Starting a Career as a Freelance Software Developer - CareerAlley

Starting a Career as a Freelance Software Developer - CareerAlley We may receive compensation when you click on links to products from our partners. If youre skilled in web and software development, the future is bright. Software developers are in a lucrative position; the skills you possess are highly prized in just about every industry, and youll have some flexibility when it comes to choosing a position. A bevy of startups and businesses are now electing to outsource their software development, and for good reason. Development costs can skyrocket, and hiring contractors can be a smart business move for companies of all sizes. If youve got development experience under your belt, these strategies will help you better infiltrate the freelancing market. Build Your Portfolio As someone just starting out in freelancing, youll have less of an edge against more experienced freelance developers, but theres one way to combat this competitiona bulky, impressive online portfolio on sites like Format.com or unsplash.com. Prospective clients will want proof that you can create quality content and work, and when it comes to distinguishing yourself from the competition, your portfolio is going to be your most valuable asset. If you dont already have work, consider doing some projects for free to make sure you have a variety of examples that display numerous skills. These free projects might be for family or friends looking to start a website, or you might approach low-budget startups that might be looking for some simple software development. A portfolio is solid evidence that you can deliver quality work as promised, so its a vital part of the freelancing process. Post your portfolio along with a detailed profile on freelancing site Upwork to begin contact with se arching companies. Improve Upon Current Abilities Technology is constantly changing, and so are the demands placed on web and software developers. To remain competitive in a field becoming more and more saturated with skilled developers, its important to put effort into expanding your skill set in order to make yourself more valuable in the eyes of prospective clients. Attend seminars and webinars, invest money into courses you know will have a significant impact on your productivity, and keep track of all of the classes and certifications you receiveemployers will want to see what steps youve taken to remain on top of the development game. Utilize Recommendations Word-of-mouth and personal recommendations could make or break you when it comes to locking down clients. Ask previous clients and employers for positive testimonials about your work. When listing your testimonial, be sure to provide the name of your employer and the company you worked for, as this will give the recommendation more credibility and appear more attractive to prospective clients. Use a Temp Agency Staffing agencies might be a great option to utilize if youre having trouble attracting a client on your own. Recruiters can serve as an excellent connection point to employers. While some of these may be regular full-time positions, there has been a rise in employers seeking remote, contract developers, and for good reason. Hiring an in-house employee comes with a bevy of expenditures on top of salary, including benefits and the provision of equipment. With the recent advancements in technology platforms that incorporate ALM software, employers are able to manage entire projects from afar, allowing outsourced employees to access projects in real-time, no matter where they are. This means the market is saturated with employers seeking out high-quality, but cost-effective, development optionscue the influx of freelancing developers. Social Networking Its true of any industry; social connections improve your chances of success tenfold. Its essential to attend meetups and other social networking events to make your name well-known and foster relationships with important individuals in your field. Attend seminars to visit with likeminded individuals, join web development chat rooms to get insight into others experiences (learn what to do and what not to do during your freelance career), and take any opportunity to become more connected in the industry. Practice Your Writing As a web developer, you know that quality content is king, so why not try your hand at writing? Putting your thoughts to paper (or to the web page) is an easy way to establish credibility in your field. Having an article or development tutorial featured on multiple websites will give you exposure to a wider audience and serve as an extra source of income. Writing quality articles will help you better build your brand; the more teaching moments you provide, the more trusted youll be as a source for quality web developmentbelieve that employers take note. Not a fantastic writer? Harness the power of social media to boost your personal brand; tweet out important news, maintain conversations and answer questions to software development questions. If youre looking to throw your hat in the freelance web development ring, utilize these strategies to best position yourself for success. What's next? Ready to take action? Choose the right tools to help you build your career. Looking for related topics? Find out how to find the opportunities that help you grow your best career. Subscribe and make meaningful progress on your career. It’s about time you focused on your career. 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