You have landed on the correct article if you are thinking of the career of a freelance web developer as something that is too far from you, but you dream of having that profitable, routine-free occupation so much.
Let us surprise you; nothing is complicated about becoming a freelance web developer.
If you have strong time management skills on your own and are a tech junkie person in nature, no obstacles are holding you back from your desired career.
This article will walk you through the step-by-step process of becoming a remote developer.
Just in case you hesitate…
Becoming a freelance web developer is a worthy plan.
As a remote programmer, you can earn an annual salary of nearly $ 71,000 – 100,000.
And there is no shortage of demand for this position. According to different estimations, in 2020, there were around 1 million unfilled software development positions.
So, confidently enter the remote programming industry with just six basic steps.
Step 1: Choose a direction of web development you want to focus on
Web developers have such a broad scope; you can focus on building a website’s functionality, you can work on the website’s visual appeal or both of those.
That’s why, first of all, choose a specification and answer the question; which kind of coding products are more inspiring for you to create?
The typical divisions of a web developer’s job are back-end development, front-end development, and full stack development (the combination of the previous two).
Back-end developers build a functional behind the website. All the activities that users can complete on the website, such as subscribing, making payments, uploading information, etc., are possible due to the back-end developers.
On the contrary, front-end developers deal with the visual part of the website. They package the site, making its content hierarchy and design elements appealing and easy to use. Front-end developers are responsible for the UI/UX of the website.
Read more on the job peculiarities of front-end and back-end developers.
Step 2: Learn the necessary programming languages intensively
Once you decide what you want to do, it’s time to master the necessary toolbox. Depending on which type of web development you choose, there are different languages you should learn.
Here are what the majority of industry specialists use.
Front-end developers use HTML (for organizing the primary sections of the site), CSS (for adding some styling to your website), JavaScript (to add interactive elements to your website).
Common languages for back-end developers include PHP (popular server-side programming language) and C++ (back-end development language with a larger scale). In addition, you can choose between Java, Python, and Node.js.
It’s essential to choose where you want to learn those languages wisely. If you’re going to generate income soon and do not spend long months learning a language, take intensive courses that will take you 1 month to complete at most.
Step 3: Make personal branding on freelance platforms
There are numerous options to communicate your availability for freelance positions to the job market. However, you need to make some portfolio and experience first.
That’s why we recommend you register on freelance platforms as a first step to building your image as a freelance web developer. There are two main benefits you will have by doing so:
- Freelance websites connect a wide pool of employers and job offerings in one place. You will not have a shortage of job offerings from targeted groups of employers who are willing to hire remote workers.
- Many freelance jobs require beginner developers, who will not conduct a complete project but some small parts. This is an excellent opportunity for you to get started, as in real life, you might have difficulties convincing a company to hire you without any experience.
Here are the most popular freelance websites to start with:
Register your accounts and fill them with information that introduces your skills and motivation to work in a possibly presentable manner.
Step 4: Do your best to get your first job done well
All of the freelance websites have the same difficult step; getting your first job.
You should master the art of designing convincing and personalized cover letters for potential employers and get armed with tons of patience until you get your first project.
Do not get upset if you wait a bit longer than you expected until employers answer you. If you are persistent enough and carefully filter the jobs the fittest, you will get your long-awaited project.
However, getting a project is not the most difficult challenge in a freelance career. You should do your best to complete that project in the highest possible quality and get a positive review from the employer.
The first project review is critical, as it will be highlighted in your account with empty employment history. Therefore, do not emphasize getting a project at any cost without being sure your skills fit well, and you can complete it so that the employer is happy.
Step 5: Build your success with confident steps
Once you have successfully completed your first job, the rest of the job is significantly easier.
With a project with positive reviews, you can get other projects easier. The more jobs you make, the easier it will get to be hired and invited for the new projects.
Be persistent, and build your portfolio step by step.
And keep in mind that the richer your portfolio, the higher can become your rate for working hours or projects.
We hope this guide will help you in your path to your dream career!
