Good Stuff Happens in 1:1 Meetings: Why you need them and how to do them well
How to succeed as a freelance web designer
1.
2. Freelancing in web designing is a dream for many
professionals with an artistic bent, but this field isn't
just about the talent you have. Successful freelancing
depends on your business savvy and ability to commit
and deliver on time.
Self-employment is a great thing, but many don't choose
it because of the financial and career-related risks
involved. Freelance web designing could be a miserable
existence if you don't play your card correctly - and the
fact is that many web designers are already doing it the
wrong way.
3. The most important aspect in successful freelancing as a
web designer is getting the right clients, both in terms
of consistency and quality. Generally, freelancing should
be treated as another facet of consulting, which needs
to be done right if it is to evolve into a satisfying
career. A successful freelancer is someone who has
developed an extensive professional network, possesses
a healthy dose of entrepreneurial spirit and stays
updated on the latest development in his or her chosen
industry.
A premature decision to freelance rather than engage in a
full-time job could severely damage your financial and
emotional health, apart from costing you the most
productive years of what could have been a successful
career. It certainly is a gradual process and involves
several steps.
4. Begin With a Full Time Position
The best way of understanding the intricacies of the web
design industry is by actually working with a company
where you can gain-on experience in what clients really
need and what it takes to fulfill their requirements.
Simultaneously, it is advisable to build an appreciable
technical portfolio. This will give you confidence about
your raw skills, and also an understanding of what kind
of work meets industry standards.
If you cannot find such a position (almost every company
is looking for experienced candidates), it would help if
you enroll in a professional course from a reputed
institute that provides the right coaching as well as
support in finding a job.
5. Start Building Your Network And
Portfolio
When you have a salary to look forward to, you can spend the rest
of your time working on your own projects. Offers of
freelancing projects will come your way if you open the right
channels and broadcast your availability.
Social platforms like LinkedIn and Facebook are great resources
to help you build your network and showcase the work you have
been involved in. Join groups on LinkedIn where other web
designers congregate. This is one place where people looking
for designers post job and project listings frequently.
Networking is about laying the groundwork to self-employment.
When you are confident that you can get enough quality work
throughout the month, you can consider leaving your full time
position.
6. Keep Upgrading Your Skills
Technology is changing continuously, and new tools and
ways of doing things are being introduced for web
designers all the time. You need to stay current on the
latest developments in your field because this allows you
to get the best projects.
Once you are getting booked consistently, you can start
raising your rates, begin taking up high-paying jobs and
pass on the less lucrative ones to friends and
acquaintances who are just starting out.
7. Specialize
Specialization is the key to becoming known and being in
constant demand. Graphics designing involves several
ingredients - try to specialize in one and become a
master of it. Gradually, you will witness your demand
growing and your bank balance showing satisfying
figures.
Start early and be patient. Freelancing is a lot like
interviewing for a job. But, as a freelancer, interviews
are held practically every single day, and your progress
depends on your dedication to the job and to growing
your business
