Technology has become more of a necessity than an option in this age. The increasing need for people to be on the web has also raised the demand for web developers. However, many developers adopted the freelance lifestyle, making for a competitive market.
If you want to profit from your skill as a developer, you need to offer something more than the rest. How do you stand out as a developer? We have answered this vital question in this article. You stand a greater chance of getting more jobs with these tips.
How Do You Stand Out as a Freelance Developer?
The freelance lifestyle is not for everyone. You need a lot of discipline and focus to succeed. Don’t bother becoming a freelance developer if you need a rigid structure to work well. Get a job!
However, the benefits of work flexibility and freedom outweigh the work involved in being a freelancer. If you have decided to become a freelancer, be ready for the competition. But, with the following tips, you will get the jobs you desire in no time.
1. Create an Attractive Portfolio
Talk is cheap, and potential clients know it. Clients want to see that you can handle the task they want to give you. A portfolio is your chance to show off your skills and scope. A portfolio is a powerful tool combined with a detailed resume tailored to the client.
Don’t just compile your past projects into a file and call it a portfolio. Speak to the client in your portfolio. Explain what you did on each project and how your skills made the project work. An attractive portfolio will make clients take a second look at you every time.
2. Solve your Client’s Problems
Before you can solve a person’s problem, you need to know that person. You should know the pain points of your target clients. With this knowledge, you can show them that you can solve their problems.
Don’t try to sell yourself but your ability to help your clients. You want to go beyond the surface, and for this task, you need customer relationship management tools that enable smooth interactions. Choosing the right CRM for developers can make the difference in whether you’re called back for that job. Show your clients that you have their solutions.
3. Play to your Strengths
Don’t get caught up in trying to solve problems without showing off your skills. Concentrate on your specializations and show clients how your skills are what they need. For instance, you can explain to potential clients that your knowledge of JavaScript frameworks will help increase their visibility.
When we say strengths, we mean the plural. Some clients would be more interested in a developer with a handful of skills instead of only one specialization. If you can do more than one thing for your clients, make it clear in your pitch. The point of playing to your strength is simply showing off what you can do.
4. Use Social Media Platforms
Social media is now a major part of people’s lives. In 2020, more than 36 billion people were already using social media. This figure makes for a large and increasing audience, and you don’t want to lose out on any opportunity to stand out.
Don’t entirely turn your social media accounts into a marketplace, though! That will only serve to turn people off your account. Tell a story. Put out content that interest your target audience. Make sure that your sales strategy is subtle but effective.
Your LinkedIn profile is also super important. It is one of the things potential clients check out first. Great content not only makes you stand out in the industry. It also makes it easy for people to trust your brand.
5. Go Old-Fashioned
When everything doesn’t seem to be working, it is time to go the old-fashioned style. Sending out snail mails and giving your clients gifts might seem like old tactics compared to social media. But it still works!
The old-fashioned method of a handwritten card or a surprise gift will keep your services in your client’s mind for a long time. Note that this tactic might not work for everyone. But, when your clients are within your reach, a surprise mail or gift will set you apart from others.
6. Network Online and Offline
No one remembers a person they have not spoken to before. Your job as a freelance developer is not an excuse to stay indoors and not communicate with anyone. Whether online or offline (and it should be both, really), you should make it your duty to network with others in the industry.
A friend might have a job that they can take and refer you for the role. Networking with peers and other people will also keep you abreast of the current demands of clients.
You can network online on social media, discussion groups, and talent networks. You can also take the discussion offline by attending industry events like hackathons, conferences, and workshops. Whatever you do, don’t lose touch with others!
7. Get Feedback
Don’t let your clients go! Keep engaging your clients even after the job is done, and one of the most effective ways to do that is to ask for feedback. It shows that you care more than your paycheck. Clients who see that you want their business to succeed are more likely to return to you for other jobs.
You can also offer them discounts when they refer your business. The positive testimonies they leave and give to others will stand you apart from other freelancers without recommendation. Research also shows that 72% of customers will only take action after reading a review. So, always get those feedback! They matter.
Conclusion
The freelance developer circle might be challenging, but you must be tougher. Never rest on your oars. We have provided you with tips on what to do. Don’t just read them and forget about it. Get to work! And don’t let any setbacks on the way keep you down. Stay dogged, and you will get the clients you want soon enough.
