Can I make a living as a freelance web designer?
Well thousands of people do every day! These people make a very decent living working from home. They work when they want, have no boss and pay very little in taxes. Most importantly, however, these people have full control over their lives.
I personally made this journey, and I would like to share with other people the knowledge I have gained along the way. I now earn an annual income of over $70,000 a year. I’m just 25 years old. My earnings increase every day.
What does it take to become a freelancer?
To work as a freelancer you need to be capable. You need this by the bucket load. People hire freelancers to step into projects and find solutions quickly. You also need to be very good at managing your time, and have a natural instinct for business. Most importantly, you need to be incredibly good at the specific area of freelancing you want to go into.
Shoestring budget
During my first year I was earning very little. The biggest problem was I had no portfolio work to speak of. Portfolio work is incredibly important in the web design industry.
Without it there’s no guarantee to the people who hire you that you can get the job done. That makes you a risk, and risks aren’t worth money. Finding web design work in this situation is difficult, and when you do get work it’s generally underpaid. In many cases I had to work for free.
Fortunately I live a very cheap lifestyle naturally. I go out drinking rarely and spend very little on life’s luxuries. I also cook my own meals, and generally know how to take care of myself. This is the only way to survive your first year as a freelance web design. You need to ask yourself if you can live on super noodles for a month when your money is lowest. Can you pretend that you’ve lost your wallet every time you go to the pub so your friends will buy you drinks? If you can’t do these things you stand little or no chance in this industry.
Networking
Networking is vital for any freelance web designer. I get 90% of my business from repeat clients who have worked with me before and trust me to get the job done. If you can become a valuable resource you are sure to have bread on the table.
Because of this you need to be very communicative. You need to keep your clients regularly updated on your progress and never produce work that is sub-standard. If your work isn’t up to scratch your clients will look elsewhere next time around.
Your website
In the web design industry your website is your identity. This is where clients expect you to show off your abilities. It’s important to give 200% when building your own website. Take a week off and really work hard on it. If you have talent it will show through, despite your inexperience.
In addition, it’s important to make sure your website is easily navigable. Don’t use too much Flash or other effect, unless it’s your speciality. The most important part of your website is your portfolio. The vast majority of people will look for this page as soon as they arrive on your website so make sure it’s visible and looks perfect. Place quality over quantity.
Be humble
The best way to get a start in the web design industry is to tell people exactly where you’re at. People can see from your portfolio that you have no experience. There is no sense in lying about it. Tell them that you are a young person looking for a break. Tell them that you will work for lower rates and that you promise 120%. Loyalty and willingness to work hard are the most valuable of resources in the web design industry. You will be surprised at how many people will take you on.
The personal touch
Never ever use spam emails or other pre-scripted messages when trying to win business. Clients will see right through it. The personal touch lets them know you’re a human being. You would be surprised at how many people make this mistake. Take the time to address all your clients personally and you will see a much higher success rate.
Finding a niche
People won’t believe you if you say you are an expert in everything. Potential clients will immediately assume that you are lying. The best thing to do is find what you‘re best at and then make that your speciality. This is a real selling point, and people will regard you as a serious resource even before you’ve done any work for them.
Where do I find business?
Most people don’t have a clue on this one. Luckily for you I have some answers:
1) Networking - Repeat business is the most reliable business of all. This is your real bread winner.
2) Freelance bidding sites - This is a really good first base. Sites like getafreelancer.com, scriptlance.com, elance.com and Rentacoder.com are just some of the sites where potential clients post up their projects for you to bid on.
3) Forums - Become a member of the freelance community. You will be surprised at how the wealth of contacts you develop will find you business. It’s best not to approach forums with the view to just getting business. Get to know people and work will follow naturally as you make friends.
4) Local business - Never lose track of the fact that there’s plenty of local business to be had. Print off a business card, for instance, and give it to anyone who will take it. You will be surprised at how much the increased trust of a local freelancer can provide your clients.
