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      Welcome to Contra: Step-by-Step Guide for Freelancers

      Introduction

      Contra is transforming the freelance landscape by offering an all-encompassing platform tailored to the needs of independent professionals.

      In a rapidly evolving work environment where flexibility and project-based tasks are becoming the norm, Contra is at the forefront, providing a global platform for such work. Contra equips freelancers with the essential tools they need to secure projects, client onboarding, manage projects, and receive payments.

      How to get started

      In this step-by-step guide, we'll explain the process of registering and creating your profile on Contra once you have received an invitation to join.

      Step 1: Sign Up on Contra

      1. Open the signup link sent to your email.
      2. Verify your email or sign up with Gmail.
      3. Enter your name.
      4. Add three skills that showcase your expertise.
      5. Include your location.
      6. Upload a profile picture that accurately represents or your.
      7. Add two social links such as LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, or your personal website to enhance your credibility.

      Step 2: Create Your Contra Profile

      1. Use AI to generate your profile content. Describe the services you offer and what makes you unique. The tool will suggest a bio, a headline, and suggested services for you.
      2. Aim to complete your profile checklist. It includes the following tasks:
        • Use AI tools to create key content: Answer a few questions about your uniqueness and generate a bio, one-liner, project titles, and service titles designed to attract leads. You can regenerate for more options.
        • Import and format links into a project: Portfolio Magic allows you to import content from the web to automatically appear on Contra. The import tool creates a project from any URL in seconds.
        • Add at least three projects: Showcase your past work experiences all in one place.
        • Create at least two services: Specify your best skills, including the title, timeline, deliverables, and rate.
        • Claim your personalized URL: This will make it easy to share your profile and be discovered by potential clients.

      By following these steps, you'll have a robust and professional freelance profile on Contra in no time!

      Step 3: Setting Up Your Payout Method

      As a platform that values its freelancers, Contra does not charge any commission, allowing you to keep 100% of your earnings.

      To receive your payments, you need to set up a payout method. Access your Contra wallet and add a suitable payout method to your profile.

      Depending on where you live, a range of payout methods are available. These include Bank Account, Debit Card, PayPal, and even Crypto (USDC) options. Currently, Contra supports Bank Account Payouts for over 100 countries, as listed in Stripe's Supported Countries. We are continuously striving to broaden our reach by incorporating more international payment providers.

      Quick Tips For Creating Your Contra Profile

      • Ensure your projects have high-quality images and include captions.
      • Always link to relevant work you've completed in projects and services.
      • Describe your services in detail - they should be as clear and specific as possible.
      • Use bullet points and headers strategically to make your content easily digestible.

      How to Start a Project on Contra

      To set up and manage a project on Contra, follow these steps:

      1. Start by clicking on the "Start a Project" button in the main navigation menu.
      2. Invite collaborators to your project. You can do this by entering their email addresses or Contra usernames. Remember, you can invite clients both on and off the platform.
      3. Define your project details. This should include the title, description, objectives, deliverables, and timeline. Be as clear and specific as possible.
      4. Set the project terms. This includes the payment structure, rates, milestones (if applicable), and payment schedule.
      5. Review and submit the proposal. Before hitting the submit button, take a moment to review all the project details. After submission, your invited collaborators will be notified and the collaboration process will begin.
      6. Manage your project. The Projects page allows you to track your project's progress. Monitor communication, milestones, deliverables, and payments to ensure smooth operation.
      7. Communicate with collaborators. Use Contra's messaging features to foster open communication with your project team. Share files, exchange messages, and clarify any questions or concerns.

      Project Structures

      • One-time Projects: Ideal for single projects with clear start and end dates.
      • Ongoing Projects: Suited for long-term collaborations with no defined end date.
      • Milestone Projects: Perfect for projects with multiple phases or checkpoints. Payments are made for each milestone completed.
      • Hourly Ongoing Projects: For projects billed on an hourly basis, with payments processed at regular intervals.

      How to Send an Invoice on Contra

      To manage invoices on Contra, follow these steps:

      1. Click on the "New Invoice" button in the main navigation menu.
      2. Enter the client's email address or Contra username to send them an invoice.
      3. Fill in your project details, including the invoice number, due date, project title, items or deliverables, and any additional information in a memo.]
      4. Review all details before submitting the invoice. Once submitted, your client will receive a notification and be prompted to make a payment.

      Email Template: Invite your Clients to Contra

      Subject: Join me on Contra to streamline our project management

      Dear [Client's Name],

      I hope this message finds you well.

      I am reaching out to introduce you to Contra, a platform aimed at streamlining our freelance project management. Contra offers a comprehensive suite of tools, including project proposal and payment management, which can greatly simplify our collaboration.

      By using Contra, we can easily keep track of project proposals, contracts, and payments all in one place. This will ensure clear communication, timely payments, and an organized workflow for our project.

      I would greatly appreciate it if you could sign up at your earliest convenience using the following link: [Insert Link Here].

      Looking forward to our continued collaboration on this exciting project.

      Best regards,

      [Your Name]

      Ready to take control of your freelance career? Join Contra today and start creating your professional profile!