Many companies turn to freelance professionals to execute some or all of their software development needs . This has resulted in an incredible opportunity for skilled independent software developers to find more lucrative and engaging work. However, software development is a fast-evolving industry. To succeed in this freelancing field, you’ll need a solid foundation and some experience. You’ll also have to continuously retool your skill set to keep up with any changes. This guide provides seven keys to help you be successful as a freelance software engineer and describes the trends that will define the year ahead. Freelance software development: Essential tips for independent professionals As a freelance software developer, you won’t have the same opportunities as a full-time or even part-time employee. You’ll have to secure your own freelance work. It’s up to you to put yourself in a position to get the best freelance jobs available. To make things even more difficult, you may not have a large marketing budget if you’re a small business owner. You’ll need to be creative in marketing your services and presenting yourself as an authority in your industry. You can be the best software developer in the world, but if no one knows who you are, you won’t get steady work. Clients want to know that you have the skills and expertise to get their long- and short-term projects done. You’ve got to find the clearest way to communicate your abilities to them. Here are a few tips to help you establish yourself as a freelance developer: Market yourself. Create an interactive website and GitHub profile to showcase your software development portfolio and exhibit projects you’ve worked on. Advertise them on social media sites like LinkedIn and talent networks like Upwork . Expand your skill set. The best developer jobs require knowledge of multiple programming languages and platforms, such as JavaScript. You can find specialized development courses on sites like Coursera and Udemy . Stay attuned to emerging trends. Listen to podcasts like The Doppler Cloud Podcast or read blogs like CodeBetter . Attending meetups (in person or online) is also a great way to get to know what people in your industry are up to. You can also check out feeds like GitHub Explore . Assess opportunities to specialize in specific software. There are several types of software development, from mobile development and web development to application development. Each type requires knowledge and expertise of different programming languages and tools. Collaborate with other developers. Developers have to be great at working in teams. Contribute to open-source development projects on sites like CodeTriage . Write guest content. Write guest blog posts for sites like freeCodeCamp . This builds your credibility and gives you access to a larger audience to promote your services. 7 keys for freelance software developers in 2021 The software development industry is constantly changing, and 2021 looks to be another year of rapid growth. There are quite a few trends and concepts you should be aware of to […]
