And that is great you are looking to get into freelance! Here are some things I found helpful...
Identify a market to focus on. Besides tech proficiency, clients want someone who understands their industry and needs. I work a lot with commercial real estate. Projects parameters are more or less the same and I therefore can make suggestions on content that is missing. This also helps with getting more clients as they can refer you to other people in their network.
Over communicate in a timely manner. I try to not let 24 hours go by without responding. If there isn’t time to answer an email/text, then I like to at least respond with “Question received, I’ll review and respond in full tomorrow”. That way they know you are on it and have set an expedition for the next response.
Create a contract. Google freelancer contracts and use it with everyone, even friends / family / pro-Bono work. It will save a lot of pain later and help communicate expectations.
Set up a sole proprietorship. No one really likes dealing with the business end of freelance, but taxes and state laws are a real concern. I file quarterly earning reports with the IRS, plus track all my expenses and earnings. In my state setting up a business is free, just takes some research. Every state is different though.
Below is another article I wrote that outlines my typical design processes. The creative brief questions could prove helpful for front end freelance as well.
Gedalya, thank you so much for this response. I wasn't truly expecting such a thorough reply. I don't believe that it's necessary to post a full article, although it would undoubtedly help tons of people. I'd certainly be interested in learning more from you, however, you've already provided lots of help.
I really appreciate the time you took to share your knowledge with me, and I am sure that your skills will be able to land you wherever you want to be.
Thank you again, and I hope everything goes well with the search. Please let me know if there's anything I can help with; I'd be glad to.
Thank you so much. Fingers crossed. :)
And that is great you are looking to get into freelance! Here are some things I found helpful...
Identify a market to focus on. Besides tech proficiency, clients want someone who understands their industry and needs. I work a lot with commercial real estate. Projects parameters are more or less the same and I therefore can make suggestions on content that is missing. This also helps with getting more clients as they can refer you to other people in their network.
Over communicate in a timely manner. I try to not let 24 hours go by without responding. If there isn’t time to answer an email/text, then I like to at least respond with “Question received, I’ll review and respond in full tomorrow”. That way they know you are on it and have set an expedition for the next response.
Create a contract. Google freelancer contracts and use it with everyone, even friends / family / pro-Bono work. It will save a lot of pain later and help communicate expectations.
Set up a sole proprietorship. No one really likes dealing with the business end of freelance, but taxes and state laws are a real concern. I file quarterly earning reports with the IRS, plus track all my expenses and earnings. In my state setting up a business is free, just takes some research. Every state is different though.
Awesome freelance resource for Web designers / developers. youtube.com/c/FluxWithRanSegall
Below is another article I wrote that outlines my typical design processes. The creative brief questions could prove helpful for front end freelance as well.
How I Prepare Designs For Development (Complete Guide)
Gedalya Krycer ・ Feb 22 ・ 13 min read
If these tips are beneficial, I’d be happy to do a full article on some more “lessons learned” as a freelancer. :)
Gedalya, thank you so much for this response. I wasn't truly expecting such a thorough reply. I don't believe that it's necessary to post a full article, although it would undoubtedly help tons of people. I'd certainly be interested in learning more from you, however, you've already provided lots of help.
I really appreciate the time you took to share your knowledge with me, and I am sure that your skills will be able to land you wherever you want to be.
Thank you again, and I hope everything goes well with the search. Please let me know if there's anything I can help with; I'd be glad to.
My pleasure! Being able to share "lessons learned" and more importantly learn from others is why I joined this platform! :)