Becoming a freelance developer is a point of attraction to many IT professionals thanks to its
flexibility, variety of projects and potentially high compensation. However, getting started in
this field can be difficult and requires careful preparation and good knowledge of the market.
Here are some steps to get started as a freelance web developer:
- Acquire solid development skills
Before you start freelancing, it is crucial to have a solid technical foundation. Clients are
looking for developers who are competent, autonomous and capable of delivering quality
projects. Assess your skills and define your specialty:
Identify your strengths: What technologies are you most proficient in? What types of projects
are you passionate about?
Specialize: Choosing a niche (web development, mobile, data science, etc.) that allows you to
stand out and better target your clients. - Build a strong portfolio
A portfolio is essential to demonstrate your skills to your potential clients. It must:
– Highlight your projects : Create a website or a profile on engaging platforms to present
your achievements.
– Present your projects : Display personal or professional projects, ideally open source,
with clear explanations of the technologies used and the solutions provided.
– Showcase your specialty : If you have a particular expertise (e.g. e-commerce, PWA,
mobile apps), highlight it.
– Include testimonials : If you have worked for clients or collaborated on projects
before, include their feedback. - Set your prices
One of the most difficult questions for a beginner freelancer is how to set their rates. Here
are some points to consider:
– Market Analysis: Research how much developers with your skills charge as freelancers
on platforms like Upwork, Freelancer, or Malt.
– Hourly rate vs. Rate per-project: An hourly rate is common to start with, but it is often
recommended to switch to a rate per-project to better showcase your expertise.
– Assess your value: Consider your experience, time invested in the project, and
technical complexity. - Find your first clients
Finding clients is one of the biggest challenges for a beginner freelance developer. Here are
some strategies:
– Freelance platforms: Internet sites or specialized platforms can be good starting points
to find clients quickly.
– Networking: Attend meetups, conferences, or forums to network in the web
development community. Social media such as LinkedIn and Twitter, can also be
helpful in getting your name out there.
– Word of Mouth: Once you have a few happy clients, ask for referrals. Referrals can be
a powerful way to get projects without having to actively prospect.
NB : Accepting work on small or non-profit projects early on can help build your reputation. - Master project management
As a freelancer, you will not only be a developer, but also a project manager . This means that
you must know how to manage time, resources, and client expectations. Some essential skills:
– Time management: Use management tools like Trello, Asana, or Jira to organize your
tasks and meet your deadlines.
– Communication: Be sure to maintain a clear communication with your clients,
explaining the progress of the project, challenges encountered, and expected
deadlines.
– Contracts and Billing: Have a simple but detailed contract template, specifying
deliverables, deadlines, payments, and royalties. - Develop your business skills
Being a good developer is not enough; as a freelancer, it is important to know how to sell
yourself and understand the commercial aspects:
– Developing your personal branding: Work on a professional image online through
blogs, social media, or contributions to open source projects.
– Contract Negotiation: Learn how to professionally negotiate with your clients to find
agreements that respect your value and benefit the client.
– Long-term customer development: Focus on building trusted relationships with your
clients to encourage continued collaborations. - Learn to manage slow periods
Freelancers may experience periods where projects are scarce. It is important to know how to
manage these moments :
– Save for quiet periods: It is advisable to plan for savings to cope with months when
income is lower.
– Continuing education: Take advantage of downtime to improve your skills.
– Diversification: Explore new types of projects or launch personal projects that could
enrich your portfolio. - Invest in personal marketing
– Create content: Blog about technical topics, create YouTube videos or tutorials about
your skills. This establishes you as an authority in your field.
– LinkedIn and social media: Share your projects and participate in relevant discussions.
LinkedIn, in particular, is a great platform to showcase your expertise and get potential
clients.
Becoming an independent developer requires time, organization, and a variety of skills beyond
mere development. By following these tips, beginners can build a solid foundation, manage
their projects independently, and build customer loyalty. It is essential to invest in the long
term development of your technical, personal, and professional skills.
