How to Become a Freelance Web Designer
The idea of becoming a freelancer attracts many web designers. Offering more creative control, flexible hours and project choice, freelancing seems like a dream job. However, self-employment may prove more difficult than you might think. Your game plan could make or break your business.
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Instructions
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Research what other freelancers charge before you set your prices. Some freelancers will set extremely low rates hoping to win business. Underselling your services, however, can make you appear desperate for business and cause you to lose larger clients. On the flip side, don't set prices too high, thinking wealthy clients will automatically equate higher rates with better service.
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Spend ample time creating a site that shows off your talents. Include links to your best designs, and examples of how you could tweak them to fit a client's needs. Attractive collages of design work can wow prospects. Consider hiring a copywriter skilled in search engine optimization to help provide content for your site.
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Define your target audience. Focusing on too broad of a market could make it difficult to produce quality clients. It's better to focus on a niche and become the "go-to person" in that industry. Once you have set your target audience, learn everything you can about their wants and needs. For example, you might decide to make sites for businesses involved in various aspects of real estate.
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Create a list of potential clients. Once you have a comprehensive list, send out sales letters. Make sure your letters contain attractive designs that show off your capabilities. Provide an incentive for potential clients to contact you. Consider offering free estimates or discounts if they contact you by a certain date.
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Create a referral program to excite existing clients and drive new business your way. Offer clients discounts on future services if they send you new clients.
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Network with advertising agencies and copywriters. Anyone who shares different aspects of your field but doesn't compete with you may offer benefits to your business. For instance, you might recommend a content writer to one of your clients in exchange for a referral from the content writer.
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Set hours and stick to them. Working from home offers myriad distractions. Without a boss looking over your shoulder, succumbing to those distractions will prove easier than you might think. Also consider preparing a specific space in your home that you use only for working. When you work, sit in that space and get up only during predetermined breaks.
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