Do you struggle marketing yourself as a front-end developer?
You're not alone.
These amazing tips will get you more leads in no more than 1 month - IF you follow them precisely.
You probably know that finding clients across the world can be challenging.
If you're a beginner developer, this guide is a MUST-READ!
Front-end development is a competitive field as it becomes more and more in demand.
That's why plenty of clients are out there searching for someone like YOU!
Let them see you!
I have been a freelance developer for more than 6 years. Trust me, I've been through a lot.
Here's what I achieved after applying some of my techniques on Upwork.
Let's dive in!
Be the front-end developer that your clients want
Front-end development is all about creating what website visitors see. That's why you should tend to be detail-oriented, and perfectionist.
Do your homework - become an expert in the front-end development
I mean, let's be honest... You cannot go far without knowing to do a job well.
Front-end developers are usually experts in HTML, CSS, JavaScript and React... This is something you need to master over time.
Above all, Front-end developers with a sound knowledge of JavaScript and React are in demand currently. Firstly, these codes make web pages lightweight. Secondly, it improves their effectiveness and performance. Developers with React and JavaScript skills quickly design complex and dynamic web pages.
Master core stuff
Javascript, HTML, CSS - these are the core technologies that build everything on the front end.
JavaScript is written without libraries and is also known as “Vanilla JavaScript.” It is a scripting language with no set rules for defining data and changing UI. Therefore, front-end developers who use JavaScript can make more customizable pages and apps.
BONUS tip
Learn from these resources in order to master html, css and javascript.
- https://github.com/getify/You-Dont-Know-JS
- Eloquent JavaScript
- Javascript definitive guide
- CSS tricks
Master popular frameworks
We have to admit, JS frameworks like React are widely used, high in demand and the pay is pretty good.
Don't like it? Well, there are several others, also high in demand: Angular JS, Vue.js, Backbone, Foundation, and Ember.js.
Not only JS frameworks but CSS like bootstrap, styled components, tailwind, etc.
Front-end developers regularly work with full-stack or back-end developers to craft the perfect projects. Consequently, a successful freelancer front-end developer needs to be a team player.
Some senior developers are against frameworks but realistically with frameworks, you don't need to reinvent the wheel all the time. You get standardized, bug-free, open-source UI components that will save your time and clients money!
Master communication skills
Most of us coders have a different mentality than our clients. Clients are usually super communicative and expect the same from everybody else.
Honestly speaking, I don't like to talk much, but I had to learn to communicate clearly and often.
A skilled front-end freelancer that has solid communication skills is a win-win for both!
Find your value
You need to know front-end service prices on the market. You don't want to value yourself too low or high.
A freelancer front-end developer makes a good amount of money through web and app development projects. The typical hourly charge ranges from $30 to $70, depending upon the nature of the services.
When doing freelance, you'll find many projects that are fixed price based. Price can vary from $100 to $10k.
Many front-end coders earn more on fixed-size projects than on hourly-based. The key is in accurate estimation and detailed proposal.
Target specific niche
This is my favorite technique. It brought me an AMAZING number of leads.
As a freelance front-end developer, you may specialize in a particular type of development service, such as eCommerce development.
Moreover, this will allow you to eventually become a professional in that area and charge more while completing more projects on time.
Hang out on freelancing platforms
These are 5 AMAZING platforms that are full of front-end jobs for freelancers like you!
Fiverr
Fiverr is a renowned freelancing website. It allows freelance front-end developer to set their rates according to their coding skills and earn projects. The price range for each project varies from $10 to $10,000.
The platform facilitates beginner front-end designers to expert developers. Resultantly, there is no shortage of contracts for any skill level.
Upwork
Upwork is one of the biggest freelance platforms worldwide. It has over 12 million users offering their services and skills. The platform provides massive access and exposure to a huge database for all freelance front-end developers.
However, there is fierce competition on Upwork, and to score gigs, front-end development experts offer services at lesser rates. Those with less experience in the field must build the best online reputation to get projects.
GitHub
GitHub is a job board for technical talents. It is a unique platform as it allows front-end and back-end developers to collaborate and assist each other on their projects. Freelance front-end developers who seek to expand and share their knowledge should visit this website.
LinkedIn is mainly a social media platform for entrepreneurs, freelancers, and businesses. Freelancers often overlook LinkedIn as a place to find work. However, it is actually a great hub to find front-end development work and enlarge your network.
Toptal
This is a platform for software developers, designers, finance experts, product managers, and project managers.
Start with this platform only if you're experienced as it is not easy to get accepted. Once you pass their interviews, you'll start getting HQ clients.
Tips on Building Online Reputation
Front-end development freelancing is a great opportunity to get more work and gain experience in the field. Nowadays, JavaScript is being used everywhere, and that’s what makes front-end development more significant.
Building an online reputation is important for networking and finding a job as a freelancer front-end developer. In fact, more than 80% of freelancing jobs are filled through networking. This is more significant for developers as their options are limited, although growing.
Here are some tips on building an online reputation as a freelancer front-end developer:
Personal Portfolio: being a front-end developer, you should present an excellent personal website to show a curated sample of your work.
Articles: developers often ignore this; however, it is simple and effective. Just select an online platform and write some technical articles on that medium.
LinkedIn: your profile on LinkedIn usually ranks very high on search results. Keep your account updated and the most important things related to your work and recent projects.
Stack Overflow: answering technical questions on Stack Overflow can increase your chances of impressing employers with your skills.
GitHub: as a freelance front-end developer, you can show off your GitHub profile. Contribute to open source projects, work on side projects, and even use GitHub in your previous jobs to reflect all that in your activity graph.
Conferences: attend online conferences and submit your proposals even if you get rejected. Having just a few talks at these conferences will help a lot to build your online reputation as a freelance front-end developer.
It's your turn now
Enough of theory. Now I'd like to hear from you!
Which awesome technique are you going to use first?
All of them? Let me know by leaving the comment bellow or contact me on my twitter(I love connecting!)
One more thing.
You should never be discouraged by the simple task of finding projects. It might require some effort on your behalf, but it will be worth it in the end!