The Contrarian

Tips on working with freelancers, and resources on flexible and remote work — from Contra and our global community.

· 2 min read

Welcome to Contra 👋

A brief rundown on all of the guides that live on this page, and how these can help you while you’re building out your online identity. 🚀

  • Remote Working & Freelancing
· 6 min read

Instagram Business vs. Personal Accounts: Pros & Cons 🤔

  • Social Media
· 8 min read

Paid Social Media: A Complete Guide for Advertising Success 📣

  • Social Media
· 5 min read

How to Write Problem Statements: 2 Examples 🧩

  • Remote Working & Freelancing
· 4 min read

Stakeholders vs. Shareholders: What’s the Difference? 👥

  • Remote Working & Freelancing
· 7 min read

18 Productivity Tips for Working from Home 🏠

  • Remote Working & Freelancing
· 7 min read

What Are Motion Graphics & How Do They Differ from Animation? 💥

  • Design & Creative
· 9 min read

9 Tips for Hiring the Right Candidate ✅

  • Remote Working & Freelancing
· 7 min read

6 Pro Tips for Effective Networking 🤝

  • Remote Working & Freelancing
· 6 min read

How to Use Creator Studio for Instagram and Facebook 🧰

  • Social Media
· 6 min read

How to Crack the Instagram Reels Algorithm in 2023 🥷

  • Social Media

How to Use the Pomodoro Technique to be More Efficient 🍅

How to Become a Freelancer in 2023: 6 Steps to Start 💻

What’s an SEO Specialist, and How Can You Become One? 🧑‍💻

1099 vs. W-2 Tax Forms: Learn the Differences 🧾

How to Become a Photographer in Today’s Digital World 📸

Meta Verified: What Is It & Is It Worth Paying For? ☑️

How to Turn on Analytics on TikTok: The Complete Guide 📈

What Is Upskilling? Definition, Importance, & Benefits ☝️

What Is a Sound Designer & What Does One Do? 🔊

Portfolio Magic by Contra

Your guide to Contra’s new shareable assets 📱

Customizing portfolios, proposals, contracts + invoices

Launch a basic portfolio in minutes – Try it free 👀

Using Contra’s Pro Analytics to land more work 🚀

How Contra Connects you with Top Independents🌟

What Is an Email Marketing Campaign? 8 Examples ✉️

What Are Illustrators & What Do They Do? 🖼️

Low-Code vs. No-Code: Key Differences for App Development 💻

How to Use CapCut: A Step-by-Step Guide 🎥

4 Digital Customer Experience Trends to Implement Now 🔥

What Is a Visual Designer? How to Become One 🧑‍🎨

What Is a Full-Stack Developer? Here’s How to Become One 🧑‍💻

SEO vs. SEM: What's the Difference & Which Is Right for You? 🔎

Relume Experts on Contra

Cover Letters vs. Resumes: Learn the Key Differences 📝

How to Get Clients: 14 Ways 🔥

What Is Project Scope? 8 Steps to Define Yours 🎯

How to Make a Photography Portfolio in 2023 📷

How to Make a Playlist on TikTok to Get More Views 👀

Brand Personality: Examples of What It Is & How It Works 💁

8 Creative Content Ideas for Instagram to Enliven Your Feed 💡

How to Manage People Like a Pro: 15 Tips 👩‍💼

What Is Unlimited PTO? Getting to Know the Pros & Cons 💵

40 Great Virtual Icebreakers for Remote Meetings 🧊

10 Top Causes of Stress at Work & Tips for Coping with It 😣

QA Engineers: What They Are, and How to Become One ⚙️

How to Repost an Instagram Story You're Not Tagged In 🔄

How to Become an Animator in 2023: 5 Steps 💫

How to Do a Competitive PPC Analysis: A Freelancer’s Guide 👀

How to Invite Collaborators on Instagram: A Complete Guide 💌

What Is a UGC Creator? How to Become One in 2023 🤳

Key Management Skills for Your Resume: 22 Examples 📃

How to Recover from Burnout: 10 Winning Strategies 🧨

What Is CRO Marketing & How Does It Work? 📈

How to Write a Price Increase Letter: 6 Tips 💰

What Is a Content Calendar? How to Create One in 2023 📅

How to Do a Personal SWOT Analysis: A Freelancer’s Guide 💪

How to Put Freelance Work on a Resume or in a Portfolio 📋

How to Download Instagram Reels: 5 Ways📱

When to Follow Up After An Interview: 6 Tips 🗣️

How to Become a YouTuber: A Roadmap to Success 🤳

What Is Talent Acquisition? Unveiling Strategies for Success 🔎

How Do You Prioritize Tasks? Key Steps and Helpful Tips 💡

How to Start a Social Media Marketing Agency📱

How to Become a Software Engineer: A Freelancer’s Guide 🧑‍💻

What Is Programmatic Advertising? A Beginner's Guide 🔈

5 Effective Business Growth Strategies & Tips to Succeed 🧑‍💼

Prepare for Success: 18 Behavioral Interview Questions 🗣️

What Are Virtual Assistants, and What Do They Do? 🧑‍💻

A Guide to Storytelling Marketing: Examples That Inspire 🧚

Vision vs. Mission: What's the Difference? 🤔

What Is a Podcast? How it Works and How to Get Started 🎙️

25 Portfolio and Resume Power Words to Make You Stand Out 🌟

How to Start a Business From Home: Tips and Ideas 🏠

YouTube Video Ideas for When You’re Having a Creative Block 🗯️

Paid, Owned, and Earned Media: Learn the Key Differences 📰

What Is Adobe XD? Main Features and Uses 🖥️

9 Essential Tips for Effective Remote Team Management 🌎

How to Make TikTok Videos: A Guide to Getting Started 🤩

How to Do Voice-Overs on Google Slides Like a Pro 🎙️

How to Write a Winning Argumentative Essay Conclusion ✒️📃

Getting Started in the World of Freelance Digital Design 🚀

Soft Skills vs. Hard Skills: Defining the Differences 🧠

Audio Engineers: What They Are and How to Become One 🔉

WordPress vs. Wix: Which Is Best for Your Business Website? 💻

How to Create an Outstanding Software Developer Portfolio 💽

How to Write Dialogue That Adds Depth to Your Storytelling 💬

How to Be a Good Mentor: 10 Key Things To Do 🧑‍🏫

Understanding What Writer's Block Is and How to Overcome It ✍️

How to Give Effective Feedback and Motivate Others 💪

Essential Grammar Rules: How to Write With Excellence ✍️

How to Grow Your YouTube Channel: 17 Pro Tips ⏩

SEO Writing: Essential Steps and Proven Tips for Success 🔎

What Is a Decision Matrix, and How Do You Use It? 💭

Mastering Client Management: Skills and Tips for Freelancers 🤝

2D vs. 3D Animation: Choosing the Style That’s Right for You 🫵

How to Become an Entrepreneur: 8 Tips for Success 🏆

How to Build and Maintain a Strong, Long-Lasting Team 💪

Copywriting for Marketing Growth 💬

How to Write a Winning Business Proposal in 8 Steps 🔥

How to Write a Winning Pitch in 6 Steps 📝

Social Media Engagement Strategies: 10 Proven Tips

Understanding the Graphic Design Process: 10 Simple Steps 🧑‍💻

Promotional Materials: How To Boost Your Marketing Strategy 📈

9 Steps to Building an Online Community in 2023 (With Examples)

What Is a Mockup? How to Visualize Your Designs Effectively 📝

8 Essential Marketing Tips for a Small Business 💁‍♀️

The Art of Journalistic Writing: A Comprehensive Guide ✍️

Decoding Music Engineers: What They Are and What They Do 🎧

Visual Identity: Building a Strong and Lasting Brand Image 👁️

How to Generate Leads: Top Strategies for Fueling a Business 💸

A Beginners Guide to Filmmaking 🎥

Framer Experts on Contra

Consulting vs. Contracting: What’s the Difference? 🤔

5 Ways to Improve Client Communication ☎️

The Best Productivity Tools for Boosting Your Career 🛠️

What Is Co-Branding? Examples and Successful Strategies 🤝

Backend Engineer or Backend Developer: Which to Hire? 👨‍💻

From Audio to Text: A Guide on How to Write a Transcript 👂

Building Your Career: How to Create a Writing Portfolio 📋

Exploring the Fascinating Journey of the Creative Process 💡

Types of Literary Devices: 13 You Must Know ✍️

Alt Text on Instagram: Making Your Posts More Accessible 👆

How to Digitize a Drawing 🎨🖌️

How to Use a Green Screen: The Art of Special Effects 🟩🪄

Using Branded Content to Build Stronger Links with Consumers 💪

Creating a Project Roadmap: The Ultimate Guide 🗺️

Unlocking Your Potential With Public Speaking Skills 🗣️

Navigating the World of Virtual Meetings Like a Pro 🤳🤝

Asymmetrical Balance: A Guide to Mastering Dynamic Designs 🖼️

The Power of Brand Archetypes: How to Unlock Yours 🔓

Hiring a Social Media Content Creator That’s Right for You 🤳

Ethical Hacking: What Freelancers Need to Know 🥷🏼

How To Code A Video Game: A Fun Guide To Get Started 🎮

Crafting an Informative Essay: A Comprehensive Guide 📝

Mastering the White Paper Format: A Step-by-Step Guide 📝

What is Curated Content & Why It's Important 📲

Point of View: How to Craft Compelling Narratives 👁️

Fresh Instagram Story Ideas to Make Your Profile Stand Out 🙌

How to Create an API: A Step-By-Step Guide for Freelancers 🚀

The Fascinating Relationship Between Psychology and Shapes 🔵🔺

How to Write an Op-Ed: A Guide to Effective Opinion Writing 🖋️

How to End a Presentation and Leave a Lasting Impression 👏

Media Kits: What They Are and Why You Need One 📸

The Art of Persuasion: Mastering the Perfect Sales Pitch 🗣️

Silent Censorship: Understanding Shadow Banning 🤫

How to Set Up Your Home Recording Studio Like a Pro 🎤

Pro Tips on How to Get More Views on Instagram Reels 👀

How to Write a Freelance Contract 📃

How To: Create a Website on Webflow

How To: Create Brand Guidelines Using Canva

How-To Market Your Business on Social Media

Hiring a YouTube Editor 🎥

Self-Management: What It Is and How to Master It 🥇

How to Manage Multiple Projects Like a Pro 🤹

How Positive and Negative Space Can Transform Your Designs ☯️

Like a Pro: How to Create a Winning Illustration Portfolio 🎨💻

Contra’s Guide to Building a Successful Video Editor Career 🎥

How to Become a Digital Marketer: An Independent’s Guide 🚀

How To: Send an Invoice

Meeting a Client: Tips for a Successful First Call 🤙

How to Scale a Freelance Business: Proven Strategies + Tips 📈

How to Get into the Music Industry in 2023 🎸🎵

How to Freelance as a Web Developer: A Step-By-Step Guide 🪜

How to Ask for a Testimonial: A Freelancer’s Guide 🙋💬

A Freelancer’s Guide to Building a Professional Portfolio 🎨🔥

Understanding Uncle Sam: How to Do Taxes as a Freelancer 🧾🎩

Mastering the Art of Creating a Social Media Content Strategy📱

Web App Development: Everything You Need to Know 🧑‍💻🧰

How to Make Pictures Look Professional: Photo Editing Tips 📸

Persuasive Strategies in Writing: Pro Techniques + Tips ✍️

Skyrocket Your Metrics: Engaging Questions for Social Media📱📈

How to Build a Social Media Portfolio: 5 Tips with Examples 🤳

What Is a Digital Nomad? Working Remotely While on the Go ✈️

The Contra Guide to Creating a Unique Marketing Portfolio 👀

How to Become a Successful Independent Graphic Designer 🧑‍🎨

Interactive Posts for Social Media: 8 Ideas to Boost Engagement

How to Host a Website: A Step-by-Step Guide 🌐💻

How to Be a Freelance Music Producer: Tips for Independents 🎹

Creating Wireframes: A Step-by-Step Guide for UX Designers 💻

What Are KPIs? Marketing Metrics You Should Be Measuring 📈👁️

How to Come Up With a Unique and Creative Brand Name 💡

Copy Editing vs. Proofreading: Understanding the Difference 📚

Should you Hire Full-Time or Freelancers? Pros and Cons

Long-Term Budget Benefits of Hiring Freelancers over Full-Time

The Top 5 Reasons to Hire a Freelancer 🚀

10 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Hiring Freelancers

How-to: Go Full-Time to Freelance

How To: Find your Freelance Niche

How-to: Gain Confidence as a New Freelancer

How to Develop & Refine Your Content Distribution Strategy 🔥

Data Engineering vs. Data Science: Key Differences 📊

The Ultimate Guide to Finding the Right Freelancer for Your Job

How To: Post a Job

How to Be a Creative Director: An Independent’s Guide 🤩📖

What Is Prewriting? Techniques and Tips for Independent Writers✍

What Is Figma & What Are Its Benefits? 🎨💻

The Ultimate Guide to Posting a Job as a Client

How To: Build World-Class Support

The Startup Blueprint: Building a Company + Common Pitfalls

Building Your Initial Team as a Startup: A Guide to Success

Harnessing the Power of Virtual Events: A Guide for Companies

Leveraging Influencers to Boost Your Company's SM Presence

Insta-Success: 5 Tips for Promoting Your Company's Instagram

Top 5 Hacks to Skyrocket Your Company's TikTok Presence

The 5-Step Process to Creating a Winning SEM Strategy

Maximizing your website: Creating an SEO Strategy

Typefaces vs. Fonts: What’s the Difference? 📝

Different Types of Websites and Their Goals 🤓

How to Get on Spotify Playlists and Share Songs Like a Pro 🎵

Questions for Independents to Ask Before Accepting a Job 🤔

What Are Storyboards? A Comprehensive Guide for Freelancers 🎬

How to Write a Novel: A Guide to Creating a Future Classic 🐣📖

YouTube Community Tab: What Is It & How to Get It in 2023 🔓

How to Become an Editor: The Contra Guide for Freelancers 🧐

How to Find Trending Sounds on TikTok & Make Viral Videos 💥🎹

How Graphic Design Is Used in Video Games 🎮

Link in Bio: What It Means + How It Can Help Grow Your Brand 🔗

How to Make CGI Animation: What Is It & How to Use It 🎬

What’s the Difference Between Programming and Coding? 👩‍💻

What to Know About Different Writing Styles, From A to Z ✍️

Do-Re-Mi! How to Monetize Making Music 💸🎹

A Step-by-Step Guide to Rebranding Your Business 🐛🦋

How to Start a Digital Marketing Agency: The Complete Guide 🏗️

Invoices: What They Are, How They Work & How to Make One🧾

How to Create a Stunning Graphic Design Portfolio 🎨

How to Make a Winning Pitch Deck for Investors: 10 Tips 💯

Contra Brand & Product Redesign 2023

Digital Portfolio: What Is It & How to Make One in 7 Steps 📌

From W-9s to 1099s: How to Pay an Independent Contractor 🫴

How to Create an Effective Project Plan in Excel 📊✨

How to Make Money on TikTok 🤑

Upfront Payment: What is It & How to Ask for One Politely 💰

Get Paid What You’re Worth: How to Negotiate Like a Pro🫰

Front-End vs. Back-End Developers: What’s the Difference? 👥

Get Inspired! Websites for Authors Who Want to Write Well 📝

Graphic Designers vs. Web Designers: What’s the Difference? 🤖

How to Become a Social Media Manager📱

Sales Funnel Creation: A Beginner’s Guide 📣

How to Price Your Work: Graphic Designers’ Hourly Rates ⏱

How to Become a Content Creator 🎨

How to Hire a Remote Brand Designer 🏝️

What Is a Product Designer? Everything You Need to Know 📐

How to Set Freelance Writing Rates: Per Word, Article or Hourly?

How to Become a Project Manager 💼

What Is a “Tech Stack” and Why You Should Have One 📚

What Is a Niche Market? Definition & Examples 🎯

How to Make Money Online for Beginners: 10 Effective Methods 🤑

What Is a Front-end Developer and How Do You Hire One? 🌐

Hey, Writers! How Many Sentences Should Be in a Paragraph? 🔢

6 Best Laptops for Remote Work in 2023 💻

How to Invoice: A Beginner’s Guide 💰📬

How to Get More Views on TikTok in 2023: 8 Key Strategies 👀

Project Deliverables: Meaning & Examples in Project Management

6 Main Types of Graphic Design You Need To Know⚡

Data Scientist vs Data Analyst: Key Differences ⚖️

Top 10 Signs That You Got the Job After an Interview 🎉

How To Make YouTube Shorts: 2023 Step by Step Guide 📱

Tips to Building a Successful Brand 🏗️

What is a Freelancer: How to Become an Independent Contractor ✅

What Does a Movie Producer Do? 🎬

6 Examples to Create a UX Design Portfolio

The 9 Best Podcasting Recording Software in 2023 🎙️

What Does a UX Designer Do? 💻

How To Build Work Confidence: 9 Tips for Freelancers 🦸

How To Sell on Instagram: A Step-by-Step Guide 💯

7 Style Guide Examples for Inspiration 🎨

How to Use the Facebook Ads Library to Boost Your Ads 📢

How to Find Freelance Work: The Best Websites & Tips 🦅

How to Write a Job Proposal: The Freelancer's Guide 🤝

8 Money Management Tips for Freelancers 💵

How to Write a Case Study: Steps & Examples 🤓

What is a Creative Brief & How to Write One 💼

The Best Music Production Software to Enhance Your Sound 🎶

How To Become a Better Writer: 10 Effective Writing Tips ✍️

What is a ghostwriter? Everything you need to know 👻

6 Personal Website Examples to Inspire Independents ✨

15 Online Side Jobs: Make Extra Money From Home 🤑

5 Things to Know Before Being a Copywriter with Jennifer Pavlick

How To: Become a Freelance Product Manager with Abidal Alshahri

Wrapping up the Year as a Freelance Designer with Design By Sevd

How To Work for Yourself | Benefits, steps, and job ideas 💼

How To Set Professional Development Goals

How To: Freelance While Having a Full-time Job

End of the Year Freelancer Checklist

How To: Send Bonuses To Freelancers

How to Start Freelancing: 2023 Guide to Become a Freelancer 💻

How to Start Freelancing with No Experience 📚

Why Freelancers Should Have a Scheduling Service

How and When to Increase your Rates as a Freelancer

How to Get Freelance Clients: 15 Tips to Win Business in 2023 🔥

How to Create a Stable Income as a Freelancer

Connecting your Custom Domain on Contra

Contra vs Webflow

Creating a Portfolio for your Freelance Career

Contra vs Wix

Contra vs Squarespace: What's the Difference?

Contra for Clients

Freelance Rates: How to Price Your Freelance Services in 2023 💵

Top Independents on Contra

Contra vs Upwork

Contra vs Fiverr: What's the Difference?

Guide to Inviting Collaborators🤝

Guide to Milestone Projects

Guide to Flexible Projects

Guide to Work Preferences

Guide to Discover

Getting Discovered on Contra 🙌

Five Tips for Working Remotely

Contra Terminology

How to Find Freelance Jobs on LinkedIn

How To: Hire on Contra

How to Find Freelance Jobs on Twitter 🐦

Three Reasons Why Test Projects are Useful

Five Tools for Product Designers

Five Signs You Need a Copywriter

Community Managers: Why Do You Need One? 🧑‍💻

How to Hire a Growth Marketer

Getting Verified on Contra ✅

Boost your Reputation with Recommendations

How to Hire a Social Media Manager

Best Practices for Working with Independents

How to Send a Winning Inquiry on Contra

How to Hire a Remote Social Media Creator

30 Independents x Copy.ai ️📝 Ongoing Blog Content

Guide to Crypto Payouts 💸

Switchboard x Diego ⚡️ Promotional Videos

Aluce x Cory 💻 Web Development

Stan x Lauren 📱 Social Media Management

Hiring Your Next TikTok Content Creator 🎥

Almanac.io x Ifeoma Ahuna🎥TikTok Videos

Contra x Haley Hoffman 🤑 Face Filters

Contra x Bonnie Kate 💥 Custom Icons & Emojis

Our $30M Series B + Payments Launch 💸

Building Project-Based Identities + Our $14.5M Series A 💫

Communicating with Clients

Setting Up Payments 💸

Contra’s State of Independence Report 2021 🙌

Find Your Next Opportunity on TikTok 💪

Contra x TikTok Jumps Partnerships 🤳

Time Management for Independents ⏰

Everyday Tools for Independents 💪

A Game Plan for Getting Clients 🔥

Guide to Contra Wallet 💰

How to Post a Top-Tier Opportunity ⭐️

Guide to Analytics 📈

Guide to Services 💸

Guide to Projects ✍️

Improving your Contra Profile ✨

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