Hello. I am currently working on a job which pays me just enough to pay the bills. Recently, I've noticed that my computer is getting slow, and I might need to replace my harddrive. Since I need to earn some extra cash I am considering to start freelancing on my free time. I know Node.js, HTML/JS/CSS, mongoDB and have been working on MEAN stack and Discord bots for over a year. I created a fiverr account in order to find some clients but I haven't received any requests yet. I am currently in an educational phase in freelancing, so any tips/pointers in how to start will be a tremendous help. Thanks!
Hey Just,
A lot of new freelancers struggle with getting new clients. I've been doing freelance for two years now and I still struggle from time to time.
If I could go back two years I'd tell me myself to define my ideal client, find out communities where they hang out and be active in those communities.
Besides that I'd recommend you create a nice-looking portfolio page.
There are tons of other stuff you should consider when starting out. That's why I created Kodeblok.
Ask around your network - make sure your family and friends are aware that you're currently seeking new freelance clients.
This is 100% where I'd start as well. People hire freelancers they 1.) know 2.) like and 3.) trust, so start with people who already know, like, and trust you to let them know that you're freelancing.
Either they will hire you, or they'll likely become a source of referrals!
Hi @justfizzbuzz, the most valuable asset, in the beginning, is your network. As soon as you know a critical mass of people they start referring or hiring you. After you did a good job they will start recommending you. This is when word of mouth hits.
Your network will grow by itself and brings more and more opportunities. This tiny strategy helped me a lot to kick-off my agency.
I would start by writing a blog post on how you make discord bots and share that to IndieHackers for a start.
From there you can point people who you are talking to to that to build credibility...if that's what you want to sell/work on for others anyway.
First, in my opinion, it's not enough to know technology. I am wearing two hats, I am an Indie Hacker but I am also an employer/client. A freelance developer who has no knowledge about my specific domain isn't much help. I could easily revert to cheap, Eastern European remote developers then, particularly now where the majority of work is remote anyway. So don't forget to add the industries you've experience with to your portfolio, and maybe try to search specifically in an area that you already know, first.
Second, I have always used my personal network when searching for a freelancer. They typically cost me more than employers, so I want to be sure the money is well invested and I'd always prefer a freelancer recommended by a trusted business partner over an unknown one, even if they're more expensive. So make sure you'll always leave a good impression and end projects in good terms (unless something bad happened, like not getting paid, obviously).
Try Register on the freelance exchange. It is better to register on several exchanges at once. And start cooperating with https://www.xolo.io/es-es . Be prepared for high competition and that sometimes you will have to lower the price for your services (so that the order is not "re-purchased"). There are many customers on the exchanges. And although there are a lot of performers, there is often a lack of competent professionals who fulfill the agreed terms, do the work well, are responsible for making mistakes and correcting them. If you are accountable and conscientious in your career, you can find a regular customer on the exchange and work with him for several years.
If you need help figuring out pricing strategies, I just published a blog post all about it here https://stackyack.substack.com/p/stack-yack-006-freelancing-pt2-how :)
Hey Just, if you are looking to cut some of the time of creating websites for clients, you should check out my templates I sell on BuildFaster.co
They are simple to use and I you should know that this will save you a ton of time. Even just a few would speed up the process for you.
Don't feel like these themes are off-limit for you to use over and over again.
Thanks for your consideration. Let me know what you think :)
This comment was deleted 3 years ago.
This comment was deleted 3 years ago.