Freelancer Platform Blueprint
Below is the complete, consolidated “Freelancer” flow—seven epics, each with enriched user stories and their key screens/features.1
1. Onboarding & Profile Setup
Goal: Get freelancers “job-ready” in ≤10 minutes, with high profile completeness.
As a new freelancer, I want a guided wizard so I know exactly what to fill out next.
- Key Screens / Fields: Welcome → Role selection (Freelancer/Client/Creator) → Progress bar; Profile Basics (Name, Title, Bio)
As a freelancer, I want to import my LinkedIn/GitHub so I don’t type everything manually.
- Key Screens / Fields: OAuth buttons + conflict-resolution UI (e.g., “imported bio vs. entered bio”)
As a freelancer, I want to set my services/packages with clear deliverables & pricing tiers.
-
Key Screens / Fields:
- “Create Service” modal: Title, Description, Price, Delivery time, Revisions, Add-ons
- “Service Packages” grid
Tier Name Description Price Delivery Time Revisions Basic 1 concept, 2 pages $200 3 Days 1 Standard 2 concepts, 5 pages + assets $500 7 Days 2 Premium Full project + support $1,000+ 14 Days Unlimited
As a freelancer, I want to showcase past work with rich media so I look credible to clients.
- Key Screens / Fields: “Add Portfolio Item” flow: Title, Role, Tools Used, Images/Videos, Links, Client Testimonial
As a freelancer, I want to connect payment so I can get paid seamlessly once hired.
- Key Screens / Fields: Stripe Connect flow (Express/Standard) → Status indicator (Connected / Pending Verification)
As a freelancer, I want to verify my identity to boost trust and unlock premium features.
- Key Screens / Fields: ID upload (passport/driver’s license) → Verification status indicator; Verified badge on public profile
As a freelancer, I want to take optional skill assessments so I can demonstrate expertise levels.
- Key Screens / Fields: “Take Test” prompts on key skills (e.g., React, Figma); Score badges displayed on profile
As a freelancer, I want to set my working hours and timezone so clients know my availability.
-
Key Screens / Fields: Timezone selector + weekly availability grid
Example Weekly Availability Grid:
Day Morning (9-12) Afternoon (1-5) Evening (6-9) Monday Available Available Unavailable Tuesday Available Available Available Wednesday Unavailable Available Available Thursday Available Unavailable Unavailable Friday Available Available Available Saturday Unavailable Unavailable Unavailable Sunday Unavailable Unavailable Unavailable
2
2. Discovery & Engagement
Goal: Surface matching opportunities and let freelancers easily apply or get invited.
As a freelancer, I want a personalized job feed ordered by my skills & activity so I see relevant gigs.
- Key Screens / Features: “Job Feed” with skill-based ranking, saved searches, filters (budget, timeline, remote/onsite)
As a freelancer, I want to save and revisit interesting projects so I can apply when ready.
- Key Screens / Features: “Save Job” bookmark icon → “Saved Jobs” tab
As a freelancer, I want to receive and manage client invites so I don’t miss inbound opportunities.
- Key Screens / Features: “Invites” inbox with accept/decline actions + invite details (project summary, budget)
As a freelancer, I want to craft rich proposals with attachments so I stand out.
- Key Screens / Features: “New Proposal” overlay: Cover letter, select service package, attach files, set custom price
As a freelancer, I want to see proposal status (sent, viewed, accepted, rejected) in one place.
- Key Screens / Features: “Proposals” dashboard: status badges, timestamps, client messages linked to each proposal
As a freelancer, I want AI-powered gig suggestions based on my profile and past wins.
- Key Screens / Features: “Recommended for You” carousel on Job Feed; “Why this gig?” tooltip highlighting matching skills
As a freelancer, I want to set up job alerts so I’m notified when relevant projects are posted.
- Key Screens / Features: “Alert Settings” modal (keywords, budget range, category); Saved alerts list
As a freelancer, I want to run A/B tests on my proposals (e.g., different cover letters) to improve success.
- Key Screens / Features: “Proposal Variants” option when drafting; performance stats in Proposals dashboard
3
3. Collaboration & Workflow
Goal: Make communication, contracting, and project execution frictionless and transparent.
As a freelancer, I want an in-app chat tied to a contract so all project discussions stay organized.
- Key Screens / Features: Chat window within each “Contract” page; real-time updates (WebSocket) + file sharing
As a freelancer, I want to agree on scope & milestones so I and my client have clear expectations.
-
Key Screens / Features: “Contract Setup” UI: Milestone list (title, deadline, amount), checklist, approval flow
Example Milestone List:
Milestone Title Deadline Amount Status Initial Wireframes 2025-07-10 $300 Approved UI Design Mockups 2025-07-25 $500 Pending Frontend Dev (Part 1) 2025-08-15 $1,200 Upcoming
As a freelancer, I want automatic milestone reminders so I hit my deadlines.
- Key Screens / Features: Calendar integration + in-app/email notifications when milestone due date approaches
As a freelancer, I want to log time against a project so billing matches my hours.
- Key Screens / Features: Timer widget (start/stop) or manual time entry form, with CSV export
As a freelancer, I want to upload deliverables and get client sign-off so payment release is smooth.
- Key Screens / Features: “Submit Milestone” button → Upload area; client sees “Approve / Request Changes”
As a freelancer, I want versioned file sharing so I can track changes and revert if needed.
- Key Screens / Features: File version history panel in Chat; “Revert to version” action
As a freelancer, I want an activity log for each contract so I see all major events (messages, payments, changes).
- Key Screens / Features: “Activity Feed” on Contract page with timestamps and filters (Payments, Messages, Deliverables)
As a freelancer, I want to export project data (chat, milestones, invoices) so I can keep offline records.
- Key Screens / Features: “Export Project” button generating a ZIP with PDFs, CSVs, and chat transcripts
4
4. Payments & Financials
Goal: Provide clear, trustworthy money flow so freelancers know exactly what they’ve earned and when they get paid.
As a freelancer, I want to view all my earnings & pending payouts in one dashboard.
-
Key Screens / Features: “Earnings” tab: total earned, pending balance, available balance with date breakdown
Example Earnings Summary:
Category Amount Status Date Total Earned $5,250 N/A N/A Pending Balance $750 Awaiting Approval 2025-07-05 Available Balance $1,500 Ready for Withdrawal 2025-06-28
As a freelancer, I want to withdraw funds instantly or on schedule via my preferred method (bank/PayPal).
-
Key Screens / Features: “Payout Settings”: add/edit bank account or PayPal; select payout schedule (instant vs. weekly/monthly)
Payout Options:
Method Description Schedule Fee Bank Transfer Direct deposit to linked bank Instant / Weekly 5 PayPal Transfer to PayPal account Instant / Bi-weekly 2%
As a freelancer, I want PDF invoices auto-generated for each milestone or contract completion.
- Key Screens / Features: “Invoices” list with download link; template includes platform fee, taxes, freelancer details
As a freelancer, I want to see my fee structure & tax details so I know net payouts.
- Key Screens / Features: “Fee Breakdown” tooltip on Earned amounts; Tax details under Settings (GST/VAT number entry)
As a freelancer, I want an escrow system so payments are secured until milestones are approved.
- Key Screens / Features: “Escrow Status” badge on Milestones; Funds locked/unlocked indicators
As a freelancer, I want bulk payout scheduling so I can batch withdrawals on preferred dates.
- Key Screens / Features: “Bulk Withdraw” flow with calendar picker + summary table
As a freelancer, I want customizable tax documents (e.g., 1099, GST) so I meet local compliance easily.
- Key Screens / Features: “Tax Docs” tab with form generator → Downloadable PDFs
5
5. Growth & Reputation
Goal: Enable freelancers to build authority, get more invites, and command higher rates.
As a freelancer, I want client reviews and star ratings so I can build trust with future clients.
- Key Screens / Features: “Reviews” widget on public profile; after each contract, prompt client to leave feedback
As a freelancer, I want analytics on profile views & conversion so I can optimize my profile.
- Key Screens / Features: “Insights” tab: daily/week/month views, proposal conversion rate, top-performing services
As a freelancer, I want to earn badges (e.g., Top Performer, Fast Responder) so I stand out.
- Key Screens / Features: Badge display on public profile + filter for clients to search by badge
As a freelancer, I want referral rewards so I can grow my network and earnings.
- Key Screens / Features: “Refer a Friend” link with unique code, track referred signups & rewards in “Referrals” dashboard
As a freelancer, I want a referral leaderboard so I can compete and earn extra rewards.
- Key Screens / Features: “Top Referrers” widget in Referrals dashboard
As a freelancer, I want to publish short thought-leadership posts on the platform to showcase expertise.
- Key Screens / Features: “Write a Post” editor with tagging and publish flow; posts surface on community feed
As a freelancer, I want periodic coaching tips (e.g., “optimize your profile”) based on my stats.
- Key Screens / Features: “Freelancer Tips” card on Dashboard with dynamic content
6
6. Notifications & Alerts
Goal: Keep freelancers informed of all important events in real-time.
As a freelancer, I want in-app notifications for messages, invites, proposal updates, and payments.
- Key Screens / Features: Bell icon with badge count; dropdown list of latest notifications
As a freelancer, I want email digests daily/weekly summarizing new opportunities and activity.
- Key Screens / Features: “Email Settings” page to configure digest frequency and content
As a freelancer, I want to mute or prioritize certain notifications so I control my focus.
- Key Screens / Features: Notification preferences UI with toggles per event type (Chats, Jobs, Payments, Tips, etc.)
7
7. Support & Resources
Goal: Provide help & educational materials to ensure success on the platform.
As a freelancer, I want instant access to a searchable Help Center so I can self-serve answers.
- Key Screens / Features: “Help” link in nav → searchable FAQs, categorized articles
As a freelancer, I want live chat or ticket support when I hit an issue I can’t resolve myself.
- Key Screens / Features: “Contact Support” widget opening real-time chat (or ticket creation form with attachments)
As a freelancer, I want webinars and events calendar so I can upskill and network.
- Key Screens / Features: “Events” page listing upcoming workshops/webinars with RSVP and calendar sync