Follow this action plan to land your first client and kick off your independent journey on Contra faster.
Step 1: Perfect your profile
Your profile is your first impression—it’s how potential clients decide whether to reach out or move on. A complete, polished profile helps you show up in higher in Discover and signals that you’re serious about your work.
The more thoughtfully your profile is built, the more likely you are to attract your dream clients. Not sure where to start? Learn how to optimize your projects here.
Step 2: Invite existing clients
If you already have clients outside of Contra, invite them to start paying you through the platform. This not only streamlines your workflow but also helps you start earning on Contra. As you earn, you’ll unlock your first earnings badge which is an important trust signal that boosts your visibility to new clients.
Bringing existing relationships onto Contra is one of the fastest ways to build momentum and establish your presence.
Step 3: Request reviews
Social proof matters. If you've worked with clients off-platform, you can still showcase those relationships by requesting a review. These reviews appear on your profile and help potential clients feel confident in hiring you, even if you haven’t completed a Contra project yet.
A strong review highlights your reliability and results, which can be the tipping point for a client deciding between candidates. Learn more about requesting reviews here.
Step 4: Apply to an expert program
Contra’s expert programs help you stand out by highlighting your proficiency in popular tools. When accepted, you’ll earn an expert badge that displays on your profile and in your job applications.
These badges add instant credibility and make your applications more competitive, especially when clients are looking for specialists in specific tools. Learn more about expert programs and apply to your first one here.
Step 5: Make applying to jobs a habit
Like most things in life, success on Contra comes down to consistency. Once your profile is crafted, make it a daily habit to check the job feed and apply to jobs that align with your skills. A well-crafted, personalized application that speaks directly to the client’s needs will help you stand out.
The more you apply, the more chances you create to connect with the right client. Even if you don’t land your first few applications, you're building visibility and learning how to tailor your pitch.
Step 6: Unlock growth with Contra Pro
Contra Pro gives you access to tools that can significantly accelerate your growth on Contra. You’ll get a visibility-blueprint from your Discovery Score, and support from Indy AI, our new AI assistant that helps you find career-defining opportunities through your existing network. Learn more about all Contra Pro features here.