All Freelancing Articles
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.
Guest ArticlesLifestyle
The Subtle Benefits of Being Around Others While You Work
Learn how freelancers can beat loneliness and burnout by leveraging coworking spaces, networking events, and alternative work spots like cafés, libraries, and parks to boost productivity and work–life balance.
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.
Marketing & PositioningNews & Opinion
How AI is Reshaping Freelancing (and What You Should Do About It)
Understand how AI is reshaping freelancing and learn strategies to stay valuable in an increasingly automated environment.
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…
Guest ArticlesLifestyle
Freelancer Self-Care: 5 Steps To Take When Burnout Hits
Most freelancers are passionate about what they do. Whether it’s writing, photography, design, or any other creative outlet, it’s easy for a freelancer to find a lot of joy in hir or her career.…
Getting ClientsNews & Opinion
10 Things Every Freelance Business Has in Common
Whether you're a designer, makeup artist, glassblower, or dog walker, all freelance businesses share 10 fundamental similarities that are the pillars needed for success.
Guest ArticlesLifestyle
How Freelancers Can Use Travel To Enhance Their Skillset
Freelancing gives you the time and money you need to see the world. Despite the freedom that freelancing affords, newly self-employed folks seldom take the time to travel.
Payments & InvoicingPricing & Rates
Should You Ever Work for Free as a Freelancer?
Sometimes it makes sense to work for free. Other times may require more discernment. Either way, you should always receive something of value.
Career TransitionsGuest ArticlesMarketing & Positioning
How to Market Yourself During Your First Year of Freelancing
If you want to make real money as a freelancer, you have to start treating your career like a business – and that begins with learning how to market yourself.
Finances & Taxes
How To Maximize Passive Income As A Freelancer
Passive income sources like stocks, crypto investments, rental properties, and content creation can offset the financial risks of freelancing
News & OpinionYear in Review
2021 Year in Review
2021 was a great year. It was quite different than I imagined and ended with an unexpected plot twist! As always, I'll highlight professional accomplishments and share personal updates with photos!
Career TransitionsNews & Opinion
Why I Took a Full-Time Job After 10+ Years of Freelancing
On November 29th, 2021, after more than a decade of freelancing, I started a full-time job as a Senior Product Designer II at Instacart.
Guest ArticlesProductivity
How to Stay Organized and Determine Priorities as a Freelancer
Organization skills are key for freelancers. If you know how to stay organized, you can track work projects and complete them on schedule. You're also well-equipped to set priorities and stick to them.
Career TransitionsGuest Articles
Freelancing Tips for College Students
Freelancing is an exciting way to earn money on your own terms, particularly when you're in college. If you need a way to earn cash while you’re in school, here are a few tips…
Guest ArticlesLifestyleProductivity
5 Tips for Balancing Wellness and Freelance Work
Work-life balance is never easy, especially for freelancers. You can feel like you're juggling too many things, and your health can suffer. Never fear, though – our tips will help you achieve the balance…
Getting ClientsGuest Articles
How to Get Your First 10 Clients as a Freelancer
The gig economy is growing faster than ever, but breaking into the freelance lifestyle can feel like a daunting task. These expert tips will help you get your first 10 clients.
Getting ClientsPortfolio Websites
How to Supercharge Your Website’s Contact Form (and Attract Better Freelance Clients)
If your websites contact form only collects name, email, and message, you're missing out on a huge opportunity to get high quality freelance leads.
Finances & Taxes
How Do Taxes Work When You’re a Freelancer?
When you're a freelancer, taxes become much more complicated. In this article, I'll explain everything you need to know about freelance taxes in the implest way possible.
Getting ClientsProject Management
What is Project Roadmapping and When Should You Use It?
Don't waste hours talking with a freelance clients only to have them "go in a different direction". Use Project Roadmapping to build trust, provide value, and get paid to plan the project!
News & Opinion
Why I Pulled the Plug on Social Media and Deleted My Accounts
If you can't find me on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram anymore, it's because I permanently deleted all my accounts. I don't like what the platforms have becoming, so I'm investing my time elsewhere.
Guest ArticlesPortfolio Websites
4 Ways To Get Better Testimonials From Your Freelance Clients
When businesses look for a freelancer, they’re looking for someone they can trust. Great copy and a nifty design aren’t enough. You need to demonstrate your worth using testimonials as social proof.
LifestyleProductivity
5 Productivity Tips for Freelancers
The freedom that freelancing brings to business owners is rewarding, but it demands responsibility and discipline so you can remain productive so your output is both sustainable and impactful.
News & OpinionYear in Review
2020 Year In Review
2020 was wild. It was easily the most difficult and challenging year of my life, but every day I chose to make the best of it and appreciate everything I have. Here's a recap…
Getting ClientsGuest Articles
How Instagram Can Help You Attract More Freelance Clients
Building a business requires you to see everything from a marketing perspective. Using a popular platform such as Instagram, you can build your online presence, attract more freelance clients, and earn more money.
Guest ArticlesPayments & Invoicing
5 Payment Methods to Consider for Your Freelance Business
How you accept payments from clients has a major impact on your freelancing business. Accepting a variety of payment options ensures that you get the compensation you deserve while giving your clients easy ways…
Career TransitionsFinances & Taxes
Are You Financially Prepared to Quit Your Day Job?
Before you quit your day job and leap into full-time self-employment, make sure you have control of your savings, debts, workspace, potential clients, and your price rates.
Finances & TaxesPayments & Invoicing
How to Navigate Net Payment Terms on Your Freelance Projects
Many companies use a financial technique called net payment terms which are difficult for freelancers to accommodate. Here's how to handle them like a pro.
LifestyleNews & Opinion
8 Ways to Determine If Your Side Project is Worth Pursuing
Freelancers who like to learn usually end up pursuing a side project. But it's important to have a method of determining which side projects are worth pursuing.
Guest ArticlesProductivityProject Management
11 Essential Freelance Tools to Make Your Life Easier
When pursuing a freelancing career, you may feel a bit lost from time to time. Fortunately, there are tons of freelance tools you can use to make it easier for you to complete tasks…
Guest ArticlesLifestyleProductivity
How to Avoid Creative and Mental Blocks as a Freelancer
Freelancers often face the consequences of burnout, stress, and fatigue to stay ahead. These healthy life tips will help you avoid creative and mental blocks when freelancing
Pricing & Rates
How to Price Your Services as a First-Time Freelancer
Create a strong pricing framework for your services. Build confidence and improve client relationships with a clear pricing strategy.
Career TransitionsLifestyle
Why Freelancers and Remote Workers Need Community
Freelancers need community now more than ever. Human interactions are how we learn and grow. But when you quit your job to freelance or work remotely, you leave all of that behind.
Client CommunicationGuest Articles
How to Systemize Communication With Leads (+ 11 FREE Templates!)
When I first started freelancing, I'd spend hours of precious, billable time writing the same responses to the same requests and questions practically every day, which added up to lot of wasted time and…
Career TransitionsMarketing & Positioning
How to Smoothly Transition from Full-Time Employment to Freelancing
When you quit your day job and transition into full-time freelancing, it's important to make the career adjustment as smooth as possible. These 7 tips will help you do that!
Finances & TaxesGuest Articles
5 Common Financial Mistakes Freelancers Should Avoid
As a freelancer, it can seem easy at first to run your business without money management, but in the long-run, a lack of financial awareness or organization can spell ruin for your business.
Client CommunicationGetting Clients
7 Questions to Ask Your Freelance Clients Before Starting Work
Almost every major conflict you'll face as a freelancer will stem from asking the wrong questions to your clients before starting a new project.
Getting ClientsProposals & Contracts
What’s the Difference Between a Proposal and a Contract?
Freelance proposals and contracts serve different purposes and should be presented to the client as two separate documents. Find out what to include in each of them!
Finances & TaxesGuest ArticlesPayments & Invoicing
Creating a Financial Foundation for your Freelance Career (A Step by Step Guide)
When it comes to setting up a freelance business, no matter the industry you work in, creating a financial strategy is vital to both your business’ survival and your own personal finance.
Marketing & PositioningPortfolio Websites
How to Use Google Trends to Understand What Freelance Clients are Searching For
Use Google Trends to find out what freelance clients are searching for, make yourself more visible online, and get more leads for your freelance business.
News & OpinionProductivity
How to Automatically Format Subscriber Names in ConvertKit
Have you ever noticed that sometimes subscribers don't enter their first name properly into your ConvertKit forms? Learn how to automatically fix poorly formatted names in a few simple steps!
Marketing & PositioningPortfolio Websites
5 Reasons Why You Need to Have Your Own Portfolio Website
Have you ever wondered why you should have your own portfolio website? Having your own website will increase your online visibility and help you get more freelance clients
Guest ArticlesProposals & Contracts
Types Of Contracts All Freelancers Should Know As 2+2
The promise of a better life and a flexible schedule is tempting more people who feel stuck in a 9-to-5 job to start freelancing. But it's not as freeing as you might think when…
Marketing & PositioningNews & Opinion
Introducing Matthew’s Design Co. (and the changes ahead for my website)
Find out all the details of how I plan to navigate the transition from freelancer to company while maintaining my relevance and relationship to freelancers.
News & OpinionYear in Review
2019 Year in Review
2019 was another fantastic year both personally and professionally. Overall, it was more simple, stable, and smooth than previous years — yet still each month seemed filled with events!
ProductivityProject Management
How to Schedule Multiple Freelance Projects (and Avoid Burnout)
You must have a system in place for scheduling freelance projects, setting your availability, and maximizing your down time if you want to avoid burnout and keep your freelance business running smoothly.
Career TransitionsFinances & Taxes
Why I Switched from 1099 to S Corp (and How It Impacted My Freelance Business)
Forming an S-Corp can offer massive tax savings, legal protection, and improved client perception for freelancers and independent contractors.
Pricing & RatesProject Management
A Beginner’s Guide to Value-Based Pricing
A value-based project is simply a fixed-fee project where the price is determined by the value of the outcome to the clients business – not the estimated time it will take to complete.
ProductivityProject Management
3 Tools to Help you Manage Freelance Projects
Just like a regular 9-5 lifestyle, the freelancing lifestyle comes with its own set of challenges, some of which are unique to freelancers. These 3 tools will help you manage your projects!
Guest ArticlesPortfolio Websites
6 Ways To Upgrade Your Website And Get The Clients You Deserve
In order for a website to keep working hard on your behalf, you need to give it a bit of regular attention. In this article, Jodie Manners outlines 6 ways you can upgrade your…
Pricing & RatesProject Management
6 Pricing Strategies for Freelancers (and When You Should Use Each)
As a freelancer, you get to decide how to bill your clients – and there's no right or wrong billing strategy. In this article, we'll look at hourly rates, daily rates, weekly rates, monthly…
News & OpinionYear in Review
2018 Year In Review
2018 was thrilling from day one. It was packed with highs, lows, and countless exciting changes. Check out all the amazing things that happened in my life and my business as I reflect on…
Getting Clients
How to Earn Freelance Income Without Any Clients
Did you know that you can start earning money right away, without any freelance clients? All you have to do is sell your own work!
Getting ClientsMarketing & PositioningPortfolio Websites
Why Thinking Like a Client Will Change Your Freelancing Career Forever
Most portfolio websites are focused on the wrong person. Thinking like a client might be all you need to kickstart your freelancing career. Find out how seeing myself from the perspective of a paying…
Client CommunicationProductivity
Teach Freelance Clients to Respect Your Time By Setting Business Hours
Do you ever wonder why clients assume that freelancers are available 24/7, over weekends, and after hours? It's because too many freelancers respond to their requests over weekends and after hours. Teach clients to…
Client CommunicationProject Management
How to Defend Your Design Decisions Without Sounding Defensive
When you put a design in front of a client, they're inevitably going to have an opinion on it. These strategies move the conversation away from who is right or wrong and re-focus both…
Getting ClientsMarketing & Positioning
How I Earned My First $10,000 as a Freelance Web Designer
It took me a full four years to earn my first $10,000 of freelance income. I didn't know what I was doing, but I didn't let anything hold me back. When it comes to…
Getting ClientsProductivity
7 Lessons from My First Year as a Full-Time Freelancer
After one year of full-time freelancing, I share the observations I made, lessons I learned, advice I have for anyone interested in becoming a full-time freelancer. Make sure you have a desire to freelance,…
Payments & Invoicing
How to Properly Name Your Freelance Project Invoices
Most freelancers don't spend time thinking about invoice naming conventions, but caring about the seemingly trivial aspects of your business is what will set you apart in the eyes of your clients.
Client CommunicationGetting ClientsProject Management
How to Avoid Working With Bad Freelance Clients
I only experience problems with clients when I break my own rules. Accepting that position, attitude, and perspective is what enables you to learn and grow from your mistakes and make better decisions in…
Marketing & PositioningPortfolio Websites
12 Things You Should Remove From Your Portfolio Website Immediately
A collection of brutally honest tips for what you should remove from your portfolio website immediately before someone decides to not hire you (and what to replace them with instead).
Career TransitionsPayments & Invoicing
How I Turned One Small Freelance Project Into Years of Predictable Income
There's nothing more valuable than having predictable income when you're a freelancer. Unreliable income holds us hostage to our business even if we've managed to free ourselves from past employers.
LifestyleProductivityProject Management
How to Stay Comfortable as a Freelancer Even When You’re Stressed
There's no avoiding stressful and uncomfortable situations when you run your own freelancing business. The key to staying comfortable during stressful situations is to maintain control of your business from every angle.
News & OpinionYear in Review
2017 Year In Review
After over two years of freelancing full-time, my business has finally started to run itself. It's become more organized and efficient. I know what to expect from it. The kinks and quirks have been…
ProductivityProject Management
5 Tips for Managing Sick Days as a Freelancer
You aren't allocated a specific number of sick days each year as a freelancer. That's why it's important to have a plan for sick days before they happen.
Getting ClientsMarketing & Positioning
How to Find More Freelance Clients
If you're trying to find more freelance clients, you've got it all backwards. Instead, spend time giving potential clients more ways to find you.
Finances & TaxesProposals & Contracts
What Do You Need to Start Freelancing, Legally?
What are the minimum legal requirements to start freelancing? You don't need contracts, tax forms, or a legal business entity. Just pay your taxes!
Marketing & PositioningPortfolio Websites
How to Write More Effective Copy For Your Website
Learn how to write great copy for your website that converts viewers into customers even if you don't have experience with copywriting, sales, or marketing.
News & OpinionYear in Review
2016 Year in Review
2016 wasn't filled with many professional achievements or accomplishments. It was quiet and more refined. My business grew naturally, and it grew a lot.
Portfolio Websites
Reduce Referral Spam in Google Analytics Without Using Filters
Referral spam can pollute your Google Analytics account and make it impossible to track user data accurately, but you don't need to use complex filters.
Client CommunicationGetting ClientsProject Management
How to Politely Decline a Freelance Project (With 3 Examples)
You won't be a good fit for every project, but don't leave your clients empty-handed. Learn how to politely decline projects while guiding them toward success.
Career Transitions
So You Want to Be a UX Designer?
If you want to be a UX designer, you'll have to be more specific. In this article I'll explain what UX design really is and how to make a career out of it.
Finances & TaxesPayments & Invoicing
How to Structure Your Bank Accounts for Massive Financial Success
As a freelancer, getting paid is at the top of the priority list. But what do you do with the money once you have it? It's time to structure your finances.
Client CommunicationProposals & Contracts
6 Tips for Negotiating a Higher Salary
Each year people accept salaries less than what they deserve. It seems like employers always have the upper hand, but that doesn't have to be the case.
Getting ClientsMarketing & Positioning
How to Market Yourself to Startups as a Freelancer
Over 100 million new businesses each year are trying to stake their claim in the startup world, but with so many businesses trying to create "the next big thing", finding the right startup to work…
News & Opinion
The Simple Tweet That Got Me Featured on Dribbble
In 2016, I was featured as a success story in Dribbble's "For the Win" series. Find out how Dribbble helped me make over $150,000 in just 3 years.
Getting ClientsMarketing & Positioning
Should you call yourself a freelancer or a consultant?
Before deciding what to call yourself, it's important to understand how people perceive consultants and freelancers, but at the end of the day, the way you position yourself is more important than what you call…
LifestyleProductivity
Add 50 Hours to Your Month by Subtracting Social Media
Do you ever wish there were more hours in a day? Most of us end our days feeling like we haven't accomplished enough. The truth is, you can grant yourself that wish if you're willing to…
Client CommunicationProductivity
Why Responding to Every Email is Good for Your Business
Responding to every email is a great way to build your network, but it's also time-consuming. Using pre-made email templates will save you hours each week.
Pricing & RatesProposals & Contracts
How I Sold a $6,000 Website to a Non-Profit Using Value-Based Pricing
Find out how I sold a $6,000 website to a non-profit using value-based pricing and why they agreed to pay 100% of the total cost upfront.
News & OpinionYear in Review
2015 Year in Review
After two amazing back-to-back years in 2013 and 2014, I wasn't sure if 2015 would be able to top it. But it totally did. I hope that by sharing my accomplishments I can inspire you…
Payments & InvoicingPricing & RatesProposals & Contracts
Why You Should Charge 100% Upfront (and How to Actually Do It)
Have you ever been stiffed by a client? You convinced them to hire you, everyone was eager to get stared, and everything seemed to be going great, but the client either paid you late or…
Getting ClientsMarketing & Positioning
How to Identify and Attract Your Ideal Freelance Client
Wouldn’t it be wonderful to have the perfect clients always reaching out to you for work? It’s not only possible, but completely attainable for any freelancer. The key to attracting the right clients starts…
Productivity
How to Organize Your Gmail Inbox (and Create a Labeling System)
When you look at your inbox each day, how do you feel? Do you dread opening Gmail because of all the emails that need your attention now? If you're anything like I was, you'd be…
LifestyleProductivity
How to Maximize & Manage Your Time as a Freelancer
Freelancing awards us the freedom to choose the hours we work, but it is important to have a plan for your days and weeks, even if that plan changes from time to time.
Productivity
12 Essential Freelance Tools That Will Keep Your Business Running Smoothly
Being in business for yourself comes with a lot of added responsibility. Gone are the days when you can focus on your work and leave the billing, scheduling, client management, project management, and new business development to…
Client CommunicationGetting Clients
How to Convert Your Leads Into High-Paying Freelance Clients
As freelancers, we put a lot of time and effort into getting new leads, but we often forget how to close the deal once they arrive. A new lead isn’t much to brag about…
Getting ClientsProposals & Contracts
How to Write a Winning Freelance Project Proposal
Writing a winning proposal starts long before the proposal is written. You have to ask qualifying questions and determine if the client is a good fit. Then present the project in the most effective…
Getting ClientsMarketing & PositioningPortfolio Websites
Get Hired With The Perfect Online Student Portfolio
If you are pursuing a degree in any digital or creative field, it is no longer optional that you have a personal website to show off your best work to potential employers. Thanks to many…
Client CommunicationGetting Clients
10 Signs You’re About to Work With a Difficult Freelance Client
It's difficult to know which clients to work with and which ones to avoid. It's not always easy because that can sometimes mean rejecting potential income and a new portfolio piece, but working with the…
Getting ClientsMarketing & Positioning
The Golden Question No Other Freelancer Is Asking
Most freelancers overlook this one question that instantly builds trust, uncovers real client goals, and helps you win better projects. Here's how to use it.
Career TransitionsMarketing & Positioning
How to Successfully Kickstart Your Freelancing Career
Most freelancers don't know what they're doing in the beginning — and that's ok. To kickstart your freelancing career, use these six simple tips to get your first clients and gain traction as you…
Client CommunicationProject Management
How to Present Your Designs So Clients Trust Your Decisions
Even great clients give subjective feedback if you present your design as decoration instead of strategy. Learn how to present your work in a way that earns trust, reduces revisions, and keeps the conversation…