Esen Bulut
Esen Bulut is the co-founder of Ruul. After graduating Boston College with finance and economics degrees, she began her career as a Finance Executive. Prior to Ruul, she held managerial positions in finance and marketing. Esen's entrepreneurship success earned her recognition in Fortune's 40 under 40 list in 2022.
Articles
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Email Templates for Late Payments
Use practical late payment email templates to remind clients, follow up professionally, and request overdue payments.
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Fiverr vs Upwork for Graphic Design
Compare Fiverr and Upwork for graphic designers based on client quality, pricing, competition, portfolio needs, and workflow.
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What is Upwork Plus Subscription?
Learn what Upwork Plus is, what features it includes, and whether it may be useful for freelancers using Upwork.
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Late Payment Fees Guide
Learn how late payment fees work for freelancers, when to use them, and how to communicate them clearly to clients.
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Best Freelancing Websites
Compare the best freelancing websites to find clients, build a profile, showcase skills, and get paid for freelance work.
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EU Platform Work Directive
Learn what the EU Platform Work Directive may mean for platforms, contractors, classification, and business compliance.
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Contractor Compliance (W-8BEN)
Learn what Form W-8BEN is, when it applies to non-US contractors, and why businesses request it for tax documentation.
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Contractor Compliance Guide
Learn how businesses can work with contractors compliantly, from classification and contracts to payments and documentation.
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Contractor Compliance (DAC7)
Learn what DAC7 may mean for platforms and businesses working with contractors, including reporting and documentation basics.
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Freelance Payment Terms (Guide)
Understand freelance payment terms, including deposits, due dates, late fees, milestones, retainers, and international payment expectations.
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Paying International Freelancers
Learn how businesses can pay international freelancers, compare payment methods, reduce delays, and manage documentation.
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Is an Invoice a Legal Document?
Understand whether an invoice is a legal document, what it proves, and why contracts and payment terms still matter.
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Escrow Payments for Freelancers
Learn how escrow payments work for freelancers, when to use them, and how they can reduce risk in client projects.
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Freelance Legal Requirements in the EU
Learn common legal requirements for freelancers in the EU, including registration, VAT, contracts, invoices, and records.
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Common Pricing Mistakes Freelancers Make
Discover common freelance pricing mistakes, from undercharging and vague scope to weak packages and poor negotiation.
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Freelance Digital Marketing Rates
Learn how digital marketing freelance rates vary by channel, experience, scope, deliverables, and performance expectations.
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Invoice Templates for International Clients
Learn what international client invoice templates should include, from currency and tax details to payment terms and client information.
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Hourly vs Project Pricing
Compare hourly and project pricing for freelancers, including pros, cons, client fit, risk, and income predictability.
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Invoice Software vs Spreadsheet Invoicing
Compare invoice software and spreadsheet invoicing to understand which option is better for freelance payment management.
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Freelance taxes in the UK
Learn how freelance taxes work in the UK, including self-assessment, allowable expenses, records, deadlines, and payment planning.
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AI Prompts for Freelance Negotiation
Use AI prompts to prepare for freelance negotiations, handle objections, discuss rates, and protect project scope.
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Prompt Engineering for Freelancers
Learn prompt engineering basics for freelancers and how better AI prompts can improve proposals, delivery, and client work.
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Best Invoice Generators for Freelancers
Compare the best invoice generators for freelancers and learn what features matter for professional payment requests.
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AI for Consultants (Tools, Skills, etc)
Learn how consultants can use AI for research, proposals, analysis, presentations, client communication, and delivery.
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AI for Designers (Tools, Skills, etc)
Learn how designers can use AI tools for ideation, image generation, branding, mockups, and faster creative workflows.
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Creative Side Hustles for Designers
Discover creative side hustles for designers, including templates, branding services, digital products, and freelance projects.
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How to Start Freelancing as a Student
A practical guide for students who want to start freelancing, build skills, find clients, and manage work alongside studies.
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Best Freelance Jobs for Beginners With No Experience
Explore beginner-friendly freelance jobs that require little or no experience and learn how to get started.
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Freelancer vs Solopreneur: What’s the Difference?
Learn how freelancers and solopreneurs differ in business model, income streams, growth goals, and daily work.
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Freelancer Hiring Checklist
Use this freelancer hiring checklist to define scope, evaluate talent, set expectations, and manage payments clearly.
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Best Portfolio Platforms for Freelancers (2026)
Compare the best portfolio platforms for freelancers in 2026 and learn how to choose the right place to showcase your work.
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How to Invoice Without a Company
Learn how freelancers can request payments professionally without setting up a company, including practical options for international work.
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AI for Freelancers: The Complete Guide (2026)
Learn how freelancers can use AI in 2026 to improve productivity, automate tasks, find clients, create better work, and grow their business.
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Freelance Rates Guide: How to Set, Research, and Raise Your Rates
Learn how to set freelance rates, research market pricing, choose the right pricing model, and raise your rates confidently as your business grows.
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How to Pay Freelancers
Learn how to pay freelancers securely, choose the right payment method, manage contracts and tax forms, and avoid common payment mistakes.
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Invoicing Platforms & Tools Comparison for Freelancers
Compare the best invoicing platforms and tools for freelancers, including features, payment options, pricing, automation, and global payment support.
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Fiverr vs Upwork Which is the Best for Graphic Design?
Fiverr or Upwork: Where should graphic designers focus their energy? Find out which platform offers better income opportunities and client access.
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How Freelancers Monetize Using Link-in-Bio Platforms
Discover how freelancers and creators use link-in-bio platforms to monetize their work. Boost your income globally today.
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How to Become a Top Seller on Fiverr
Want to become one of the best Fiverr sellers? Read on to learn tips to raise your profile and increase customer engagement!
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How to Bid for Jobs on Upwork
Struggling to win projects on Upwork? Read on for expert tips to improve your bidding strategy and land more clients.
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How to Create a Gumroad Profile?
Learn how to create a Gumroad profile to sell digital products, physical goods, or subscriptions. Discover steps on setting up your profile, payment information, products, and promotions.
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What are the Mistakes to Avoid When Creating an Upwork Offer?
Create better offers on Upwork by steering clear of these common mistakes. Click here for more info!
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Tips for Getting More Freelancing Clients
Looking to attract more freelancing clients? Discover effective tips, from building a strong online presence to mastering your pitch for success!
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What are the common mistakes freelancers make on Fiverr?
Avoid these common Fiverr mistakes and take your freelancing business to the next level. Learn the biggest freelancing mistakes and how to avoid them.
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What Is Linktree And How Freelancers Use It To Get Paid?
Discover how Linktree helps content creators monetize their audience through seamless link-in-bio tools, digital product sales, and brand partnerships.
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What Is Lemon Squeezy? Full Guide For Freelancers And Creators
Find out Lemon Squeezy's features, benefits, pricing, and how it helps independents.
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5 steps to start a successful freelance graphic design business
Embark on your freelance graphic design journey with 5 essential steps to success. Start strong, thrive!
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Freelance Invoice Templates by Profession
As a battle against generic invoices, I explained the invoices that cause the least problems in a way no one has ever told you before.
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How to Determine Your Rates as a Freelance Virtual Assistant
Learn how to set your rates as a freelance virtual assistant by evaluating your skills, market trends, and business expenses.Discover effective pricing structures.
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How to maximize productivity while working from home
Working from home allows for extra time previously spent commuting to be invested in developing productive habits, such as reflection, organization, learning, and getting ahead on work.
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How to Price Your Freelance Writing Services Effectively
Discover strategies to price your freelance writing services, manage project costs, and set competitive rates. Learn about pricing models and negotiation tips.
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How to promote your solo business
Self-promotion is key to success for solo business owners. Find out how to expand your professional network and use digital marketing to your advantage.
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Tax Forms for Freelancers in Europe
What are the important points and must-knows about the freelancer tax in Europe? Click here for more information.
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Upwork vs. Fiverr: Which is Better for Freelancers?
When choosing between Fiverr and Upwork, compare their features and discover their advantages. Browse now to find the best option for your freelancer goals!
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What are the Legal Aspects of Credit Card Payment Methods for Freelancers?
Freelancers: Are you aware of the legal rules for credit card payments? Read on for crucial details!
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What is a 1099 Form for Freelancers?
Are you a freelancer in the US? Learn the basics of Form 1099 as a freelancer to manage your taxes smoothly. Click to learn more!
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What is a Virtual Company? The Definite Guide
Unlock the concept of virtual companies. Explore how these digital entities operate and thrive in the modern business landscape.
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Understanding DAC 7: The Essential Guide to Digital Platform Reporting
Learn about DAC7, the EU directive for standardized digital platform reporting. Discover its impact on taxation, compliance requirements, benefits, challenges, and future trends in the digital economy. Stay informed with our comprehensive guide.