Articles for Freelancers
Learn how to build a successful freelancing business and get hired by your dream clients.

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…
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…
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. Working 15 hours per week for most of each year, that works out to about $1.95 an hour. That's…
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,…
How to Properly Name Your Invoices
Most freelancers don't spend time thinking about the best way to name an invoice, but caring about the seemingly trivial aspects of your business (that other freelancers ignore) is what will set you apart…
Don’t Break Your Own Rules
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…
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).
How to Turn One Small 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.
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.
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…
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.
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.
How to Find Your Own Success Without Idolizing People in Your Industry
Is there anyone in your industry you really admire? Anyone you follow intensely on social media? Blogs you read religiously? If only you could be more like them, your career would be better, right?…
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!
How to Write Great Copy When You’re Not Actually a Copywriter
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.
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.Topics
Career Transitions (10)Client Communication (12)Finances & Taxes (9)Getting Clients (25)Guest Articles (17)Lifestyle (9)Marketing & Positioning (17)News & Opinion (20)Payments & Invoicing (6)Portfolio Websites (9)Pricing & Rates (6)Productivity (19)Project Management (17)Proposals & Contracts (5) Join a community for freelancers and remote workers! π
Get the best advice by talking directly to experienced freelancers. Ask questions, get tailored advice, make friends, share resources, and more.
Join The Freelance InstituteGet over 100+ answers to your biggest freelancing questions
Get my FREE 52-page eBook when you join my newsletter. Gain confidence and clarity as you pursue a life of self-employment.
Download for FREE!Hi, I'm Matt Olpinski
I teach thousands of freelancers how to get more clients, raise their rates, and create a better life for themselves.
Ever since I left my salary job behind, I've consistently earned a six-figure freelance income each year and have worked with clients such as Facebook, Marriott, Bloomberg, and American Express.
I want to show you how to take your freelancing career to the next level so you can build a healthy, sustainable, and satisfying freelance business.