I'm thinking about becoming a freelance web designer/developer but not sure where to start!

Hi,

I'm considering becoming a freelance web developer / designer. I'm currently employed as a developer and designer but getting fed up of being employed.

I'm thinking the best way to start would be to do odd jobs on the side whilst still staying employed but not really sure how to get going. I would be great full of any advice!

Thank you,
Laura

 

Hi Laura,
This should help:
http://www.freelanceuk.com/news/5017.shtml

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Moore News Ltd - expert care for your editorial needs.

 

I would say you need to sit down and generate a 5 year plan. Working while starting up your business is a great idea, and as your business begins to pick up, then you can drop to part time at work, and then fully drop it all together. Just make sure you don't get into any trouble with your company. Keep your clients and their clients separate.

As for where you start, the first thing to do is to educate yourself. Take some online tutorials on business management so that you can cover all of your bases. Then I would say you need to start building your brand image and marketing your services. This means starting a website and beginning to connect with industry professionals to establish your company. And it means landing your first few customers and generating a good word of mouth.

Again, you may want to consider taking some tutorials on brand development and marketing as well.

It's a long road, but worth it. And I think when you break it down into something like a 5 year plan it is more manageable and less overwhelming. Plus you have your end goal in site that you will be completely self-sufficient by this date. Of course this can also be a 3 year plan or so. Depends on what you feel comfortable with and how long it takes to get your business off the ground.

 

Agreed, educate yourself on copywriting and how to sell effectively, then develop your brand, and finally ...hustle hard

 

Well there is not much more I can say to that. Just two ideas.

- A idea is that you can create turnkey websites and sell them on sites like "Flippa"
- Create a profile on PeoplePerHour, Fivver ect... and start selling your services.

I thought I would offer some different ideas.