Starting out as a freelance website developer is a challenge for many people. Often times, it is getting the first client that proves to be an uphill task. Many people will tell you that it all starts to fall in place once they set up a functional website, complete with a tracking system that shows the amount of visits they get. Since this will serve as the portfolio site, some amount of effort is necessary to bring out the best of your skill.
So what matters, to start with?
Your portfolio will tell the world what it is that you have on offer. It is therefore important that the design of your portfolio site portrays you as the freelance website developer of choice. Adding all the necessary functionalities to your site will bring in more visits. Alongside that, the design should be professional and also mirror your personality.
Then what?
With a running site you now need to link it up with your social media profiles. Every once in a while you can tweet about your progress as a freelance website developer so that a potential client gets a feel of who it is they are going to deal with beforehand. These prove to be useful tools for connecting with others who have an interest in the same field.
All set to go now?
Now comes the time to search job boards for work. Here you get an idea of the type of type of clients and how much they are willing to pay for it. Bear in mind your target audience as this will help narrow down your search for work. You should also make a decision on how you are going to charge and the method of payment you would prefer.
Finally
It is time to send out word that you are now a freelance website developer. This should not be difficult with social sites such as LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook. Send out word to your social profiles about your new status. While updating your blog regularly serves to bring in traffic, you can also use search terms on Twitter to look for people who might need a developer. Searching for clients through multiple streams such as your website, social media and freelancing websites will help you to start getting a consistent flow of clients.
Since clients appreciate both speed and accuracy, try to finish your projects way ahead of time. Writing guest posts for other web development blogs will also give you the much needed exposure.
Overall, it might take some time for the money to start trickling in but with good branding and having offered some volunteer jobs you should get absorbed into the market soon enough.
Bingo!
So now that you are all started, the learning does not end there. You should always strive to research on new trends of providing business to clients. You can end up earning much more as a freelance website developer than you would on an office job. You have just stepped into a freedom-filled career with a mix of design development and business acumen so enjoy it!
