Becoming a web development freelancer is an excellent choice; not only do you get work in an exciting field, but you also get to be your own boss! But how exactly do you become a freelance Web Developer? What are the requirements? This article will walk you step-by-step through the process to help you start your new career as a web development freelancer.
1. Choose a Niche
The first step to becoming a web development freelancer is to choose a niche. You can choose from several niches, but the most popular options are Front-end Web Developer, Back-end Web Developer, and Full Stack Web Developer.
A Front-end Web Developer is responsible for creating everything on the client-side of a website that users interact with. Back-end Web Developers deal with things users never see, like servers and databases. Full Stack Web Developers are jacks-of-all-trades responsible for everything on the front and back-end.
You could also specialize in a specific programming language to become a JavaScript Developer, Ruby Developer, Python Developer, or Java Developer. However, it’s unusual for a new Web Developer to start their career focusing on one language alone. Typically, they choose one of the three main specialties first and gain some experience in that niche before specializing even further.
2. Assess Your Current Skill Set
Once you’ve decided on a niche to specialize in, the next step is to see how your current skill set compares to the skills you’ll need to work as a freelance Web Developer. Here’s a quick list for each specialty to help you make an accurate assessment.
Front-end Web Development Skills
- Proficiency in HTML, CSS, and JavaScript
- The ability to track and control changes that have been made to the code
- Knowledge of user experience (UX) principles and SEO (search engine optimization) best practices
- The capability to build a website that’s aesthetically pleasing, responsive, functional, and user-friendly
- Familiarity with a variety of front-end development tools such as libraries, frameworks, version control systems, and content management systems (CMS
- A good grasp of quality assurance testing to detect and eliminate bugs
- Soft skills like flexibility, time management, problem-solving, teamwork, and the ability to listen attentively
- Optional: an understanding of graphic design principles and the ability to create mockups
Back-end Web Development Skills
- A solid grasp of the most common back-end programming languages, frameworks, libraries, and tools, including Python, JavaScript, PHP, Ruby, Java, Django, and Node.js
- The ability to build and manage web applications
- An understanding of databases, hosting environments, APIs (application programming interfaces), operating systems, and servers
- A talent for writing high-quality code plus the ability to detect bugs and track changes
- The capability to assess the speed and efficiency of existing applications
- An understanding of web accessibility and cybersecurity best practices
- Strong analytical thinking and attention to detail
- Good communication, organization, time management, and problem-solving skills
Full Stack Web Development Skills
- Proficiency in HTML and JavaScript plus at least two or three back-end languages such as Python, PHP, Ruby, or Java
- Familiarity with a variety of web development tools such as libraries, frameworks, version control systems, and content management systems (CMS)
- A talent for writing high-quality code plus the ability to detect errors, eliminate bugs, and track changes to the code
- The ability to build and manage web applications
- The capability to create a website that’s aesthetically pleasing, responsive, functional, and user-friendly
- A general understanding of user experience (UX) principles and SEO (search engine optimization) best practices
- Soft skills like flexibility, organization, problem-solving, teamwork, communication, and time management
- Insight into how databases, hosting environments, APIs (application programming interfaces), operating systems, and servers function
- Knowledge of web accessibility and cybersecurity best practices
3. Fill in Gaps
After you’ve had a chance to compare your skills to those that are required, you then need to make a list of all the skills you’re lacking and start filling in gaps. There are several ways to acquire the skills necessary to become a freelance Web Developer.
You could find resources online to help you learn such as websites and video tutorials. Still, many people find it challenging to stay motivated and disciplined enough to master new skills through self-study. Your best bet is to take web development classes; that way, you know you’ll cover all the necessary skills instead of trying to cobble together your own educational path.
4. Build Your Network
As you’re filling in the gaps in your skill set, you should also be working hard to expand your network. Becoming a part of the international community of Web Developers is an essential part of working in the industry. There are many opportunities to network with other Web Developers, both online and in-person.
For in-person opportunities, you could attend a tech conference or two, find local meetups for Web Developers, take classes, or join a nearby coworking space. If you prefer to network online, the best places for aspiring freelance Web Developers to go are Stack Overflow, Reddit, and Dev.to. These sites are especially helpful because users willingly offer newcomers assistance whenever needed.
5. Take on Small Projects
While developing your skills, you should be putting them to use by working on small projects. If you’re taking web development classes with a set curriculum, they’ll have clearly defined assignments laid out for you to help you practice your skills. If you’ve chosen a different learning path, you’ll need to come up with your own idea for projects you can create to further develop your skills. Keep in mind that these projects will be an essential part of your portfolio, so try to choose a variety to showcase your capabilities.
6. Create a Portfolio
After you’ve had a chance to test your skills on several small projects, the next step is to put together an online portfolio. Creating an online portfolio is an essential step in developing your freelance web development business. For one, it establishes you as a professional Web Developer. A portfolio also increases your visibility online, enhances your credibility, and allows you to demonstrate your creativity and expertise to potential clients.
7. Organize Your Business
The next step toward becoming a freelance Web Developer is to organize your business. There are several tasks involved in this step, including:
- Developing a business plan
- Establishing your business as a legal entity
- Registering for taxes by obtaining an EIN
- Opening a business bank account
- Setting up a bookkeeping system
- Choosing software for invoicing
8. Find Clients
The final step is a big one: now you have to go out and find clients. This part is by far the most difficult because the results are entirely out of your control. But the good news is that your success is practically guaranteed if you market yourself consistently and remain tenacious.
The best place to start looking for clients is within your own network. Talk to your family members, friends, former co-workers, acquaintances, etc.; let them know you’re looking for freelance web development work. You might even consider posting it on social media, especially LinkedIn, to inform everyone you’re connected with about your new business.
You’ll likely pick up one or two clients by reaching out to your network, but you can’t stop there; success as a freelancer requires consistent marketing efforts. You should try to identify companies in your niche that regularly hire freelancers, then contact them by email, phone, or LinkedIn to ask if they have any work available.
What’s Next?
So what do you do after you’ve started working with clients as a freelance Web Developer? For starters, take any work you’re especially proud of and add it to your portfolio. Cultivating your portfolio is something you should do throughout your career as a freelance Web Developer, not just when you’re starting out. By doing this, you demonstrate to potential clients how much your skills have grown.
As you develop your expertise, you should also be raising your rates. Your skill set doesn’t remain static, so your earnings shouldn’t either. Be sure to take time every few months to gauge your professional development, then change your rates to match your current level of expertise.
The Fastest Way to Become a Freelance Web Developer
The fastest way to get the skills you need to become a freelance Web Developer is to enroll in a web development bootcamp. Bootcamps are specialized programs designed to prepare students for a new career within a few months. With their accelerated schedules and skill-focused curriculum, bootcamps are an excellent alternative to a traditional four-year college degree. You can even find web development bootcamps available live online, so you can acquire the skills you need without having to endure a long commute.
If you want to learn more about web development but aren’t ready to commit to a full bootcamp, consider enrolling in one or two live online web development classes. A wide range of options is available to help you get started on your programming education, including web development courses on specific programming languages such as HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Python, and Ruby.