Freelancing 101 — The guide to help you start freelancing with clarity and confidence
“I’ve been a freelance writer for 20+ years, and your emails are some of the very few I actually read to the end. They’re engaging, insightful, and genuinely stand out.”
“Thank you for putting such amazing content in your newsletters. They’re the only ones I read top to bottom. Your content is gold every single time.”
“After reading your blog, I’m convinced you’ve been following my life. I’m so glad I subscribed — I was definitely in danger of making all these mistakes over again!“
“Your advice helped me fix my freelance cash flow. I used your up-front payment tip on a $10k project and the client went for it — game changer.”
“As an introverted designer, I’ve always struggled to sell myself and talk about pricing. Matt’s advice helped me step back, see the big picture, and approach freelancing with confidence & integrity.”
“What you’re doing is inspiring. Your experience speaks for itself — and your content is genuine and highly productive.”
What’s inside the book?
Honest, practical answers to the questions new freelancers ask most — from pricing and clients to productivity and mindset.
Chapter 1LifestyleLearn how to achieve a healthy work-life balance and work from home effectively
Chapter 2Career TransitionsLearn how to navigate tricky career transitions and start your freelancing journey
Chapter 3Pricing & RatesLearn how to price your freelance services and set appropriate rates for each project
Chapter 4Getting ClientsLearn how to attract freelance clients to your business rather than chasing after paid work
Chapter 5Marketing & PositioningFind out how to market yourself to potential clients and position yourself for success
Chapter 6Portfolio WebsitesLearn how to create a captivating portfolio website that clients find irresistible
Chapter 7Proposals & ContractsLearn the difference between proposals and contracts and how to use each effectively
Chapter 8Client CommunicationLearn how to communicate effectively with your clients and set clear expectations
Chapter 9Project ManagementFind out how to schedule and complete your projects in a professional and timely manner
Chapter 10Payments & InvoicingLearn how to properly send invoices and collect payments from your freelance clients
Chapter 11Finances & TaxesLearn how to manage your finances and save for taxes so you can grow your business
Chapter 12ProductivityGet tips on how to stay productive and make the most of your time each dayFrom accidental freelancer to six-figure solo business
I started freelancing by accident in college. I loved designing websites — and quickly realized people were willing to pay for them. My first projects were free or wildly underpriced. I had no idea what I was doing, but I kept going.
It’s a miracle I ever got hired. 🤯
I fumbled through pricing, proposals, and conversations with clients. I took on projects I wasn’t ready for and hoped I’d figure it out along the way. I worked nights, weekends, and sometimes 20-hour days — all while balancing a full course load.
After four years, I’d made about $10,000 total… which is only $2,500 per year. You see, I had the passion, but not the plan.
So I got a full-time job at a design agency. It gave me financial stability — and the space to keep freelancing on the side.
That’s when I had a lightbulb moment 💡 My portfolio website was my only sales tool — and I’d been using it to talk about myself instead of focusing on my clients. So I rewrote everything to speak directly to their goals, challenges, and outcomes. I wanted them to see me as a strategic partner, not just a designer.
That single shift changed everything.
✨ Freelance InsightThe turning point wasn’t a big break — it was when I redesigned my site to focus on clients instead of showcasing myself.
Within weeks of relaunching my site, I got a $15,000 project inquiry — way more than I had ever discussed with a freelance client before. I didn’t close the deal, but it proved this new direction was working. It pushed me to improve my website even more and use it intentionally as a client acquisition tool.
By 2015, my freelance income outpaced my salary. I left my 9-5 job, went all in — and doubled my income almost immediately.
Now I help freelancers skip the guesswork
It took me years of trial and error to build a freelance career that’s profitable, sustainable, and fun. My free book and weekly newsletter are designed to help you get there in a fraction of the time.
You’ll learn how to freelance with clarity and confidence:
👉 Start freelancing with no experience
👉 Attract better clients through your website
👉 Stop undercharging and get paid upfront
👉 Manage your projects, time, and communication like a pro
👉 Avoid job boards, hustle culture, and chasing work
Just clear, practical advice delivered every Saturday morning.