How to become a Freelance Web Developer
A full guide to beginning your career as a Freelance Web Developer, along with Client Management tips!
As a freelance web developer, you are your own boss. You can work for multiple companies and on multiple projects simultaneously while exploring your passion and learning along the way. You can maintain your portfolio and be selective regarding your clients, along the way. Sounds like a dream, right? But to live that dream you need to start somewhere. Here is our guide on how to become a freelance web developer!
Key five steps that will help you become a Freelance Web Developer:
Develop your niche
When starting as a freelancer web developer, it is important to set yourself apart from the other freelancers – and developing your niche helps with just that. Select a specific service that piques your interest to learn more about and that you will enjoy working with. When a client or company is seeking that particular service, you will turn out to be a valuable resource. In addition, having a specific service will make you easier to find among the rest.
Here are some options to consider:
- Back-end development: Basically, this includes everything that you do not see on a website. For instance, when a user searches for something on the website, the back-end development translates all these searches to pull the requested information and display it on the website. If logic, reasoning, and problem-solving are your skills, you may opt for this one.
- Front-end development: This includes all the visual design you see on the website. It includes the designs, photos, videos, colours, and also the buttons you click! If you are a creative person who enjoys designing visual elements, then front-end development is your go-to!
- Wondering if you could do both? Sure! That is what full-stack development includes.
Learn
The more you learn, the more you grow. Once you have narrowed down what specific skill or service you are interested in, you should do some research and gain some certifications. Mastering the skills will ensure you are better able to serve the company and clients, which will in turn help in your next step of creating and maintaining a strong portfolio.
Create an action plan
Now that you have what it takes, you must get organized and create an action plan. Below are some points you may consider:
- Set your own expectations including your work hours, target clients, and service offerings (i.e., provide consulting services only, create new websites, or work on existing websites).
- Establish your rate and try to stick to it. If you are open to negotiation, determine a fixed range within which you will be working.
The steps above, in turn, will help you set clear client expectations. - Start building your portfolio displaying your best work, positive client testimonials, as well as references – which all act as working proof of your skills.
Market your skills
Get started! Start marketing your skills to create awareness about the services you provide and to improve your chances of being noticed.
Revolancer is a great freelancing platform to start your career as a freelance web developer. Not only can you find the right clients you would like to work for, but also highlight the specific services you offer (so the clients can reach out to you directly too!). Moreover, you can also create and maintain your portfolio and create your own mini website – which is a HUGE plus when it comes to developing your own brand!
Obtain continuous education:
In order to gain continuous work, keep yourself updated with industrial advancements and keep learning as you grow. Consider obtaining additional certifications, based on the current demands in the industry. Staying committed to your career as a freelance web developer is extremely crucial for success.
Tips on client management that will help you get continued work
- Keep reaching out to clients and start building:
Keep hustling and try reaching out to clients that garner your interest. Soon as you have the project, no matter how big or small, start working and building your portfolio.
- Prepare contract:
Always create a client contract before commencing work. This helps set clear expectations for both the client as well as yourself, leaving no room for hiccups along the way! Rates, timelines, and project requirements are the three most important aspects that need to be clear on both ends for successful project completion.
- Ask for a referral and follow-up:
Once the project is successfully completed, ask for a customer testimonial to build your brand. It’s always okay to ask the client for referrals and to keep them in mind for similar project work in future. In certain cases, you can also follow up with the client and see if they have something, you can assist with. Clients do appreciate this, and remember, professional communications are the key here.
Before you go
Now that you have a quick guide on starting your career as a freelance web developer, you may also want to check out our articles on How to Find Long-term Freelance Clients and How to discover your pricing sweet spot as a freelancer to help you further on your freelancing journey.
Remember, “Work hard, Play harder”? Check out our articles on How to Keep a Healthy Work-Life Balance as a Freelancer and How to Organise your Time as a Freelancer to help you maintain a healthy career as a freelancer.
Lastly but most importantly, Revolancer is an amazing freelancing platform that will help you from marketing your skills to landing the right clients. Join Revolancer today and let us be part of your successful freelancing journey.
Freelance marketplace: Revolancer
