One thing tech recruiters value more than a technical degree is your hand on experience. And one of the best ways to gain work experience is freelancing. Freelancing projects add credibility to your resume and your skillsets. Curious about how to get started with freelancing in the tech field? Let’s dive.
Hello tech enthusiasts! Welcome to another insightful techy article. In our series of articles, we are discussing how to break into the tech industry without prior experience and technical background. Refer to the articles about the best certifications and online platforms for tech skills.
Today’s article is all about tech freelancing. We will talk about the best platforms available, what remuneration to ask as a beginner, and so on.
How to get started as a Tech Freelancer?
Freelancing can enable you vivid benefits like being your own boss and deciding your working hours and client as per your choice. However, there’s a catch, to have a decent, well-paid freelancing tech career, initially, you need to work hard, it can be a little daunting process.
1. What’s your niche?
Your freelance career relies heavily on this question. Niche is your specialization, a unique skill set that can add value to your client’s business. As a tech freelancer, you need to fix what services you are willing to offer. For example, as a software developer, you can choose your niche as a web developer or front-end/ back-end developer. You must fix a niche you are passionate about and well-versed with it.
2. Building a Portfolio
As a tech freelancer, it is unavoidable to have a portfolio. Your prospective clients need to go through your previous projects. A portfolio showcases your potential and hands-on experience and adds credibility to your work. Creating a portfolio as a fresher can be difficult so try to volunteer your services to local organizations, friends, or their contacts. Participate in bootcamps and network events to increase your professional network. Make sure your LinkedIn profile is well-optimized and updated.
3. Negotiation of Payment
At the beginning of your tech freelancing career, you might have to work at smaller amounts. Once clients are satisfied with your work, they will approach you again and even bring you referrals. With a few projects and work experience, you can earn significantly well through freelancing.
4. Client’s Testimonials
As a tech freelancer, make it a point to ask every client for their reviews. The client’s review or testimonials is essential to grab the attention of your target leads. Testimonials assure them to opt for your services.
5. Creating a Personal Brand
The tech industry demands continuous learning and self upgradation. You must keep up with the latest trends and tools. Similarly, your online presence on social media platforms like LinkedIn, Instagram, and Youtube has a prominent impact on your leads. Using these platforms, you can showcase your skill sets and engage and collaborate with other tech professionals. Provide insightful information for your viewers. Remember, Consistency is the key to a powerful personal brand.
Top 5 Freelancing Platforms for Tech
1. Upwork
Upwork is a trustworthy free platform for web and app developers. It’s also very beneficial for programmers. To find work, you can either apply for jobs with your rate and an explanation of how you’d approach the project and your strategy. Furthermore, when you accomplish assignments, you will earn badges that help you grow and exhibit your credibility. Upwork’s service costs begin at 20% and reduce as you earn more with the same client.
2. Fiverr
Fiverr is yet another well-known freelance marketplace. You can offer your skills for projects and approach clients through Fiverr. While the service is free, Fiverr charges a heavy service fee for each transaction.
3. Freelancer
Freelancer is one of the largest freelancing websites, and its diverse choice of tech categories makes it excellent for specialization, whether you want to focus on a single platform or language. It also provides background checks for employers, allowing you to analyze their previous jobs, payments, and reviews from other freelancers before deciding whether or not to work with them.
4. Toptal
Toptal is well-known for its premium freelance developers. Its services include engineering, design, financial consultancy, project management, and product management. Toptal’s unique selling point is its intense screening process and vast community. Code reviews, portfolio evaluations, real-time testing, and an English language skill test are all part of its multi-stage verification procedure. Toptal’s high hourly prices ($80-$200) can be prohibitively expensive for start-ups.
5. Guru
It’s also one of the web’s largest freelancing markets, with over two million freelancers and 800,000 employers listed. You can locate expertise in a wide range of fields. Guru offers programming, development, design, writing, sales, marketing, management services, and legal freelancers. There are fixed price contracts, an hourly rate, a task-based rate, or recurring cost projects, giving you a lot of flexibility, and you can manage projects from the site’s built-in dashboard.
Conclusion
Freelancing in tech has significant potential; it provides exposure to work with vivid clients and grows your professional network. As a beginner, you must work on your portfolio and personal brand to convert high-paying clients. Polishing your skill set and continuous learning about your niche field is highly recommended.
As a freelancer, exploring and testing the freelancing platform is essential. Comparing the features and benefits of freelance platforms, knowing what will work best for you is crucial. Consider its pricing and service fee, and check whether the website has a secure payment mode.
We hope you found this article informative. We regularly curate articles on tech careers. Click here to read the best of our articles.