I recently graduated with a degree in computer science and want to dive into freelancing as a web developer. Unfortunately, finding clients has been tough. Currently, I'm stuck working at a warehouse since the job market for graduates in the UK is pretty rough. I've created a couple of websites—one for a relative's spa services (for free) and my own personal site, but that's the extent of my portfolio. I've been reaching out to local businesses, trying to offer my services at £50 per month with a minimum commitment of six months, but so far, I've only received two 'maybe laters' and around 50 rejections. I'm hoping to learn some effective strategies to secure my first clients. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
6 Answers
Honestly, you're not a freelancer yet; you're still at the starting line. You've done a couple of small projects, but you need to develop your value proposition. Why should a small business trust you with their website? They need to see a return on investment. Most don’t really need a site when they have platforms like Facebook or Google to attract customers. Think about what unique thing you can offer.
AI is stepping into a lot of entry-level roles, which makes this more challenging. What’s the game plan now for someone trying to break into web development?
Local businesses are so hesitant to pay without a prior relationship. Offering the first month free for a commitment of three months could be an attractive deal. You might even consider positioning it as a retainer service with a guaranteed number of hours for updates each month.
When I tried freelancing after a year of working at an agency, I learned the hard way that just having coding skills isn’t enough. Marketing and design knowledge are crucial for getting clients. Keep working on projects that build your skills, and tailor your portfolio to what potential clients are seeking. This will help you be more prepared for freelancing down the line.
Yeah, it's daunting to see so many graduates competing for so few jobs. I’m working on applications and building my portfolio alongside my current job. It feels like freelancing might be the only choice for me at this point.
Most of my clients came from networking, referrals, or communities where I shared my work. Building a network can be crucial to spreading the word about your services. Try to engage in community events or online forums to get your name out there.
I get it! My social circle is full of other unemployed developers. But I hope once I land a few clients, word of mouth can really help!
From what I’ve seen, most freelancers don't land their first clients solely through cold outreach. The early success often comes from referrals, friends, and connections you've made. Word of mouth can be really powerful if you start working with people from your network or even help out for free initially. It's a good way to get your foot in the door and build a reputation.
Also, you might end up dealing with clients who just want the cheapest option. It's not easy, but it's a stepping stone. Just keep building your portfolio!
Thanks for your insight! I plan to continue volunteering my skills to help build my portfolio.
That's a fair point. With my relative’s business, they actually started getting more customers after I helped them appear on Google, unlike their Facebook presence. What would you suggest as a different approach?