First of all there are several kinds of web developers in the industry; however, not every kind can opt out to become a freelancer. Careerlancer recommends to relatively new candidates, looking for freelance development opportunities, to start with learning Content Management System (CMS) like WordPress or Ecommerce platforms like Magento or Shopify.
Okay, here’s why you should start with CMS
A custom build web application using RoR, Angular, Python etc. usually takes more than one person and lots of time. In most companies, a team or an entire department is generally delegated to work on these kinds of projects. Plus, web application projects are so large at times that they can take close to few months to build it, test it and run it accurately on client server.
Yes, we have many freelancers, or more specifically consultants, who are solo web app developers; but most of them have more than 5 years of experience in the industry.
If the world of coding is relatively new and you have already decided to go on to become a freelance developer, you can start by learning:
When we say HTML and CSS, we are trying to be more specific in saying that these languages are quite basic and may not be approved in interviews. However, you can fine-tune your skills by beginning with these two. In fact, you can try building websites and web apps for yourself or friends, just to enhance your skill.
Don’t get too much worked-up. Learning these skills is prettymuch easy and affordable. In fact when you are at it, you will eventually study corresponding technologies such as command line, FTP, text editors as well.
Demand for freelancers is now everywhere. Finding job is not a difficult task anymore, if you have the right skill in place. However, you have to put an effort. Here are few classified places where you can find your first freelance developer gig:
Although selling is something not a lot of people are comfortable doing, as a freelance developer you have to embrace the idea to become successful. We have broken down your selling service into three parts:
The initial meeting is the most important communication you will have with your employer. It is done mostly over the phone. Here, don’t just rant about your skills; rather ask questions about client’s requirements and business. Based on the information, find the loop holes and problem areas you need focusing on.
The second part is making a deal. In the proposal stage you have to source out best possible solution to fix the problem of the client. Stuffs the website shouldfeature,things that should go on the home page, the kind of photographs needed, number of pages, any featured page etc. are few such solutions you can propose.
Finally, when you are trying to close the deal, you have to provide viable explanation as how your proposal will help the client grow in his business. When you are at it, it is important that you speak from a perspective of a problem solver and not of a web developer. You have to speak in a language the client understands. Don’t sell out your technical expertise and talk about software. Rather give solutions to client’s problems using your skills, technology and software.