How to Become a Freelance Software Developer

How to Become a Freelance Software Developer

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Getting started as a freelance software developer can be a bit of an uphill climb at first, but once you’ve established yourself, you’ll find you have much more flexibility over everything from your schedule to your career path. With the right mix of clients and work, you’ll earn solid compensation and focus on projects that interest you. First, let’s define “freelance.” Technically, a freelance software developer takes on short-term development jobs , typically moving from project to project, client to client, possibly several times throughout a year. This is different from, say, somebody who stays at one job for a year or two, whether on payroll or as a contractor. The most important thing to remember about a freelance career is that you’re not only a developer, but you’re also a business owner. The clients aren’t just hiring you; they are hiring your business (even though it’s just you). With that, let’s talk about the business side of it. Marketing This is the part people probably expect to like the least, to the point that some freelancers hope they can avoid it altogether. Spoiler alert: You can’t avoid it. That being said, marketing your software developer skills isn’t as bad as it might seem! By “marketing,” we mean getting the word out about your services and connecting with potential clients. There are several ways you can do this, but the two most important are networking (through sites like LinkedIn as well as meeting people personally at conferences and meetups) and using online freelancer websites where clients post their jobs. Here are the table stakes: Have a strong LinkedIn profile, a great website, and spend time searching for work and emailing people. As a freelance software developer, your portfolio of previous work is one of your key selling points, so make sure it’s as presentable (and comprehensive) as possible. Focus on “qualified leads.” Don’t send out mass emails to random companies that nobody reads. Instead, spread the word about your services through people you know, such as former coworkers, friends, and so on; and watch the freelancer sites for opportunities. Look for short-term contract/1099 positions. The goal is for you to learn about opportunities, and for clients to learn about you and ultimately connect. Plan at least four hours per week on marketing… or even as much as a day a week. This is essential to keep your business alive. And don’t wait until the end of your current contract. You want to spend a few hours every single week marketing, even when you’re knee-deep in building an app or service, so that you won’t have a huge gap in time before the next job. Running the Business and Signing Contracts Although optional, you will likely want to create an LLC. Doing so is quick and easy, and doesn’t cost much. You file the forms with your state and renew each year. You really don’t need to register an S or C corporation, as that’s quite expensive and a lot […]

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