Freelancers - The Way Forward
Freelancing can be a dream come true for the beleaguered web designer or programmer, who longs to be master of their creative process, work flexible hours, and hopefully, top things off with a nice, juicy paycheck. Yes, it all sounds too good to be true, and it is certainly possible, and admittedly very rewarding, but the path of the freelancer is definitely not for the faint-hearted.
For starters, it takes a certain type of person to live the life of a freelancer, and it would be wise to first figure out if you’ve got what it takes. A lot of drive, self-motivation, flexibility, self-discipline and ability to manage your workday, are some of the important things to look for. Next would be the vital factor of a financial cushion, or enough money and (preferably debt-free) credit to see you through the next six months at the very least. Finally, since you are pretty much a one-man show, you’ll need to be able to deal with the marketing, advertising, public relations and customer service on top of producing the goods yourself. Intimidated? Don’t be. Many creative people in the industry have done it successfully, and there’s no reason why you can’t. Have a look at some of the useful tips below to give you a head start in the wonderful world of web freelancing.
Look Before You Leap
Before you commit to being a full-time freelancer, build the foundations for success and make some preparations. Ideally, the best way to learn and set yourself up to go solo, is to do some part-time freelancing on the side, while you hold your regular job. This enables you to get a taste of the freelance life, with its pros and cons, as well as giving you an opportunity to build a reputation and network for yourself. The single most important thing to remember, however, is that you need to have the clients before you freelance, so make that a priority before anything else.
Money Money Money
Money is a big issue for the freelancer – from deciding on how to price your work to the harsh realities of handling all the boring (but important) bits and pieces, like taxes, healthcare, and social security payments. For the latter, it is advisable to get some professional help such as an accountant who can lead you the right way for the first year at least. The issue of your pricing is a more delicate matter altogether, as finding the right balance between overcharging and undercharging can be quite a challenge in the internet industry. Adding an additional 20% on top of your rates to cover your expenses, healthcare and other extras is a prudent idea, and always remember that your pricing will reflect the overall representation of you and your work.
Get The Freebies
Freelance newcomers obviously have to first set up shop by purchasing all the basics like the hardware, the software, the office staples and so on, making the whole exercise very expensive. To be kinder on your much-needed credit, be frugal and get some of the good, tried-and tested, free (or very reasonable) software out there. All it takes is a bit effort.
Market Yourself
As mentioned earlier, freelancing is not for the bashful. Companies seeking freelance designers and programmers usually do so by word of mouth, so it is imperative that you start networking and get the word out. Making friends in the industry, honing your reputation and keeping abreast of current trends are all part of the job.
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