New Freelancer? You Need to Check Out Contra
If you are looking for an all-in-one freelance project solution that actually works, don’t sleep on what the Contra team is building.
As a freelance writer, I’m no stranger to the world of “tools” and “platforms.”
I cut my project teeth on sites like Fiverr and UpWork, looking for the best gigs to help build my brand and give me a portfolio that clients actually wanted to look at.
While many freelancers see platforms as a “race to the bottom” in the gig economy, the truth is that you NEED to utilize the digital tools at your disposal to connect with clients where they live.
Unless you are a multi-million dollar brand, you’re going to need to utilize the latest services that make it easier for businesses to outsource projects.
Enter Contra — a new tool designed specifically for freelancers and small businesses.
The team behind Contra created an all-in-one platform that solves many of the project management headaches I’ve been dealing with. From portfolio building to client project management to effortless (seriously effortless) payment processing, Contra continues to amaze me with its product offering.
On the fence about your own freelance client and project management solution? Here are a few of the top reasons why I’m encouraging new freelancers to jump on board with Contra right now:
1. Contra Has It All. Seriously.
As a freelancer, you need to wear many hats. And well.
Throughout your client funnel, you’ll act as a salesperson, a designer, a project manager, an accountant… you name it. That’s why Contra is such a great tool — you can use it to run your entire business from the same platform.
From invoicing and payment processing to portfolio building and client management, Contra has solutions for almost any need that comes up in the freelance world.
Personally, I love that you can create a stunning portfolio that allows clients to contact you with any project needs, as well as find tons of awesome opportunities that new clients are dropping daily.
(And right now, the competition is relatively low — so your chances of connecting with that awesome long-term client are HIGH.)
2. Contra’s Portfolio System is AWESOME
As a freelancer, I’m a snob about my online portfolio.
At the same time, I’m the absolute WORST at keeping up with it consistently.
Any time I want to add a project to my portfolio for potential clients to see, I’m quickly overwhelmed with everything you need to do:
- Collect all your project details and collateral
- Follow up with clients for testimonials/results of the project
- Write your case study or project summary (who has time for non-paid writing?!)
- Publish it and make sure it looks good on your portfolio platform.
- Share the new portfolio content consistently, so people actually see it.
- Do this again, and again, and again, until you die a slow narcissistic death.
Can you see that I don’t love the portfolio-building process? I’d much rather be making money writing for other people than spending hours fine-tuning my own content.
But not keeping up with your portfolio means you are leaving money on the table and keeping your best from potential clients!
Some “silent clients” may never reach out and ask for your work — they will just scan your digital presence to see what you’ve done.
Nothing to show? No reason to call.
PTL, Contra has made the portfolio-building process a breeze. It’s one of the best solutions I’ve come across for quickly creating project summaries or case studies and posting them with ease.
It’s as effortless as creating a fast blog with project highlights. In one click, it’s on your stunning portfolio and ready for clients to see.
Best of all, clients can automatically contact you from your portfolio. You can then respond and follow up with any potential leads, helping you connect with Contra’s ever-growing client base.
Plus, the team at Contra is always pushing new updates, like a custom-domain connection to your portfolio and the ability to gain even deeper customizations as part of their paid Pro subscription.
(Trust me, it’s worth it.)
3. Contra Has Quality Clients That Trust The Platform
Navigating client relationships is one of the biggest headaches for any freelancer or solopreneur.
Thankfully, with Contra, you don’t have to worry about sketchy clients or projects unreasonably asking for free work.
Their team has carefully vetted their client base, so you can trust that each project is top-notch and high quality. You can even reach out to a support team member if you ever need help with a client or project.
And when you connect with a new client (or bring them over to Contra, because the system is excellent!), they can start leaving you testimonials that pop up right on your portfolio!
If you’re an introvert, this can be a *lifesaver* over following up and asking for testimonials.
My favorite aspect? The payment process is safe, secure, and effortless. And NO COMMISSION FEES.
Yeah, seriously.
I recently wrapped up a client project on Contra, and as soon as the client confirmed the project, the escrow payment came right to my “wallet,” and I was able to move it to my business account SAME DAY.
Outside a small transaction fee, I made the exact amount I charged. From a freelance and solopreneur platform?
Game. Changed.
4. The Contra Community Is Amazing
Support in the freelance life is essential.
A kind, encouraging community that supports your growth as a business owner? Incredible.
I’ve had a chance to get to know many individuals on the Contra team over the past year, and each one is passionate and excited about what is happening at the company.
Their developers, marketing team, and even their leadership are experienced freelancers who know what the market needs — and how to bring quality products to their customers.
I had a chance to connect with Ben, one of Contra’s founders, during a recent trip to San Francisco.
Over coffee, he shared with me the dream he and the team have for creating an incredible online resource that helps people unlock the freedom that a life built on passion can bring.
It was inspiring to hear someone share their heart for helping freelance professionals find success.
Ben also shared Contra’s big vision for the future, which includes a suite of products that help freelancers and entrepreneurs achieve their goals more efficiently and quickly.
From automation tools and streamlined processes to analytics insights and helpful resources, Contra is investing in solutions that can revolutionize how people work — no matter where they are in their careers.
Don’t Sleep On Contra
If you are a freelancer, it’s never a bad thing to dip your toes into potential avenues to connect with clients and create better systems for yourself.
I may sound like a fan-boy of Contra (and I am), but it’s because they are truly creating products that will help future freelancers break into a crowded and competitive space.
And when we help each other create better, we all get better. It’s that simple.
I’ve loved connecting with the Contra team and using their product, and I can vouch for the value on offer. It’s been a HUGE help to me professionally, and their community is top-notch.
Want to check out my Contra profile? You can see it here, and create your own Contra profile now to get in on the ground floor!
Special Portfolio Event At Contra | February 23, 2023
As part of their commitment to helping freelancers, Contra is hosting a FREE portfolio tips and tricks session on February 23, 2023, at 7:30 PM EST.
Hosted by JT O’Donnell of Work It Daily, you’ll gain awesome tips and tricks for creating a portfolio that clients love.
Plus, I’ll be hosting a breakout room along with fellow Contra freelancers Téa and Kalann, where we will offer feedback on portfolios and discuss our own experiences on Contra!
