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 went 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: