Starting Out on the Path: What It Really Means to Be a Freelance Software Developer
Frankly speaking, when people think about freelancing as a developer, they see a coder writing code sitting comfortably in his pajamas somewhere at the beach. Yes, this image can indeed be true for some cases, however, the truth is that being a freelance developer is way more diverse. It is not only about doing good code – you are not going to write it; rather, you will have to become a small businessman, a salesperson, a project manager and a person who builds up client relationships at the same time.
There is no denying the fact that this path offers an incredible amount of freedom and opportunities for development. At Nimmu Technologies, we saw how many of our developers became successful freelance specialists, however, it is necessary to understand what it really means and what you should expect aside from the actual coding.
The Two Edged Sword of Independence: Benefits and Reality
It goes without saying that the idea of becoming an independent software development consultant is incredibly attractive. Why would it not be? There are tons of benefits of freelancing that include such things as flexibility of schedule, ability to choose the projects you want to work on, control over your income and the constant possibility to improve yourself by acquiring new skills. We saw how the freedom to develop became the main factor for many developers who wanted to change something in their lives or earn some additional money as a freelance developer.
However, it is necessary to accept the reality of freelancing as well. First of all, it is not easy to get clients. Besides, there is no regular paycheck, and you are completely responsible for acquiring the next project. In addition, you have to face an additional administrative burden related to such things as taxes, invoicing, client communication and self-promotion. According to the industry research, many developers tend to underestimate the amount of work required for the process of freelancing besides coding. It means that you will have to be highly self-disciplined and persistent in acquiring new clients.
Finding Clients and Succeeding as a Freelancer: What to Do
As you see, getting the first freelancer client is not easy, but definitely achievable. First of all, you should start with your network – tell your friends and former co-workers that you are going to look for a client. In addition, it is critical to create a good, narrow-focused portfolio demonstrating your expertise in a certain niche. As the experts say, a good portfolio is worth much more than a CV in case of freelance developer jobs. When it comes to choosing a price, we definitely recommend to avoid using hourly rates and offer a fixed project-based rate. Why? Well, it shows that you offer your partners the real value for their money. Moreover, never forget to use contracts for your freelancing projects. It will protect you from such issues as scope creep.
Step-by-Step Plan to Get the First Freelance Project:
- Find Your Niche: It is impossible to be good at everything, therefore specialize in a certain language or framework.
- Create Narrow Focused Portfolio: Show your best 2-3 projects, personal projects are welcome!
- Use Your Network: Tell everybody you know that you are freelance developer.
- Make a Great Sales Pitch: Explain what kind of value you can offer and what problems you can solve.
- Write a Great Freelance Proposal: Demonstrate your solution and pricing plan.
- Implement Contract: Protect yourself and your client from any problems.
Common Mistakes of the Beginners: How Not to Do
There are some mistakes that can spoil your freelance career at the beginning. For example, underpricing of your services will not only reduce your prices but also cause you lots of troubles in the future – burnout, as you will need to work twice as hard to earn enough money. It was found out that the developers who were confident in setting high prices from the very beginning have better relationship with their clients.
Another mistake is ineffective project management. It often becomes a problem of scope creep, when a client keeps sending new requests and you have a very large project on your hand. However, this issue can be avoided by the implementation of contracts and learning how to politely say "no" to additional tasks. It is also necessary to pay attention to such a challenge as time management, as in the beginning you will have to balance your full-time job and freelancing. Therefore, make sure that you have strict timeslots for your freelance projects. In addition, if your day job forbids you doing other work, be ready to discuss it.
"The biggest mistake that beginner developers make when they start freelancing is lack of knowledge of the business side and inability to manage client's expectations", according to the industry experts.
Your First Step: Taking Actions and Starting to Build the Career
Well, as you understand, the most difficult moment in your freelance career is not solving complicated technical issues but rather getting started. Of course, we understand your uncertainty, your fears and the feeling of impostor syndrome. However, our advice is simple – you do not have to quit your day job today and find an enterprise-level client immediately. Start small – find one thing you do great and create a project for it. Ask your friend or a local non-profit to use your services – this way you will be able to make your first portfolio item.
Every big trip starts with a single step. Our Nimmu Technologies team wishes you to take this step. Set up your portfolio page, contact your network, dedicate some time per day to learning client acquisition or whatever else. Consistently take small steps and soon you will see incredible results.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get the first developer client?
Use your personal and professional network, including former colleagues and friends. Create a portfolio demonstrating your niche-specific skills. You may start with smaller clients – local businesses or non-profits.
What price should I set for my services as a freelance developer?
There is no single answer to this question, as the rates of freelance developers greatly vary depending on experience, geographical location and the complexity of the project. However, instead of using hourly rate, we recommend using project-based pricing, where you will focus on the value for the client.
Is it possible to freelance as a developer with a full-time job?
Sure, many developers work as freelancers having a full-time job. However, it requires great time-management skills and discipline in order to avoid the problems between your freelance and day jobs. Start small to manage the workload.