Articles for Freelancers
Learn how to build a successful freelancing business and get hired by your dream clients.
Client CommunicationMarketing & Positioning
How to Cold Email Freelance Clients (Without Damaging Your Reputation)
Learn how to do cold outreach without sounding desperate or spammy, especially if you’re introverted and prefer attracting clients through your website.
Career TransitionsMarketing & Positioning
Freelancing Through Economic Turmoil — A Guide to Life After Layoff
Laid off from your tech job? Learn how to pivot into freelancing with practical tips on mindset, money, positioning, and building momentum.
Career TransitionsNews & Opinion
10 Years Since I Started Freelancing Full-Time (My Story and What I Learned Along the Way)
On the 10-year anniversary of going full-time freelance, Matt Olpinski reflects on the journey from college side projects to a six-figure business and the lessons new freelancers need to hear.
Pricing & RatesProject Management
Pricing & Scope Management (A Beginner’s Guide to Setting Rates & Boundaries)
Protect your time and income by learning to address scope creep in your freelance projects with smart pricing strategies.
Year in Review
2024 Year In Review
This year, my first son Henry was born and I became a father. We took two vacations, did several home improvement projects, and bought a new car!
Client CommunicationProposals & Contracts
How to Stop Freelance Clients from Ghosting You
Have you ever been ghosted by a freelance client after spending time writing a proposal? Learn how to win more freelance clients by adjusting your sales process.
News & OpinionProductivity
How to Use AI to Revolutionize Your Freelancing Career
AI-powered tools are rapidly transforming the freelance market and disrupting every industry. Learn how to use AI to take your freelancing career to the next level.
News & OpinionYear in Review
2023 Year in Review
This year I found out I'm going to be a father! My wife and I spent two weeks in the Outer Banks, Instacart had a successful IPO, I started selling AI artwork on my…
News & Opinion
Why I Switched from Google Analytics to Plausible Analytics
Plausible Analytics is a breath of fresh air compared to the dumpster fire that Google Analytics has become. Find out why I switched and why you should too!
Payments & InvoicingPricing & Rates
Hourly Rates vs. Fixed-Pricing
Pricing freelance projects can be a confusing and even contentious topic. But all types of freelancing pricing strategies fall into two distinct categories: time-based or fixed pricing.
Payments & InvoicingProposals & Contracts
What To Do If Your Freelance Client Refuses To Pay
Unfortunately, many freelancers encounter clients who delay payment, ignore invoices, or simply refuse to pay altogether. Learn how to navigate these difficult situations!
Client CommunicationProject Management
How to Prepare for Client Calls (and Avoid Nervous Rambling)
You're on the phone with a potential new freelance client. The conversation is going smoothly until they ask about cost and timeline. Suddenly, your anxiety kicks in...
Pricing & RatesProposals & Contracts
How to Estimate the Cost of a Freelance Project
Estimating the cost of a project is one of the most important requirements of freelancing. You'll need to calculate hours, set a rate, and present a proposal to the client.
Career TransitionsLifestyle
What to Know Before Buying Your First Home as a Freelancer
Buying a home as a freelancer can feel impossible. The process can be complex, intimidating, and stressful, especially when your income is unpredictable. In this article, I'll share what I wish I knew before…
News & OpinionYear in Review
2022 Year in Review
This year was all about routine. It was my first year full-time at Instacart and I continued working with my own freelance clients. My personal life was also filled with special moments and memories!
Finances & TaxesPayments & Invoicing
Should You Add Tax to Your Freelance Project Invoices?
You may need to apply sales tax to your invoices when selling products, but you can't just arbitrarily add a tax to your invoices in an attempt to pass your income tax burden onto…