Are you thinking of working as a full-time freelance web designer from the comfort of your own home anytime soon? If your answer is yes, then this is the article that you should be reading right now. We will try to give you some tips on what you can do to really make this career as lucrative as possible right from your own living room.
Tips on how to make money as a freelance website designer
1. Prepare yourself financially
You must make sure that you will be able to support yourself financially for the long haul first. The best way to earn money from freelancing whether as a web designer or any other profession, is to establish yourself first and to have a steady customer base.
Doing this takes time. Therefore, you should have a good amount of savings first before you decide to embark on freelancing as a career. Make sure that you can support yourself for many months because freelancing is an inconsistent business. You may not find clients right away especially as a beginner.
2. Focus on a special skill
To become a reliable and top freelance web designer, you must build your reputation on any one skill.
As a website designer, some of the best skills for you to focus include
- Small business website designing
- Landing page design service
- Website Home page design
- PSD Layout Design
- HTML and CSS solutions
- PSD to HTML Conversion
- Basic SEO services
- Mobile UI Design
- Freelance eCommerce website designing
Make time to further develop yourself. Attend web design seminars and join an online training course. You can apply all the new skills and techniques in your future projects.
3. Start small
If you’re just starting out in this freelancing business, be humble. Take up as many entry-level jobs as you can. This way, you will get exposure to the various aspects of web designing.
You can start as a home-based web designer slowly as you build up your client list. The earnings will not be high in the initial days; however, you will gain experience and credibility in return. It will get back to you in spades for sure anyway.
4. Build a network
Learn the importance of networking. This is how you get as many clients as possible. Join freelancing websites, groups and online organizations that can give you what you need in terms of potential people to work with.
This way, you will be able to develop connections that can lead you to potential jobs right from the start.
5. Create an extensive portfolio
By joining legitimate freelancing websites, you would be able to build your portfolio right away. If they would allow, go ahead and post samples of your work as a web designer on the website so that people could see what you have to offer.
In this regard, you can also build your own page and post samples of your work there. It would be easy enough to link your website to your freelancing profile to gain profit eventually.
6. Be a professional web designer freelance expert
Once you get your first client, you have to be professional. Deliver your final product on time and as per instructions. Be clear and flexible about your rates as well. If you can, do your research on the client first before accepting the job. This way, you will get to know what he wants and how he does his work accordingly.
Once you deliver the work successfully, you will be able to begin building a good reputation with your clients and eventually make a name for yourself in the world of freelance web designing.
Where will you find web design and development opportunities
The market is promising; however, the competition is high. There will be several other freelance professionals like you competing for projects.
You may be nurturing ideas of working with different people from all over the world. However, it is not so easy. There are many online platforms where you register, update your profile and bid for projects. Some of the top marketplaces include
Upwork: It is one of the best and reliable places to look for projects. People post their website design requirements. Choose and bid for work you are comfortable in.
Freelancer: One of the biggest sites for freelancers. Upload your projects for employers to view and contact you.
LinkedIn: It is the biggest social media platform to promote your services. Connect and build your network. You can find many opportunities here.
Fiverr: A popular platform for freelancers where every employer, individual or organization search for talented and qualified web designers. You must enroll your services here.
How you can market yourself as a freelance web designer
As mentioned earlier, one of the biggest challenges for you is the competition. Having gained considerable experience and reputation, it is necessary to market your services to get continuous revenue. There are a few ways to do this other than the online platforms mentioned above.
- Email marketing: Increase your customer base by sending newsletters
- Social media: Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest etc can be a great source for you to connect and engage with the online community.
- Q&A platforms: You can prove your command over the web designing domain by answering queries raised by people in platforms like Quora and others.
- SEO: Employers do a search in the search engine platforms like Google and Bing for web designers. Being available can create many opportunities for you.
Tips to grow your web design freelance business
Be innovative, try new ideas, and maintain quality. This will help you not only gain a steady income but increase your client base.
- Be up-to-date with the latest technologies: Make sure you are adept with all the new skills. Learn online, build new marketing skills, use the latest equipment.
- Add more services: You may have started as a designer but adding new services can get you more clients while retaining existing ones who need some supplementary works.
- Collaboration: Connecting with other freelancers and building a network of services will ensure your client will remain with you.
Conclusion
After successfully building your own reputation as a reliable home-based freelance website designer, everything else will surely follow. The important thing here is to be patient. Success and profit do not happen overnight. You must cultivate connections and a steady stream of clientele to build credibility and revenue.
Are you thinking to make some extra income as a freelancing web designer?
People will come to you for all their web design needs eventually. You just should be willing to spend time and make the effort to better yourself as a freelance web designer.