May 12th, 2009 in Articles by Richard Carpenter
Becoming A Web Developer/Designer
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So you fancy becoming a freelance web designer / developer???? well let me tell you going into this sort of field isn’t a walk in the park even as a part timer. To be successfull you need a certain amount of preperation and planning.
A good place to start…
A good place to start would be your own website (if you have one) if you dont have one then making one would be a good place to start. Your website is the first place of contact, first impressions are everthing therefor your website must be errorless code wise and upfront, be cross browser compatible, easy to use and read and most of all be professional looking. If your website is the bee’s knee’s then more than likley there’s will be too.
Build a portfolio
More times than none people will choose you as because like your work, if you dont have any work to show in your portfolio then join forums, voluntary groups, design communitys and offer some FREE services, just take on a few projects to get something inside your potfolio. You could even build websites for close friends and family’s. Doing this will also give you some valuable experience every site you build will teach you something new and will be better than the last one you built.
Profit Disapointment
The first few paying clients you have are very unlikely to make you any sort of huge profit, as a new inexperienced designer you aint going to be able to charge top wack for the work that you do. As a new inexperienced designer your design and delivery times will be alot longer than that of an experienced designer. There is also possibilitys that you will promise clients to include certain “extra” features that you havent got a clue about, which is all well and good as you’d proberbly research and learn how to implement them as you go along. This can be time consuming and slow you down dramitically, the time spent learning how to implent “extra” features should not be time for which the client will or should pay you for.
Start off part time
Dont quit your day job to become a freelance web design / developer, this might mean late nights and longs days but working along side your current job will gradually break you in and slowly help you build up a client database. Freelance work is very unpredictable and giving up a regular wage is a move not to be taken lightly. When you have a steady stream of income from part-time design work & clients the option to become full time might become more apparent to you. If you do take the big step of becoming self employed as a freelancer it is important to have some sort of backup money to call on when work is slow. As i said before freelancing is unpredictable.
Marketing yourself
You dont have to have wods of cash to market yourself, it doesnt take alot to get your name down and services known. The internet is a wonderfull source, there are loads of FREE business directorys you can submit yourself to, forums to advertise on even if its just a simple signature. Get yourself some business cards, stick them in shop windows and carry them on you when your out and about. Add an email signature to all your out going emails, you could also add your link in the footer of your previous projects.
Charging
There isnt any sort of easy process or formula to pricing up projects. A good place to start would be to seek out other small companies or freelancers who offer similar or the same sort of services you are doing, just email or ring them and ask for a quote just to see what they are charging. Whatever prices you charge you have to account for your overheads these may include paying for your internet connection, hosting costs, cost of software, business materials or even collage costs if your seeking further training. Its very common to see new designers under charging for there projects, partly because they under estimate the work involved and lack the confidence to ask for more, you may also be scared of over charging and scaring away a potential client. Charge your client a fixed price you are confortable with, tell them the price is sufficient to you given the circumstances. Dont be pressured into paying less by the client, if your feeling like there taking advantage of you then back off…. dont be scared to say NO. Later you’ll be able to increase the amount you charge as your experience grows with you.
Cover your back with a contract
More than once you will encounter the ultimate picky client or the the client from hell. A clear understanding on both sides of what the project involves and how it will be paid are vital from the off. Concider making a contract which you can send to all your potential clients. A basic contract should contain a detailed list of what is included in the project and what is not, an estimated time scale for completion of the work, an agreement about whats parts of the project you will be dealing with and parts the site owner will be dealing with, details of when and how many payments will be made. You may also want to put in who will own the copyright of any material created and how the final project will be delivered. You could also seek out professional help.
Getting paid
Always ask for a deposit before you start any type of project, you may ask for 25% of the overall cost of the project. On big jobs id recommend asking for at least 50% of the overall cost. Getting a deposit means you are covered financially.
Managing your projects
Creating a detailed plan of how the project will be tackled and what will be done at each stage. Your plan might include the goals of the project, what will be included in the site, website functionality and accessablity, how the site will be hosted and how maintenace will be handled. The plan is what you will base your quote on. After you’ve made a plan you’ll be in a postion to provide the client with a quote.
Take care of them and they’ll take care of you
Treat you clients with the upmost care and attention after all its the clients who are the greatest asset of your business. Previous clients will be the important source of new clients through word of mouth and recommendations. Keep your clients happy answer there calls and e-mails promptly, most problems occur with lack of communication between the designer and the client so go the extra mile, be straight with them and give them the benefit of your knowledge. Under promise and over deliver, avoid doing the opposite. Dont be a push over though or a door mat for them walk all over if you have a client who makes unreasonable demands and constantly makes you feel uncomfortable or is not making payments as agreed then you have the right to terminate your relationship.
If you still want to become a web developer / web designer than i wish you the best of luck, i hope this article has or will help you to understand some of the realities involved. There is a list below with some more usefull sources you may want to visit.
53 Steps to becoming a freelancer
How to become a freelancer web developer
Pros & Cons of freelance web design
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