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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…
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…
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…
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…
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.
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
The Golden Question No Other Freelancer Is Asking
The freelance market is more oversaturated now than ever before. If you want to stand out from the crowd, asking this one will tell the client that you know what you're doing and that…
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…
The Most Effective Way to Present Your Designs
Everyone has an opinion about the way things look. Even the most trusting clients will have revisions and change requests waiting for you after you present your work. But why? After all, they hired…Topics
Career Transitions (11)Client Communication (12)Finances & Taxes (10)Getting Clients (22)Guest Articles (19)Lifestyle (12)Marketing & Positioning (17)News & Opinion (17)Payments & Invoicing (10)Portfolio Websites (10)Pricing & Rates (7)Productivity (17)Project Management (14)Proposals & Contracts (9) Get over 100+ answers to your biggest freelancing questions
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Join The Freelance InstituteHi, 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.