Every freelance web designer hopes to approach their clients with the utmost courage so that they can get the job done. In this article I explain the ins and outs of finding a job as a freelance designer and programmer. Most designers know the technology it takes to get a job, but not the business purpose of things.
Wow!
Before you know it, you’ll be sitting in front of your first possible freelance web design client at your local coffee shop. How are you going to “sell” yourself? How do you prove that you know what you are doing (despite your small portfolio)? Are you really worth xx,xx dollars? Or can this person pay their grandchildren to do the same? Usually freelance designers seem to jump into things before they are fully qualified from a technical and business perspective. They waver on both, or they know only one and not the other.
sell your art
Yes, in freelance design and development you are the product whether you like it or not. People will judge you as they would in any field of business. Wearing dirty or worn clothes makes a first and lasting impression. Because of this, people will not trust you and you have to accept that from the start. The other side of the equation involves the technology required to perform tasks such as creating a database-driven website or creating a shopping cart.
If you don’t currently have a solid portfolio to prove you’re worthy of the assignment, you need to talk to them and show them another way to prove you can. This idea applies not only to development, but also to design. If your portfolio isn’t up to scratch at all, you should start with free or fairly inexpensive items to build your portfolio.
are you worth it
So you think you’re worth $50 an hour? Prove it. Do you still mainly design in photoshop, or do you code your website manually with xhtml and css? Does your design still look like a 1998 model or is it adequate? Still using javascript to validate form entries? If you answered yes to any of these questions, I suggest you absolutely rethink your value to potential customers.
Do you understand your customer’s business?
Usually novice designers do not fully understand the needs of potential customers. For example, they will design a website using outdated technology to “get the job done” rather than understanding the long-term problems that can arise if they choose one approach over another. One thing I’ve found to be very helpful when you don’t fully understand a prospect’s needs is to ask; don’t guess. Your customers will be more understanding if you get things done the way they want it the first time, rather than two or three times. This is what I struggled with when I first started freelance web design. I believe this is the key to completing projects quickly and efficiently.
Are you sure?
So… do you understand the basics of the business and technical aspects of being a freelance developer? From past experience, I’ve learned that when working with a client on a problem or an idea, instinct is the best approach, especially when you don’t have such a guide to help you with the task. I believe that if you know your customers, you can get results faster than if you keep guessing what exactly they want. Good luck in your future endeavors!
