If you are a software developer and you have seen your friends switching to freelancing and you find it more catchy. As a freelance software developer, you can earn more than you had in a full-time job in freelancing. You will get the freedom to be in your own way. Also, enjoy the flexibility of work time and many more advantages. It is a bad idea to quit your job and straightly go out on your own, without having a stable client base. Also, you need to know that to build a client list you have to get noticed by them. You can follow the steps which will help you grab some attention as a Freelance Web developer. Also, getting projects to begin your business and build your reputation.
Here are the ways how you can grab attention as a freelance software developer
1. Build a portfolio
The only thing your client will look for as a potential freelancer is whether you’ll be able to deliver. New people in freelancing can lose out on projects. The newcomers will face a lot of competition with the more experienced freelancers. Because you know the clients are spending a lot of money on their projects and they want to make each rupee count. You will meet with some clients who do not choose based on the most experienced one. Instead, they spend time and review profiles of the other freelancers who are offering work at a lower rate. A good portfolio with a simple design shows the best work you have done. You can simply put up descriptions of the project you have gone under.
Is Your Resume Not Getting Shortlisted?
2. Working for free
For beginners as a software developer, you will find tough competition to get projects. You will need a project to make your reputation in the market. As you’re starting from zero, you have no project and no repetition. So how can you build your reputation? Once you find yourself in this position, build your reputation rather than thinking of getting paid. This thing will help you gain experience and make contacts so that you can build your portfolio. You can simply get in touch with companies that are not related to software and offer to build a website for them. Since these companies are not good at software, they can give you a chance.
3. Get recommendations
When we talk about recommendations, they play a major role in getting your business. For example, if you want to hire a mechanic who gets recommended by someone, you will go for the recommended one, rather than going for the one in the newspaper advertisement. Testimonials will give your reputation as a freelancer and it is a major boost to your business. Once you complete a project, you can consider this as a point and get a testimonial from your client.
4. Market Yourself
Marketing is a very crucial role in learning projects. Market yourself so that you can find potential clients. You can get clients online or offline once you have a strategy to grab their attention. While meeting a potential client face to face, try to maintain a casual and friendly tone. You can get more Brownie points while connecting with potential clients. The chances for your business will increase once you connect properly. If the client doesn’t seem interested, you can change the conversation into a personal chat. And get to know them better and build a good rapport. Making friendly relationships ensures the possibility of your hiring.
5. Make Connections
Socializing and making connections can have a drastic impact on your business growth. The more you connect, the more you are likely to get projects in the future. But how can you get connected? You can socialize on social networking websites. And can have a great opportunity to interact with people and make new connections. Also, you can start with the old-fashioned way, like having a cup of tea/coffee with someone. This is the old-fashioned way, which will help you leave a long-lasting impression. Attending technical meetups is a way to interact with people and promote your business. Meeting up like this will give you a chance to share your knowledge. And you will get to know more about this business.
6. Work on an open-source project
You will find many potential clients should not have a software development background but some have few clients who prefer freelancers who have the quality of experience rather than the newcomers you can work on an open-source project which is a very great opportunity to establish your credibility with clients like these. Once you contribute to open source projects, it will give you an advantage over the others. It is not a tough job to do. But it can confuse in the beginning.
By – Varsha Yadav
