Getting Started As a Freelance Web Developer (10-Easy-Steps)

 

Many college students and graduates are now entering the self-employment industry in hopes of freelance work and making money in their spare time.

This article is for all teens, adults, and anyone looking for a solid action plan to start freelance work as a web designer.

In this article, I’ll show you a simple, easy-to-follow step-by-step plan to get started as a freelance web designer, with helpful tips for attracting clients and making money. really.

In fact, this is the same strategy I used to start my own web design company. Read on to find out how I did it.

 

How Much Does a Web Designer Make?

If you are not sure if you are embarking on freelance work as a web designer, you will be happy to know that this is one of the highest paying categories in the freelance market.

In fact, there are freelance web designers who make over $ 5,000 making simple WordPress websites. If they can do it, you can also do better than them.

Having said that, I should also note that web design is a very competitive field in freelance markets. Anyone who has learned a few basics of HTML and CSS is now called a web designer.

So you should focus on finding a small or less compititive niche in the industry. Like focusing in designing landing pages or product pages for brands and business.

If you can find such a profitable niche, you will be more successful.

Now let’s continue with the tutorial.

 

Step 1: There Is No Easy Way To Success In Freelancing

 

First of all, accept that freelance work takes a lot of work and significant time before you start making money.

It will take you some time, maybe a few months, to understand the methods of self-employment and start making money. So get ready and think your independent.

If you are trying to be self-employed with the sole purpose of making a quick buck, you won’t last long.

You must have patience and passion for what you are doing to become independent and survive the long journey.

 

Step 2: Choose Web Designer or Web Developer?

 

People are always confused with these two terms.

Web Designer – A person in charge of the user interface or look and feel and design of a website or web application. A web designer puts all the elements of a website in the correct order, coding the style sheets and creating the face of the website.

 

Web Developer – A person who does the heavy lifting in compiling the backend of a website, such as developing algorithms for website functions such as payment systems and web interactionsfor users.

Web design is a creative medium in its own right. You can’t just look at other websites and design new sites like them.

According to a study by FastPrint, 72% of respondents think most web pages look the same. You need to learn UX design and have a creative mindset to become a successful web designer.

Being a web developer is exactly the opposite. You need analytical thinking to create precise algorithms and be able to systematize user workflows.

Be clear on the path you want to take.

 

Step 3: Think Or Assume You Know Nothing

 

After visiting all of these “learn to code” sites and taking a lot of HTML / CSS courses, you should feel pretty confident in your coding skills.

But, do you have a good understanding of User Experience Design (UXD) and web usability?

With all of the great free online resources available today, anyone can easily become a programmer. But, that doesn’t necessarily qualify them to be a freelance.

Unlike web development, web design requires a lot of creativity and a good knowledge of how the web works.

User experience design and web usability are two of the skills you need to master to become a professional web designer. These two skills will allow you to design more interactive websites and help you understand the psychology behind website design.

For example, have you ever wondered why all websites have a main menu at the top? Why do most landing pages have a CalltoAction (CTA) in the top half of the page?

The answer is simple: it’s all part of UXD.

If you want to learn this topic, I recommend you start with Joe Natoli’s User Experience Design Masters Course.

 

Step 4: Read And Learn About Domains, Web Hosting, and Servers

 

When undertaking a website design project for a business, most of your clients will expect you to purchase a domain, a hosting plan, and complete their website setup.

Learn how to purchase and configure domain names. How to maintain web hosting and work with FTP clients. Learn how to manage and maintain servers.

Points to Consider: I bought a reseller hosting plan and offered my clients to host their websites on my own server for a reasonable price and managed to earn an equal amount from the hosting service.

 

Step 5: Learn A Little Bit Of Graphic Designs

 

The inclusion of graphics and illustrations, such as logos and cartoon characters, is essential for today’s websites. Customers will also ask you to take care of it.

You can collaborate with another freelance writer to design them.

However, you will earn more money if you can learn how to do it yourself. Find a Photoshop tutorial and learn how to make a logo.

 

Step 6: Build Or Develop Your Portfolio

 

When a client contacts you to design their website, the first thing they will ask you is to see some examples of your past work.

This is where you show off your great designs. If you have nothing to show your clients then it will be hard to get the job, get to work designing some great websites. Work for free if you have to.

Design a great theme and publish it online for free. Or contact companies and offer them a free website design.

 

Step 7: Learn How To Price Your Services

 

Different web design projects will require a different amounts of work and time compaired to there dificulty level. So it can be a bit difficult to find the perfect price for your web design projects.

But, if you want a basic idea of ​​the fair price, here’s what you can do.

Go online and find the email address or phone number of your competitor’s web design company.

Pick up your phone and call them or send them an email.

Pretend to be a client and get a quote for your fake website design.

Major web design agencies have design teams. So they have expensive pricing plans for projects. Since you are working alone, you can benefit from it.

Try to quote a fair price for your project. Not too expensive ansd also not too cheap. A price that will make your customers say YES, but don’t need to be wary.

 

Step 8: Find Out The Best Freelance Sites To Find Work

 

Avoid online freelance platforms if possible. These sites are too competitive and winning customers will be extremely difficult.

But if you have no other choice, choose a less competitive independent site to provide your services.

PeoplePerHour and Toptal are two of the most suitable websites for web designers and developers.

 

 

Step 9: Try Going Offline

 

You will have a better chance of finding clients if you go locally.

Did you know that over 58% of small businesses still don’t have a website?

Door-to-door and telephone canvassing work better than looking for a job online. I have had a lot of clients this way.

Here is what I did:

First I walked the streets noting the names and contact details of small businesses and stores that did not have a website.

I went home and researched these names online to make sure they didn’t have a website.

Next, I prepared a small document explaining all the benefits of having a website.

I printed the document and sent him (postal mail) the addresses of these stores.

I waited a week for a response from these companies, then called them referring to my letter and asked if they would like to meet for more information.

twice out of 5. Here is how it works.

Step 10: The Next Level

Once you are successful, you will start to receive referrals from your old clients and many new projects.

It’s time to promote yourself as a brand so that people can recognize you and the quality of your work.

If you have more clients than you can handle, consider expanding your freelance business. Hire a few interns and make your job easier.

It will take you some time to complete these 10 steps, but you will get there if you are consistent enough.

Also keep in mind that web design is a huge, fast-paced industry. So subscribe to all the web design blogs you can and keep learning new things.

READ ALSO: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT FREELANCING