A career as a web developer can be extremely lucrative, but many experts in the field are tired of answering for their employer day after day. This is why many developers decide to start their own businesses and work as freelance web developers for multiple clients. Whether you are planning to quit your full-time job to freelance and earn money as a freelancer, or are considering freelancing part-time for additional income, there are some things you need to know to be successful. in the world of freelance web development.
Potential income as a freelance web developer
A lot of times one of the first things people ask themselves when considering taking action and becoming a freelancer is what potential salary they can expect for a job in a company.
Freelancers are typically viewed in the industry as seasoned experts, able to submit finished work directly to the general public. Traditionally, freelancers are seen as experts who can be brought to work for a company for a specific project relating to web development.
Employees in contrast are historically seen as pawns with multiple skills. Even though their professional title is web developer, many employers expect them to have skills in graphic design, internet marketing, or user experience and are often asked to perform a wide variety of tasks.
With the traditional model, it is more the work of the freelancer than the freelancer himself that has value. Freelancers, with their experience, can afford to cost more than a traditional employee. The short term that characterizes the work of a freelancer, as well as the fact that it costs less in insurance and taxes have also contributed to raising freelance salaries.
Today, the cloud facilitates freelance, and dedicated marketplaces have emerged, which has caused a radical change in this economic model. Freelancers are still paid better than their employed counterparts, but the differences have narrowed. To earn more money as a freelancer than as an employee, you are going to have to devote a lot of time and effort to it, nevertheless, it is still possible.
How much can you expect to earn
There is no exact answer to the question: “how much will I earn as a freelance web developer?” Statistics collected by the salary.com website estimate that the average salary of a web developer employed in a company is between €45,000 and € 68,000 depending on experience, which means that half of the employees in this sector earn less. then that amount, while the other half earns more than that amount.
It is not easy to gather information on the income of freelancers. You can find a few people running freelance web development blogs that claim to earn over $90,000 per year, but most people are below that income.
During your early years in the industry, as you build your customer base, you can expect to earn on average between $20,000 and $40,000. With more experience, this amount reaches on average between €49,000 and €79,000. Your location can also impact your salary, especially if you work with local clients rather than online. Developers working in big cities or in countries with a higher cost of living usually earn more.
The other advantages of being a web developer
Salary is the compensation most people think of first when it comes to assessing income potential. However, there are other forms of compensation that you could receive while working as a freelancer.
One of the ways to make money as a freelancer outside of salary is through free advertising. You can place an advertisement on your client’s website and get them to advertise you. This way you will reduce your marketing costs. Another form of compensation is to trade your services for goods. Freelancers often have the opportunity to get big discounts on software, hardware or other products in exchange for discounts on their own services. They can also exchange their services for other professional services such as accounting for example.
While these trades and perks don’t directly increase your gross developer salary, they lower your running costs and allow you to be more profitable. When negotiating with your clients, keep in mind that there are other alternatives that allow you to compensate.
Techniques to increase your income
There are many ways that a web developer can make more money and retain customers. Some ideas for making money online as a web developer are:
1. Sell Website Templates
In fact, you can still resell your website, and even make a profit from it. Many companies or even other web developers may be interested in buying your work and using it as a template. Scripts, visuals, and tutorials can also be resold, so before deleting files always consider looking for other opportunities to resell them. There are even websites that allow you to sell your templates and layouts in an online store to earn royalties with each purchase. Not only are these sites an additional source of income, but they also include your name which can help attract other customers.
Another way to not waste unused work is to provide it to a customer or prospect for free. You might be wondering why you would do this, but in fact, you can still make money on the transaction even if you don’t charge for the Template itself. Here are some ways to do it:
- You can invoice modifications and customizations of the Template, new visuals, or even modification of the content according to the customer’s wishes.
- You can offer a Template for free, then offer other more elaborate Templates for an additional cost. For example, add features in a premium version, to make the customer want to pay extra.
- Offer the customer additional services that you charge for. You can charge for installation, configuration, search engine optimization, or other additional services that their new website could benefit from.
- These gifts can also help you benefit from future regular contracts or recommendations. People like to receive things for free, and they may feel indebted afterward, making it easy to get more contacts or referrals.
- Customization services. We touched on this briefly in the previous point, but customization services are a great way to increase your income. There are few different types of customers who may be interested in purchasing a Layout or Template:
- Beginner developers who are always looking to hone their skills. If they need a website with a feature that they can’t code, maybe they can look to buy it from you.
- Large companies or SMEs looking to update the website on a tight budget.
- Developers and companies with tight deadlines don’t have the time to make or have these changes made.
No matter who buys a Template from you, they’ll always need to customize the design to suit their needs. You can offer this service to save them this hassle and save them time. When selling Templates online, be sure to always promote this service by explaining that you are able to make these changes very quickly because you are the creator of the Template. Make sure you always leave your website address, email, Skype, or any other way to contact you available.
These customization services will never pay off as well as your development projects, but they can be a great way to stabilize your workflow and increase your income.
2. Additional services
In France, many companies want their web developers to do more than basic web development, even when they decide to use freelancers rather than employ staff. As a result, many web developers are multi-haired, also working as graphic designers or content providers.
While you may not want to extend your services beyond web development, it does have its benefits. If a business doesn’t have to hire multiple freelancers to lead a project, chances are they’ll be more inclined to pay you better and let you do more and more work project after project. Of course, you will need to take more time to complete each of your tasks perfectly.
Another advantage of providing additional services is competitiveness. If you are able to offer all the services necessary for the complete creation of a website, you can de facto eliminate the competition and thus gain new customers more easily. This is especially important when you are just starting out and have to work harder to secure contracts than an experienced freelance developer.
3. Try freelancing sites
If you are not busy, you can use freelance sites to connect with new clients and find other contracts. The most popular are:
- Upwork
- Freelancer
- Fiverr
- Guru
- iFreelance
Some of these sites allow you to browse through lists of projects for which clients are looking for a web developer. Read the description and submit an offer stating the service you are offering, the price you are offering it at, and showcasing your skills and talents. Other sites allow you to promote your services for a set amount. Then interested people can purchase these services.
No matter what type of freelance site you are registered with, you will have to pay a commission or a subscription to use the site. However, these sites can often bring in regular contracts without having to invest in marketing. This is why quite often they are worth the cost. Just be sure to familiarize yourself with the website’s commissioning system to cost your customers accordingly.
Things to note before Becoming a freelancer
Before you start making a living as a freelance web developer, it’s important to understand that this work is neither constant nor stable. Your hours, your salary, and the terms of your contract will vary from project to project. If you don’t know how to deal with uncertainty, you might find that a freelancer just isn’t the best choice for you. Let’s take a look at the different variables that will change during your freelance life:
Schedules
In people’s minds, one of the biggest benefits of being a freelancer is the ability to manage your schedule and work when you feel like it. While it is true that you manage your time on your own and are more flexible, in reality, you are very likely to be working more, not less, than today.
When you start working as a freelancer, you will need to finish your projects quickly with an exceptional level of service to grow your business. This means that you will have to answer calls and emails very quickly and that you will certainly have to work very hard. It is not uncommon for a freelancer to work 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. every day, and some work every day of the week.
The good news is that once you have your business in place, you will have more people interested in your services, and it will be possible to resume a healthier life balance. You will however need to have the motivation to work hard and build your reputation, gain new customers through your referrals and good marketing management.
Payment
Another thing that can vary from freelancer to freelancer is how and exactly when they are paid. When you start out, you will most likely be at the mercy of your customers and forced to comply with their payment terms.
Oftentimes, companies won’t want to pay you until the project is fully completed. So they have the guarantee that you will finish the project; however, you run the risk that she will not pay you at all, or be late. Then you can negotiate installment payments, either by installment at the start of the project and the balance at the end, or gradually as the project progresses.
There will likely be times when you don’t owe any income under the terms of payment agreed to with your customers. This is why it is important to try to maintain savings to meet your personal and professional needs during these times.
The way you will be paid may also vary. Many freelancers prefer PayPal, but sometimes payments are made in cash or by check. Transfers via Western Union can be convenient, however, they are subject to a commission. You can also arrange to accept card payments, but again this means that you will have to pay to receive money from your customers. It is very important to consider the availability of funds when negotiating the payment method. Some forms of payment require a delay before you can withdraw or use the money.
We tried it ourselves, the results?
€ 2.141 profit. Less than 25 min per day.
Other considerations
Being a freelancer can be very lucrative, and many web developers who quit their jobs to become freelancers will tell you that they are glad they made the choice and would definitely do it again.
But working as a freelancer can be very stressful. Customers can be indecisive and ask for any changes before accepting the final rendering. It means working longer and therefore dividing your hourly wage.
Also, family and friends can contribute to stress. They may not understand that you are working from home and expect you to be available to do activities with them or just chat while you work. It’s a good idea to clarify all of this with your loved ones before you start making money from home to make sure the limits are set, and everyone understands what you expect and need to be successful.
While being a freelancer eliminates the need to obey a boss, it doesn’t eliminate stress. You are entirely responsible for the satisfaction of your customers, and you have no one to ask for advice. In addition, you will have to take charge of all the tasks wherein a team, the work is often shared.
In addition to stress, being a freelancer also means that you are giving up all the benefits you could have as an employee. You will no longer receive any bonuses, bonuses, or benefits and you will be solely responsible for your profits. When you are sick, or if someone in your family dies or needs medical care, you will not be able to take any leave or sick leave and continue to be paid normally. If you don’t work, you don’t make money.
4. Seasonal customization of the website
Many businesses like to refresh their home page at different times of the year, this promotes user engagement on their website and helps with SEO. You can monetize this trend by offering customization services based on the season or time of year. These packs include a redesign in line with the current time of year. If you offer packs that include several other services, you can even include advertising and marketing support related to the season.
Another add-on is the personalized design of electronic greeting cards (e-cards). Offer your customers a personalized e-card creation service that they can send to their distribution list at the end of the year greetings. These types of virtual cards are usually either simple greeting cards or they can incorporate a discount coupon to encourage recipients to place orders or work with your customer.
Try to offer your customers a seasonal customization service that includes the redesign of their home page as well as other additional services for a set number of iterations each year, so you can charge an annual, quarterly, or monthly fee.
5. Web Hosting Space
Providing web hosting services allows a continuous flow of income that secures your business. Many hosting companies offer distribution offers, which allows you to offer a complete package to your customers. You can bill according to the disk space used, the bandwidth allocated, or the number of email addresses and user accounts. Then bill for this service at an annual, quarterly, or monthly flat rate. Not only does this secure your income with a regular inflow of money, but it also saves you the stress of having to find a third-party host for your clients and then having to collaborate with that host yourself.
Say no unprofitable job when you negotiate
When you are negotiating with your clients, sometimes the best answer is “no”. Sometimes showing that you want to leave the bargaining table can encourage a prospect or current client to accept your demands. You will be surprised by the number of customers who suddenly decide to pay the quantified price when you categorically refuse following an abusive request during negotiations.
As a freelancer, you must remain very vigilant about your commitments. When you are too eager to enter a contract, you can sometimes accept an abusive deadline or too low remuneration; but when you are unable to complete the project on time or have to reduce the quality because the invoiced price is too low, you leave a bad impression on the customer. Your reputation can be degraded, and you will not have the benefit of being able to use this customer as a reference for your prospects.
When negotiating with clients, it’s important to be realistic no matter how badly you need that contract. Promise a minimum, accomplish a maximum. Allow more time than you really need, so you can impress your clients when handing over the project. If you can’t promise to get the job done on time, just say no. It’s always better to miss an opportunity than to miss a project.
6. Sell your services and collaborate
As a web developer, there will be times when a client doesn’t appreciate your rendering at all, even though you’ve devoted all of your time and energy to it. There will be times when you walk out of a meeting having to redo everything from the start, and left wasted hours of work behind on a website that no one will use.
7. Teach Web Design and Make Money
Today, a lot of people are looking to work as a web developer or looking to create their own website. This is an opportunity for you if you have extensive knowledge in the industry and decide to share that knowledge. The most common training and tutorials are:
- Tutorials on how to use CSS
- Tutorials on how to use Photoshop
- Tutorials on how to use Dreamweaver
- Tutorials on how to use Illustrator
- Tutorials on how to use Java and JavaScript
- Tutorials on how to use HTML and PHP languages
- Tutorials on how to use Drupal
- Tutorials on how to use WordPress
- Tutorials on how to use CMS
- Tutorials on how to use Facebook
- Tutorials on how to use YouTube
- Tutorials on how to use Twitter
When you are in a period of reduced activity, try writing tutorials. You can offer these tutorials as an e-book on your website or through a Marketplace like Amazon or Apple iBookstore. There are also third-party sites where you can sell your tutorials directly to the general public. You can even organize webinars on various topics related to web development.
8. Think Outside the Box
To land new contracts or clients in the world of web development, you will need to be creative. Setting up a website and saying you’re available won’t be enough to bring you enough income to be successful as a freelancer.
Marketing will be essential for the development of your business, especially at the beginning. Here are some marketing methods:
9. Direct mail
Distributing flyers to nearby businesses or using a mailing list can help you get some direct contact.
10. Business networking or referral groups
Referral groups are associations or organizations that regularly bring together people from different professions. People discuss their business and discuss the services they offer or use. There are referral systems for newcomers to showcase their services, which can help you market yourself and find customers. However, with this system, you will also have to sponsor and find opportunities for the members you refer.
11. Encourage your customers to recommend you
You can offer your current customers advantages or discounts in exchange for referrals from other customers, it’s a good way to develop your business. Word of mouth is one of the most effective marketing strategies for a freelancer.
12. Always keep learning
You know that the world of web development is constantly changing. New technologies are constantly being developed, and trends and fashions come and go. If you want to be successful as a freelance web developer, you need to stay on top of the changes that are taking place in the industry.
Attend seminars and conferences, practice to maintain your skills and you will become an expert in more areas. This will allow you to differentiate yourself from the competition and increase your chances of becoming the web developer you want.
Keep in mind that you will never be paid for the training you take as a freelance. It is an employee benefit. You must therefore make time for your personal development, however, the return on investment can be very lucrative.
Make sure you learn new things on a regular basis, for example, every month, every quarter, or every semester. As you surf the web, learn about new trends, and sign up for newsletters to keep tabs on what’s new.
13. The network
As a freelancer, you will certainly work from home, but that doesn’t mean that other people aren’t important to your business. As we stated earlier, recommendations and word of mouth are very powerful tools to expand your customer portfolio, which is why it is important to build a strong network. Attend networking fairs and get involved in internet communities of web developers. Not only will this give you the chance to get recommendations, but you will also have the opportunity to discuss the daily difficulties of life as an entrepreneur. You will be able to share your ideas and support each other.
It’s surprising, but being in touch with your competition will benefit you. When you need to decline a contract, it’s always best to be able to provide a name or contact that you trust to the customer. Do this a few times, and eventually, you will receive calls from potential clients to whom you have been recommended by your designer. In addition, networking with other web developers will allow you to better understand your market and services
Conclusion
There are some great opportunities to make a living as a web developer. The market and demand for freelance developers exist and are doing well, so if you have the right approach you should be making a good living.
Web development isn’t the only thing you can do to make a living as a freelancer. Another rather popular way to freelance money is to be a virtual assistant. You just have to assist your client with a task, and that can be as a web developer.
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