You’ve arrived here because you are prepared to embark on your journey as a freelance web developer.
The lifestyle of a freelance web developer can be appealing. You have the opportunity to engage in intriguing projects, enjoy the flexibility to participate in tech events and be involved in tech communities, work remotely, go on trips, and experience a more favorable equilibrium between work and personal life.
Before jumping into drafting your resignation letter or brainstorming unique ways to quit your job, it is essential to gain a comprehensive understanding of the freelancing industry.
In this article, we will explore the freelance web developer’s profile, the advantages of becoming one, the process of entering the freelancing field, and address common inquiries such as the income potential in web development and the required skills.
What is a Freelance Web Developer
A freelance web developer is self-employed and has the flexibility to work from various locations such as home, coffee shops, or libraries, as long as there is an internet connection available. Their primary responsibility involves discussing ideas with clients and subsequently delivering the final product.
By working as a freelance web developer, you will have the opportunity to take on a wide range of projects from various employers, both locally and globally. As you will be running your own business, you will have the freedom to set your own rates, determine your work schedule, and even choose which clients you want to collaborate with.
Freelance developers commonly provide services that include the creation of software using programming languages, website design, handling intricate data, and guaranteeing compatibility across various browsers and devices for websites.
Why You should consider Freelance Web Development
If you are currently a developer, it is probable that you have either been employed by the same company for an extended period of time or have been changing jobs on a yearly basis. The excitement that initially accompanied your work soon transformed into monotony.
If you have a passion for technology, you will likely seek to develop a set of abilities that empower you to work according to your preferences.
So, you have the skills:
You have already received training in HTML.
I acquired knowledge in CSS.
You are an expert in JavaScript.
If you’re thinking in a step-by-step manner, it’s the ideal moment to become a part of the freelance programmer movement.
Build your craft faster
Having a portfolio is an excellent method of demonstrating your skills, and with freelance projects, you can establish yourself as a developer.
When working on freelance projects, you will learn faster and enhance your web development skills.
In order to solve problems and deliver a complete product to your clients, it is necessary to learn certain things during your project.
When you are unable to solve a problem on your own, you have the option to seek assistance from technology communities.
If you experience impostor syndrome, observing yourself successfully devising solutions in real-world situations will enhance your self-assurance.
With each successive project you complete and as you improve your skills, you will gradually gain referrals and have the opportunity to undertake larger projects.
Freelancer benefits
There are four major advantages to working as a freelancer:
- A better work-life balance: You can have breakfast with your partner again, say “Goodbye” to your commute, spend more time with your family, or travel—freelancing can open the door to a world of opportunities.
- Being your own boss: Being a freelance web developer means you can work all morning (or all night for that matter). There’s no flatter hierarchy that just one employee—you.
- Freedom to choose your working hours / clients / rate of pay: Say a polite “No thank you” to that miserable client and to his criminally low budget as well.
- The chance to work on more interesting projects: There’s no more monotony, each month bringing a variety of work, clients and opportunities according to which projects you choose.
How to Become a Freelance Web Developer
In order to be a web developer, it is necessary to have both technical skills and a sense of design. The technical skills involve the ability to build a website that functions properly, whereas the design aspect focuses on creating a visually attractive and easy-to-use website.
Decide the Type of Web Development to Focus On
The initial stage involves identifying the range of services that you can provide as a freelance developer. The field of web development is categorized into three specific domains of specialization:
Front-End Development is a process of creating the visual part of a website or application.
Front-end web developers have the responsibility of ensuring that visitors have an excellent user experience. In essence, this kind of web development focuses on ensuring that your client’s website meets their preferences and expectations in terms of its appearance and overall user interface efficiency. This involves considering the aesthetic aspects of the website as well as its usability.
Front-end developers enhance every visible and clickable aspect of a web design by using their programming skills to develop UI elements like buttons and icons, and making choices regarding colors, pictures, and typography.
In order to become a front-end web developer, it is essential to possess thorough understanding of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. In addition to gaining proficiency in these three fundamental programming languages, one must also acquaint themselves with applicable search engine optimization (SEO) tactics.
The process of developing the non-user-facing aspects of a website or application.
The primary focus of web development in the back-end involves tasks related to creating the core of the site, databases, APIs, and various server-side activities. In simpler terms, backend developers deal with the logical aspects of a website’s infrastructure that supports the front-end.
Back-end web developers must have a strong understanding of PHP, MySQL, Python, and the frameworks related to their preferred programming language, along with several other core programming languages.
When building web applications, you have the option of selecting one of the popular PHP frameworks such as Laravel, Phalcon, or CodeIgniter.
Besides keeping up with technical advancements in the coding and programming domain, backend developers should also focus on building strong soft skills like effective communication and teamwork. This is essential in order to ensure a fully functional website through successful collaboration with front-end developers.
The process of Full-Stack Development involves analyzing, designing, and implementing software applications that encompass both the front-end and back-end aspects.
In essence, full-stack development encompasses the expertise and abilities required for both front-end and back-end development. The capability to construct a website’s user interface and effectively handle its server functionalities is essential for a full-stack developer. In simple terms, a full-stack developer must possess the complete proficiency to manage all aspects of web development.
Useful Skills for Freelance Web Developers
In addition to programming languages and technical knowledge, it is beneficial to acquire other skills that can enhance the quality of services provided to clients as a freelance web developer. Here are various supplementary skills that can enhance your credibility.
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Having technical skills as a freelance web developer greatly demonstrates your proficiency and enhances your flexibility as a professional. This can provide you with a competitive edge over other individuals in your field.
- Responsive design. For web developers, understanding responsive design is a must. It’s crucial to build websites that can be viewed on both computers and mobile devices, no matter the size.
- Testing and debugging. A web developer must ensure a fully functional website and mobile app. Website testing helps check aspects such as user-friendliness, efficiency, and user satisfaction and reveals any errors that require debugging.
- Back-end knowledge. Even if you are solely focused on the front-end, it’s still essential to firmly grasp back-end development. Ensure that you know the fundamentals of servers, databases, and cybersecurity.
- Search engine optimization. When it comes to SEO, a website’s usability is equally as important as its content. Web developers are responsible for making a site mobile-friendly, implementing easy navigation, keeping page load times low, and adding a sitemap. All of these are site ranking factors.
- Micro copywriting. Some clients may hire freelance copywriters to create copy for their websites. However, micro-content is required for web pages, landing pages, or software elements. Having a solid command of grammar and compelling writing will help with the creation of reliable content.
Soft skills are important traits that are not directly related to technical knowledge or expertise. They encompass a range of skills such as communication, teamwork, leadership, adaptability, and problem-solving. These skills are crucial in today’s job market as they help individuals effectively collaborate with others, navigate challenges, and enhance overall performance.
Soft skills demonstrate your capacity to collaborate with others, which is essential for a freelance web developer to establish a positive rapport with clients. Moreover, these skills assist in efficiently grasping your clients’ requirements and expectations.
- Analytical skills. A website’s functionality depends on how web developers structure its code. Having an analytical mind will help identify and fix any potential issues.
- Interpersonal skills. Since freelancers typically work alone, having strong people skills will help execute your client demands and convey your ideas clearly. Being a good listener and communicator will prevent misunderstandings from occurring.
- Excellent work ethic. A strong work ethic is one of the most sought-after qualities that clients look for in freelancers. To maintain a good reputation and the loyalty of clients, display a strong sense of reliability, discipline, and professionalism.
Skills related to business
Additionally, possessing strong business skills enhances the worth of your service. Similar to operating any business, it is necessary to apply tactics in order to generate a regular income. Effectively promote your services, establish a reliable personal brand, determine appropriate pricing, broaden your professional connections, and acquire negotiation expertise.
