I'm looking to kick off my freelancing journey in web and software development, potentially growing it into a small agency in the future. I have a solid tech stack, including Typescript, Javascript, MySQL, MongoDB, and React, and about 1.5 years of industry experience, mainly in cloud services—not development. I have a few questions: How was your first year as a freelancer or agency owner? Was it really unstable? How did you secure your first clients? With AI changing the landscape, how have things shifted? If you could redo your first year, what would you do differently? I really want to hear genuine experiences—the struggles, the victories, and what kept you motivated. Any insights would be greatly appreciated!
1 Answer
Getting started, I opened my agency a year and two months ago. I found that tapping into my network was crucial. Reach out to friends, family, and professional contacts—not by asking for work directly, but by sharing that you’re now offering services.
After that, digital marketing is key! Build your agency's presence on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Google. I wouldn’t recommend jumping into paid ads at first. As you accumulate some projects, consider hiring a business development person on a commission basis if marketing isn't your strength.
Importantly, don’t be too picky about projects early on—just be realistic. I learned the hard way when I avoided certain projects and realized it was hurting my agency's chances. The only time to say no is if it's truly beyond your skill set or resources. Embracing that is tough but essential! Let me know if you have any other questions.
Thanks for the insights! I find it tough too, especially since I don’t have a lot of family connections to tap into. I'm relying heavily on social media. Do clients still look for freelancers for web development? With AI taking over some tasks, is there still demand?
Exactly! As a freelancer, I think it's critical to know when to pass on projects. But as an agency owner, learning how to quote effectively and meet the contract obligations is a game changer. Your mindset really influences how you operate your business.