I wrote this guide to help freelancers like me who are just getting started on Contra and want to land their first client.
Since going pro earlier this year, I've gone from not being able to land clients to the top 1% of independents on the platform. Along the way, I’ve learned a lot about what actually works—and what doesn’t.
Now, you might be thinking, “How can I land clients if I’m new?” Great question. Why? Because I’ve been there. I remember exactly what it felt like to send out cold pitches, tweak my profile a hundred times, and hope it would work. I was figuring it out one step at a time, just like you. Even now, I’m learning as I go, and that’s the way it should be as we reach new levels.
If you’re reading this, you’re likely new to freelancing. My goal is to give you a clear, step-by-step approach to getting that first “yes” and building early momentum. My other goal is to have you land your first Contra client faster than I did!
I’ll walk you through what’s worked for me with real examples from my own dashboard.
Let’s get into it.
Think of your profile as a storefront in a mall. Clients do judge books by their cover. Before applying for gigs, make sure your profile signals credibility and value for your targeted client.
Write a clear headline
Example: “Brand Designer for SaaS Startups” or “Web Developer for Solopreneurs”
Client-focused bio: Talk less about you, more about how you help others.
Instead of "I'm passionate about design,” try “I help fintech startups design clean, conversion-focused websites.”
Avatar: You don’t need a studio shot. Heck, you don’t even need to show your face, but it helps. If you do use your face online, go for a clear image with good lighting.
Strong project examples: Upload 2–3 portfolio items that match the type of work you want to get hired for. If you don’t have any client work yet, create concept projects. For me, I work with startups in the media, tech, and consumer goods spaces. So my work matches that.
Focus your services around a specific skill or audience. This builds trust faster. Also, let those things be something you’re interested in. If you’re not into SaaS, don’t take on SaaS clients.
Ask yourself: