If you are considering becoming a freelance web developer, then you are on the right part. There is a huge demand for web development services and about 1 of every 6 web developers are freelancers. Freelancing offers great flexibility and the ability to set your prices and gradually grow your business. Below are steps you can take to become a freelance web developer.
1. Find a Profitable Niche
The field of web development is vast. And while it’s ideal to be able to do everything, you will find higher fulfillment and growth focusing on a specific niche. Experience has shown that people earn more in freelancing when they are known for a particular service, compared to those who try to be a jack of all trades.
Having specific skills singles you out in the overcrowded freelance place. Look for a skill that you think you are best suited for based on current trends. The top web development skills in-demand today include front end and back-end development. Don’t know what that means? Then you should undertake web development training or online bootcamp.
Each niche has specific programming language applicable to it like swift, HTML, CSS, JavaScript ruby on rails, and Node.js.
Asides choosing a programming language, you should consider choosing specific industries that you want to grow in. Each industry typically has a similar standard of design, and choosing one or two will make you an expert in that area.
2. Learn or Update your skill
After choosing a niche, the next step will be to get the required skills to be able to deliver services. Web development requires knowledge of more than one programming language. The more languages you can work with, the more jobs you will be able to undertake. Learn and become versatile in several languages applicable to your chosen niche.
There are two ways to learn a skill: either by obtaining a degree/ class base teaching or using online resources.
Getting A Degree
Some institutions offer online and in-class computer science and development programs that lead to the issuing of a degree. Typically you don’t need a degree since you will be working as a freelancer.
Use Online Resources
You can undertake web development training or attend an online bootcamp to gain sufficient knowledge of your chosen niche. The programs will equip you with the necessary skills to become a web developer.
3. Build A Portfolio
After mastering some programming languages, you need to practice what you have learned. And that’s where a portfolio comes in. Clients want to see proof that you are an expert has claimed.
It’s challenging building a portfolio at the beginning when you don’t have clients yet. The trick, however, is to offer your services for free or at low cost to friends or family who need a website.
Also, make out time to create some engaging and beautifully designed sites using current trends.
Ensure to indicate that you built it from scratch and can do the same for anyone interested. Buy a web hosting that allows multiple sites and use free domains to create your portfolio samples.
Other sites you can use to build your portfolio include Behance and WIX. Building a portfolio has the added advantage of sharpening your skills.
4. Market Your Services
Success as a freelancer is dependent on the number of clients you can get, and you can only get clients by marketing yourself. Marketing not only links you to your prospects, but it also increases brand awareness and sets you apart from your competition.
To effectively market your services, you first need to determine your target market. Who is likely to need your services?
As a web developer, your target market will include local small businesses, non-profit organizations, companies without an online presence, and individuals.
Once you can establish your target market, you can then begin contacting them to know if they will require your services.
Create social media profiles on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Invest in ads to build your followers and consistently post various projects created for clients.
Also, offer your services on freelance websites to expand your reach. Platforms like Fiverr.com, Upwork.com, Freelance.com allows you to connect with clients who need web development services.
The goal is to make you visible to anyone looking for a web developer.
