You will find a number of resources on the internet from where to prepare for and land your first job as a Web Developer, but if you are looking to freelance web developer work in the field, it is very tough to find reliable information.
There are various ways to work, and freelancing is only one of them. Whether you've heard the word thrown about and wondered what it means, or if you're even cut out for the freelance Web Developer career, then this article will assist in clarifying things up. We'll describe what freelance work is, how it's different from regular employment, some considerations you may want to consider before you leap in with both feet, and how you can get started as a freelance Web Developer.
Here we will explain what freelance work really is and what you need to do to start working as a freelance web developer.
What is Freelance Work?
When someone claims they're a freelance Web Developer, they imply that they may work for more than one firm at a time. They aren't bound by the typical employment contract with all the usual terms regarding working solely for one firm.
Freelance also denotes that the expert is self-employed and works on their schedule, which frequently deviates from the standard 9 to 5 workweek. Terms that freelancers employ include entrepreneur, contractor, and independent consultant.
The benefit of freelancing is that the expert may select which jobs to compete on and which projects or customers they'd prefer to avoid. Because freelancers are their employers, they may also establish their hours, pricing, and work location.
Various individuals select freelancing web development as their next job since it's flexible and provides many options. As long as there's connectivity to the internet, most Web Developers can build and manage websites from anywhere.
Other Web Developers enjoy the freelancing lifestyle since it enables them to work on several different projects. They may work for corporations or other entrepreneurs in many sectors, which can be excellent if they thrive on learning new things and finding innovative solutions to varied challenges. On the other side, they may reject down the job that doesn't thrill them or match up with their talents. That's one essential distinction between independent employees and someone with an employer who sets assignments and obligations.
What's the difference between freelancing and full-time work?
Let's understand what is the difference between freelancing and full-time work.
1. The 9 to 5 vs Anytime
In conventional employment, you'll have a predetermined work schedule, where you'll need to be accessible either online or in the office for a specific duration. Traditionally, this has been 9 AM to 5 PM in an office environment so that teams may work in person and in real-time. More organizations are working remotely today than ever before, so although the geographical barrier may have been eased, the work hours remain inflexible.
On the other hand, Freelancers may work whenever they please (with certain limitations) (with some exceptions). Provided the client's project is given to them on schedule, it doesn't matter whether a freelance Web Developer works 8 hours a day for five days a week or 4 hours a day for seven days a week - no one is holding them to fixed work hours. However, they do need to be online for client meetings throughout the usual workday (if their participation is necessary) (if their attendance is required).
As a Web Developer, you could genuinely require time flexibility. Perhaps you work better at night or have small children that demand your whole focus throughout the day. There are numerous reasons to opt to work on your schedule but bear in mind that you'll likely be working longer hours as a freelancer because of all the extra chores you need to accomplish, as Pablo noted.
2. Office-bound employee vs digital nomad
Many Web Developers enjoy their industry because it enables them to work anywhere globally, provided they have a laptop and a strong internet connection. Freelancing implies you don't need to show up at an office. Instead, you may work from your patio, dining room table, or even on a beach.
Most employment will demand that workers show up in person at an office. As we noted above, that's beginning to change, but even if you don't show up physically, you're expected to show up online on a defined timetable. Some organizations demand workers remain in the nation they're situated inside, even if working remotely.
3. Steady Paycheck vs Fluctuating Income
With full-time work, you earn a regular income. You know precisely what you'll be earning, and you depend on your employer to make a livelihood. For some engineers, the certainty of stable money makes conventional employment the superior alternative.
Others are better prepared to cope with the ups and downs of a freelance Web Developer's income. For example, you may have a busy month when you're working on three separate websites, and you can charge, for example, $2,000 for each. You've got enough money for costs and savings this month, but next month, you have a slower workload with just one small continuing maintenance item for which you may charge $500. To be a freelance Web Developer, you'll need to be adept at managing cash flow and have the mental resilience to make it through those lighter months.
4. Working as a Team vs a Team of One
Most individuals will have colleagues to depend on and learn from in full-time employment. If you're someone who likes to work on your website designs, a team setup may be appropriate for you. You may stroll up to a coworker, bounce ideas off, and ask for assistance. The dialogue and camaraderie of working with a team are undoubtedly positive while working for a corporation.
As a freelance Web Developer, you're on your own for the most part. You may encounter more collaborative customers, but most of your work will be primarily individual. Even on more significant projects where you'll go through code reviews or customer review sessions, you're the one on the hook for the delivery. It might be not very comforting at first, but freelancing could be the ticket if you work best yourself.
5. Assigned work vs Picking your projects
When you have a boss, they pick what tasks you need to perform. It doesn't matter whether the website you're designing thrills you - serving the tasks allocated is all part of the job.
On the other hand, Freelance Web Developers get to select which projects they take on. If they don't have a wonderful experience with a specific customer, they may go on and find a new one. There's far more flexibility in freelance employment to locate projects and organizations that are interesting, difficult, or enjoyable to work with.
How to get started as a Freelance Web Developer?
Getting your freelancing company off the ground is different from acquiring new skills and applying for standard employment. Both need the capacity to design a website but in very different ways. As a freelance Web Developer, you'll need to spend time putting up systems and procedures yourself rather than utilizing ones that a corporation has already built.
1. Develop your programming talents
If you're new to web development, you'll need to become acquainted with its essential tools. You don't need a degree or years of experience. With the plethora of online programming courses accessible, you can master all the skills you'll need at your speed. Anton, another member of our community, notes that customers are frequently more interested in what you can perform than what school you attended:
The programming languages you'll need to learn to become a freelance Web Developer will depend on the precise position you want to pursue. Generally, there are three sorts of Web Developers: Front-End Developers, Back-End Developers, and Full-Stack Developers.
1. Front-End Developers
Front-End Developers employ languages like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to develop a web page's interfaces and visual features. Familiarity with libraries and frameworks that assist speed up development (such as ReactJS and NextJS) is a bonus. To start learning any of these tools, check out the courses below:
2. Back-End Developers
Back-End Developers are the equivalents of Front-End Developers, employing technologies like SQL and Node.js to develop the unseen systems and processes that keep online sites functioning. Take your initial steps towards back-end development with the following courses:
3. Full-Stack Developers
Commonly referred to be programming jacks-of-all-trades, Full-Stack Developers can execute both front-end and back-end development. Just as critical, they also grasp how front-end and back-end components communicate. In brief, a Full-Stack Developer may utilize a combination of any of the technologies described above to construct a complete application from the ground up.
2. Devise a Marketing Plan
Next, you'll need to think about all the different talents you'll need to operate your firm. At the absolute least, you'll need your website to sell yourself, and you'll need to locate your very first customer. For new freelance Web Developers, that's their first question: How and where do you obtain clients? There are many different locations you may start:
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Create a profile on freelancing websites, such as Freelancer.com and Upwork.com.
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Search employment sites (like LinkedIn and Indeed) for "freelance Web Developer."
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Join professional networking communities for freelancing Web Developers.
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Be engaged in online programming groups where you'll meet other freelance Web Developers who could have overflow work or recommendations for you.
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Search for remote employment or contractor opportunities where you operate as part of a bigger team.
There are various methods to locate your first customer, and it's much simpler when you're in the company of other freelancers.
3. Start Networking
Freelancers need the means to charge for their services fast and adequately. There's no proper way to accomplish this, only what works best for the budget and individual. But at the absolute least, you'll need an invoice template in Word or Google Docs to utilize, along with a mechanism to receive money. You might use a PayPal account, Venmo, wire transfers, or e-transfers into your bank account.
You'll also need the means to keep track of everything, from hours to project data to client communications. It all seems easy, but it might take up your time if you don't have structured methods set.
4. Build A Portfolio
As we discussed before, freelance Web Developers need to know how to promote themselves, and developing a portfolio is one of the most excellent methods. The correct portfolio will help you demonstrate your technical talents with all the tools in your tech stack and your experience with the development process.
Lastly, don't forget to keep track of what form of web development makes you happy - and earns you money, too. Some people call this discovering your specialty. Others call it operating in the flow or finding your ideal client.
The essential thing is to identify what you love and what you do well. That's the junction where you want to spend more of your time. As you grow busy, you may focus on more of what you enjoy and boost your charges to reflect the demand for your skills.
Conclusion
Lastly, don't forget to keep track of what form of web development makes you happy and earns you money. Some people call this discovering your specialty. Others call it operating in the flow or finding your ideal clientele.
The essential thing is to identify what you love and do well. That's the junction where you want to spend more of your time. As you grow busy, you may focus on more of what you enjoy and boost your charges to reflect the demand for your skills.
