This is a user generated content for MyStory, a YourStory initiative to enable its community to contribute and have their voices heard. The views and writings here reflect that of the author and not of YourStory.
How to get web design freelancing projects
The struggle is real but worth it
This is a user generated content for MyStory, a YourStory initiative to enable its community to contribute and have their voices heard. The views and writings here reflect that of the author and not of YourStory.
“Chase the vision, not the money; the money will end up following you.”
–Tony Hsieh, Zappos CEO
Before Starting of anything, Just think about it and ask few questions with yourself. Do you believe in full-time freelancing? Do you believe that freelancing itself can give you a taste of a fulltime job? Are you a self-motivator? Do you have the zeal to make it big in life? If all your answers a big “NO”, then you must be patient to listen to my story to kick-start your entrepreneurial journey with a bigger motivation.
Do you know that 35% of total workforce in the USA is freelancers? So, at times when you have to take a decision, you are not sure about the outcome. But you will always find someone out there to inspire you. Like, I got that all important inspiration from Envato founder Collis Ta’eed. Started his career as a freelance web designer, Envato went on to operate a group of a digital marketplace with innovative resources for website specialists, including topics, designs, video, sound, photography, and 3D models. Over a period of time, he could create a platform of over 1.5 million active buyers and sellers, over 8 million community members, and over 5 million items for sale. Just imagine.
Why did I quit a steady job for freelancing?
Like most of the other guys coming from a background of a pretty middle-class Bengali family in Shantipur, I started my career with a 9-6 job in a software company as a web designer. Prior to that, I used to do freelancing from my home only. I had a keen interest in the field of web designing and internet. And that precisely, kept me moving.
Over a period of time, I had developed a kind of boredom for this day to day office job. I wasn’t enjoying. There was no motivation as well. But then considering the fact that I’m a BSc drop out and hail from a small middle-class family where we do not have the luxury to think of financial independence, quitting a steady job is always a big challenge. And I got scared thinking what next after quitting?
Freedom to start your own business, as fancy as it may sound, calls in for a lot of struggle in the first place. It requires a lot of conviction, confidence, and self-belief. There was a lot of struggle within to come up with a decision of quitting the job.
And next, what should I do after that? And how the success can be achieved? I had a lot of jittery to decide as well. And finally, with staggering knees, I started my own web development company, Famous Pixel with the only capital of my rich experience of 10 years in the industry.
Be prepared for the struggle….
My struggle started the day I decided to quit my job and restart my career in full-time freelancing. I was short on money, but my own dedication and passion towards my work helped me going. I believe that in freelancing, I am my own boss and have the freedom of working extra hours and look into my personal growth. This phase in my career was actually an education for me. I could develop some fresh insights which I’m sure, will be very valuable if you try to use it in your course of the entrepreneurial journey.
Work with self-motivated team
The greatest time in my career probably came in 2015 and since then, it has been a sheer roller coaster. The business started coming in many folds. I couldn’t manage the business individually. So I created a team. A good team helps you to manage all stuff make you more powerful. Without Team You can achieve but It might take more time.
My advice for the budding entrepreneurs would be to dedicate yourself towards whatever you’re doing. Pray to God and have patience. Pay greater emphasis on building a dedicated team. Look after them in lot many ways. Make them feel that you’re their Man. Remember, if you give your best, and deliver professional output, I’m sure, it will certainly develop a good relationship with your clients.
5 tips which Help you a lot to get clients
What I’ve learned, my valuable insights….
I am Chandan Chakraborty a freelance website designer in Kolkata, India I am also running a web development company. I started my journey with a simple, common man from a small village in Bengal. I had spent more than a decade doing full-time freelance web designing until I decided to come up with his own company. Here, I am sharing how I achieved and How my experience help to others who really dedicated to freelancing, How I make the list of the client from the USA, Europe, and India.
Let's Read Tips Here.....
1) Exclusive: You should ensure providing unique and exclusive work to your clients. Try to portray that in your portfolio precisely about what makes you different from the rest. Always highlight your USP.2) Focus on a specific niche – If you try to master all, you wouldn’t be able to focus on a specific niche. Try to provide quality rather than quantity. Master the skill that you are offering. Always stay updated with the new trends and techniques.
3) Reputation: Try to deliver a good reputation to your clients. People would want to work with someone who is approachable and easy to communicate, rather than working with someone who is experienced but a pain to work with.
4) Pricing: One should always charge as per the service and experience level. Never go too high or too low. If you are low on experience, always start with a lower and competitive price. So that, it is easier for you to get projects in the starting.
5) Portfolio: Try to build your own portfolio to give a better idea of your previous work. This will give confidence to your client and help them understand better about your services and quality.
One More Tip
Never did I consider freelancing as a part-time activity. I took it as a full-time job and naturally got motivated by going through lots of anecdotes. It was my quality results that fetched me loads of work. Even I did have to struggle in the initial phase, despite my rich experience as a developer. But I realized patience is the key.
Conclusion
Always remember that becoming a successful freelancer doesn't begin the day you quit your job, but the day you decide it's the lifestyle for you. I remember the famous Steve Jobs’ quote,
“your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do.”
Thank You! :)