I've been web developing since 2022, but I'm struggling to find job opportunities or freelance work. I'm curious about how others manage to land contracts or find any work at all. Do most of you do this for fun now, or have you found effective ways to earn as freelancers?
5 Answers
From what I've seen, about 80% of freelance work is related to finding clients and handling sales—not just the coding part. It’s a grind, but if you can manage that side of things, you could do quite well, especially with recurring work from satisfied clients.
Exactly. It's a lot easier when you build a good reputation. Clients will keep referring you to other businesses if they trust your work.
Ultimately, it boils down to finding the type of clients that suit your skills. E-commerce businesses often need ongoing work, and having a niche can make you more valuable. You just have to get your foot in the door somehow, which can be the hardest part.
Spot on! Once you find the right clients and establish trust, it gets much easier to stay busy.
Right! Identifying a common problem and providing solutions can lead to successful client relationships. You're in this for the long haul, so think sustainability!
Finding freelance work is a full-time job in itself! Most of the people I know spend a huge chunk of their time just looking for clients. It can be really frustrating, but once you build a solid client base, work can come to you without much chasing.
Absolutely! I remember spending 80% of my time just securing clients, which is why freelancers often charge so much. It's a lot of work to keep the pipeline full.
Word! Once you've established a few good clients, they tend to refer you to others, and that can make things easier. It's all about networking.
Marketing is key. If you're not promoting yourself effectively, it’ll be tough to find clients. You could also try reaching out directly to businesses that need a web presence—many don’t even realize they need one until someone approaches them!
For real. Sending cold emails or making phone calls can work wonders. If you can show how you can solve a specific problem for them, you'll likely get someone's attention.
Networking is also a great strategy. The more people you know, the more chances you have of getting work. Join local industry meetups or online forums!
Honestly, one of the best moves I've made is to stop romanticizing freelancing and just get a stable job. With a 9-5, I still get to use tech I love while having consistent pay. Plus, I don’t have to chase clients anymore!
Haha, exactly! It’s much more relaxing to have a steady paycheck, and you can still take on a few side projects if you want.
Right! Freelancing can be unpredictable and stressful. Working for a company gives you time to focus on your craft rather than worrying about finding the next gig.
This is so true! It's mostly about managing your relationships with clients and ensuring they keep coming back for more.