social media

K Saravana Kumar August 22, 2013

How to be an expert freelance Web designer

A web designer is a person who puts the dreams and vision of people in to reality on the Web. Ever since the advent of Internet , the demand of qualified and good Web designers has skyrocketed. There are many individuals as well as companies who offer various types of web designing services. In fact, each page that you open on the Internet has been ‘web designed’ by somebody. Therefore as a freelance Web designer, the opportunities in front of you are limitless. However, we all know that the best jobs go to people who know what they are talking about.

So what does it take to be an expert freelance Web designer? In this post, we will touch upon the ingredients needed to make you the expert and then in subsequent posts we will elaborate on each of these points.

Learn how websites work

As a freelance web designer, it is expected that you know about how different websites work. You need to know what the different types of websites are and what makes them work. You should be an expert in one programing language, Java script, databases, content management systems, RSS and mailing lists, and integrating social media.

Know how to troubleshoot problems

There is no such thing as a perfect website. As you work towards integrating the client demands you will face glitches therefore you should have a determined outlook towards troubleshooting problems. Sometimes you can work around them and sometimes you will just have to find a solution.

Keep searching for what is new in the web world

As a freelance web designer your search for what is the latest in the designing world should never end. You have to work hard towards keeping yourself updated to what is the latest your world. You can also check out the magazine and newspaper layouts to know what the client wants.

Work towards improving your communication skills

You cannot justify your skills if you don’t know how to communicate with the client. Since most of the freelancing work takes place online therefore you need be very concise in your communications. Also communication is a two way street therefore if you don’t understand what a client wants in the early stages, you will end up wasting a lot of time in correction and changes later on.

Be clear on the expectations

When negotiating for a project be clear about your expectations from the beginning. Let them know what payment you expect. This will help you in winning the client confidence and prevent any problems on the later stage. As to figuring out how much you can charge you will have to work that out by checking out the competition and doing a honest analysis of your skills.

Don’t say you can do it and then learn later on

The biggest mistake that a freelance web designer can make is to commit for something which they don’t know about and think that they can always learn it in the due course of the project. This is a big no-no. If you don’t know it then say that you don’t know it. It is very easy to detect a novice’s work and an expert’s work.

If you have messed up own it

In the course of your work, it is natural that you will make mistakes. The bigger mistake will be when you don’t own up to it. If you have made a mistake then accept it and do whatever you can to rectify it without wasting any time. Don’t wait for your clients to call you out, take the first step.

K Saravana Kumar

How to be an good freelance Web designer: Part I

Learn how websites work

Know how to troubleshoot problems

Keep searching for what is new in the web world

Work towards improving communication skills

Be clear on the expectations

Don’t say you can do it and then learn later on

If you have messed up own it

K Saravana Kumar

Get Freelancing Jobs Using Your Social Connections

Love it or hate it social connections are a key to success to every business. By social connections, we mean both physical and online social connections. Online social connections are popularly known as social media connections.

Even the person that you befriend on the train ride becomes the part of your social connection. Social connections are a part of your everyday life. As an established or starting freelancer, you can easily utilize you social connections to get great jobs. In this article, we will take a brief look at the type of people you should connect with how you can use those connections for your benefit.

Family: Your family can help you further a career by putting in a good word about your freelancing career. It is always a good idea to keep your family in loop with your freelancing work. They will be able to give you their honest and true opinion.

Friends: The kind of support and recommendation that your friend can provide you is something, which you will not get anywhere. Friends of your friends are more likely to trust you if they know that you have a common connection.

Current and former co-workers: Your co-workers already know your work and therefore they can give you a good recommendation based on their experience. Many of them may move to a position where they might require your freelancing skills. Networking with current freelancer gives you a platform to share your doubts and feelings with people who are or have been in the same situation. You can discuss projects with your co-workers and even join forces for new projects.

Clients: If your current and former clients are happy with your work they will always consider you for the new jobs you have. My last two freelancing jobs were originally intended to be two months projects but the client extended the projects for one year because my work was good. Keeping in social touch with your former and current clients will help you make a solid base for future projects.

Teachers and Professors: Open your old class yearbook and get in touch with your schoolteachers and college professors. It will be interesting to learn what they have been up to. Most of them might have some kind of freelancing jobs that might suit you.

Local Businesses: Every local business is always looking for ways to increase their business and your freelancing skills can be of their help. But you have to go to them and interact on various social levels to get them to send some business your way. You can also learn a lot from them in way how they run their business.

Prospective clients: You cannot sit hand on hand waiting for jobs to come to you. You might know the prospective clients today but in the future you can develop long term connects with them. It is always a good idea to initiate a conversation either physically or through social media. You can strike up conversations by commenting on their posts, blogs etc. and following them on twitter.

The more you network, the more are the chances of you being able to make your presence known. You must make a dedicated effort to join forums that appeal to your interest. Make it known that you are interested in taking new jobs. Don’t be afraid to let your skills be known to the world. People tend to hire those freelancers you have confidence in their work and skills.

However, there are some points, which you must keep in mind when interacting over social media. Be careful about how much information you are giving out. Do not be too persistent. Remember you want to make your presence known but do now want to overwhelm everybody.