.

Start Automating Contracts →