As a freelancer, the tools you choose can either support your independence or quietly work against it.

Over the years, I’ve used a variety of platforms to manage client work, invoices, and projects. Some were helpful, but many came with trade-offs: high fees, rigid rules, or systems that felt like they were built for the platform first, not the freelancer.

That’s why I use Contra.

Contra is one of the few platforms that genuinely feels like it was designed for independent professionals. In this post, I want to share why I use Contra, the features that matter most to me, and how it benefits freelancers who want more freedom and control in their work.

Freelancing today requires better tools

Freelancing in 2026 isn’t just about finding clients. I think it’s about building a sustainable business.

That means:

• Owning your client relationships
• Getting paid fairly for your work
• Presenting yourself professionally
• Using tools that don’t add unnecessary friction

Many platforms promise visibility, but take a large cut of your earnings or limit how you work with clients. Over time, that can feel exhausting and expensive.

Contra takes a different approach.

Some benefits that make Contra really standout are:

1. You keep 100% of what you earn

This is one of the the HUGE +++ and biggest reasons I recommend Contra.

Unlike many freelance platforms, Contra is commission-free. That means:

• No percentage taken from your invoices
• No hidden platform fees eating into your income
• No pressure to raise prices just to offset fees(trust me I've done this with the other platforms I've used!)

As a freelancer, every dollar you earn matters. Keeping 100% of your income allows you to price your services fairly and sustainably without feeling penalized for doing good work.

2. Your profile is a portfolio, not just a resume

Contra treats your profile as a portfolio-first experience, which I love. The portfolio pieces are aligned in grid format which gives prospective clients a seamless way to view your work.

Instead of listing just skills or job titles, you can:

• Showcase real projects
• Highlight your services
• Add testimonials and descriptions that reflect your process

This makes it easier for potential clients to understand how you work and what you offer—before even starting a conversation.

For creatives and consultants, this is huge. Your work speaks for itself.

3. You own the client relationship

One of the most important things for me as a freelancer is owning my client relationships.

On Contra:

• You can communicate directly with clients
• You’re not restricted from working with them outside the platform
• There’s no fear of “breaking platform rules” for building long-term relationships

This creates trust on both sides and makes it easier to work with clients over time, whether it’s a one-off project or an ongoing partnership.

4. Simple contracts, invoicing, and payments

Contra makes the admin side of freelancing feel less overwhelming.

You can:

• Send professional invoices
• Set up clear contracts
• Get paid securely and on time

Everything is clean, modern, and easy to use and without unnecessary complexity.

For freelancers who want to focus more on their craft and less on paperwork, this simplicity makes a big difference.

5. Built for modern independent work

Contra isn’t trying to be everything for everyone and that’s what makes it effective.

It’s built specifically for:

• Freelancers
• Consultants
• Creatives
• Independent professionals

The platform supports project-based work, retainers, and long-term collaborations in a way that feels natural—not forced.

It aligns well with how many of us actually work today.

6. A growing, supportive community

Another reason I appreciate Contra is the community aspect.

It’s not just about transactions. It’s about connecting with other independent professionals who are building businesses on their own terms.

Being part of a community that values independence, creativity, and fair work culture matters especially when freelancing can sometimes feel isolating.

Who Contra is best for

In my experience, Contra works especially well for:

• Freelancers who want to avoid high platform fees
• Designers, developers, writers, and consultants
• Creatives building a long-term personal brand
• Anyone who values flexibility and ownership

If you’re serious about freelancing as a business, not just a side hustle, Contra is worth exploring.

The tools you choose shape how you work, how you get paid, and how sustainable your freelance life feels.

I use Contra because it:

• Respects freelancers
• Keeps things transparent
• Puts control back in your hands

It’s a platform that supports independence instead of limiting it and that’s something I genuinely value.

Want to try Contra for yourself?

If you’re a freelancer looking for a platform that’s commission-free, portfolio-focused, and built for modern independent work, Contra might be a great fit.

👉 Explore Contra using my referral link

And if you’d like help building a portfolio or website that truly represents your work, I’d love to help you with that too.

Book a free discovery call with me and we can talk about your next project!