Freelancing has grown rapidly in the world of web development, and it’s easy to see why. Who doesn’t want the freedom to choose their projects, the flexibility to work from anywhere and the satisfaction of running their own business? Lots of Wix Studio developers are experiencing just that.
While the appeal of freelancing is easy to see, it’s also a path filled with unique challenges. Here’s a closer look at what freelancing entails and how to become a freelance developer, if you decide to break out on your own.
First, let’s be super clear. What do freelance developers do?
Freelance developers take on projects for clients without a long-term commitment to a single company. They might build websites, develop mobile apps, handle software engineering tasks or create custom tools. Some freelancers work through agencies, while others secure projects through their networks and build a portfolio of clients over time.
As a freelancer, your to-do list might look different from day to day. In addition to coding, you may handle client communication, budgeting, timelines and post-launch support. Depending on your expertise, you could specialize in a specific field, such as front-end development, data science or backend architecture; or, you might be a full-stack generalist.
The pros and cons of becoming a freelance developer
Pros
“Autonomy is a big benefit of freelance work,” says Duncan Simpson, freelancer and founder of Phoe Design. “You have a lot of freedom and direct responsibility over the design, functionality, build and delivery.”
This kind of ownership allows you to feel real pride in your work, Simpson says. Plus, “development plays such an integral role in a client’s business operation, you get to feel invested in their future, and it’s very rewarding to have that connection with your clients.”
Exposure to lots of different projects can help you grow your skills and stay current with new technology, too. “Freelancing allows an exciting opportunity to carve your own path,” Simpson says.
Cons
“You need to wear a lot of hats on top of delivering high-quality work,” Simpson says. Those hats include:
Lead acquisition
Client outreach
Project management
Client management
Operations
“Constantly working in such a multi-faceted way can be very demanding,” Simpson says.
Some other downsides: Inconsistent project flow can make income unpredictable, and freelancing can feel isolating since you’re not part of a consistent team.
How to become a freelance developer in 8 steps
If the pros sound like they outweigh the cons, take a look at this guide to getting started as a freelance developer. You can also check out how to transition to full-time freelancing.
01. Assess your skills and specialization
Determine which area of development you’re strongest in and consider what type of projects you’d like to focus on, such as web development, mobile development or machine learning.
There are benefits to owning a niche, but Simpson says not to overthink it. “Your strengths and skills will naturally sculpt your freelance business direction over time.”
And it’s okay to stay a generalist if that works for you. “There’s great value in being able to offer a wider package to clients without diluting quality,” Simpson says. “Diversity is valuable when leads get sparse.”
02. Find clients
Now, the million-dollar question: where will you find clients? It will likely be a mix of word of mouth, cold outreach and a marketplace. “The Wix Marketplace presents a fantastic opportunity to grow,” Simpson says.
Just so you know, we have this as your second step because you should start thinking about client acquisition ASAP. But the truth is, this is an ongoing process that will likely shift over the course of your freelance career as you get more recurring clients and fine tune your services.
03. Build a portfolio
Your portfolio should serve two purposes: showing off your work and giving clients a clear way to contact you.
The first part can be deceptively difficult: “Building your own website can be the most challenging brief you take on,” Simpson says. He suggests approaching it as you would a client's project, with a timeline, goals and scope. “This helps contain the vastness of opportunity.”
The goal should be to “capture your USP, proudly communicate your skills and services, and fundamentally provide the call to action into your sales flow,” Simpson says.
04. Define your rates
Setting fair, yet competitive, rates is key to attracting quality clients, but it’s important not to sell yourself–and your services–short.
For example, don’t just consider the time you spend on the job. “Time taken for client acquisition, communications and administration is significant, and that should be reflected in your rate,” Simpson says. “Clients may have a limited budget, but be wary of reducing rates initially to land a project that might have returning work.”
05. Create a business structure
Remember: freelancing is a business. Consider setting up a formal business structure, like an LLC, to protect your personal assets and provide a professional front. Be mindful of legal and tax requirements, which vary by country and state.
You’ll also want to get your client contracts in order. “Formalize, in writing, a payment agreement that’s fair for both parties,” Simpson says, noting you should limit your risk as much as possible. “This could mean staged payments and retaining ownership on a website until final payment.” Unfortunately, clients can ghost you.
06. Network network network
Networking as a web developer is all about building genuine connections and showcasing your skills. Start by joining online freelance communities like the Wix Studio Community on Discord, GitHub or Reddit, where you can contribute to discussions, share your projects and learn from others.
In-person events have value, too. Attend local meetups, hackathons and industry conferences to meet professionals face-to-face and exchange ideas. And don’t be afraid to reach out to other developers directly for a quick chat or virtual coffee. Putting yourself out there is key to a successful freelance career. It might feel weird at first, but consider it a muscle worth strengthening.
07. Put on your marketing hat
Marketing your services requires a different approach than networking. Instead of connecting with others one-on-one, you need to actively showcase your skills and promote yourself as an expert in the field.
Lean on social media platforms like Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn to share updates about your projects and engage with potential clients.
Consider offering free consultations or discounts for first-time clients to attract new business.
08. Stay sharp
Web development—whether or not you're freelancing—demands constant learning. Stay up-to-date with the latest trends and languages to remain competitive, and consider taking relevant certifications as you grow. Read more about growing your skills as a developer and how to become a better programmer.
Sign up for Wix Studio to super charge your dev career today.
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