6 Steps to Become a Freelance Software Developer

Software development is no longer confined to the bounds of full-time IT job roles. Today, certified programmers are choosing the flexible route to software development – freelance programming. This is because freelancing puts you in control of your productivity, output, and deadlines. You have the freedom to take up software development projects that interest you and pay you well. 

Once you’ve gained enough industry experience and mastery over a particular software development domain, switching to freelance programming becomes both easy and beneficial for your career. While working on different projects, you get to learn new things and work with the latest technologies, thereby boosting your expertise. Most importantly, you call the shots and set your work-life balance – you can begin your day at your convenience without being stuck in the 9-5 monotony of a full-time job. 

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Read ahead to know how to become a successful freelance software developer.

How to Switch to Freelance Programming?

If you are keen to switch to freelance software programming, there are two routes for you. You can either make the big switch by leaving your current job immediately, or you can make the transition gradually and plan your exit from the present company smoothly. 

Taking the Big Leap: This is a good idea if you no longer like being a full-time software developer in your company and have managed to network well with your clients. If your clients are willing to work with you independently, you can take the leap of leaving your full-time job. However, make sure that when you leave, you have a few clients ready and handy to work with you. This will ensure that you keep earning even after you leave your stable job. 

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Moving Step by Step: If you’re still in the process of finding good independent clients, you can choose to shift to freelance software programming gradually. While you still work as a full-time employee in your company, you can start freelancing on small software development projects. This will get your ball rolling and as your name circulates the clientele base, you will bag bigger projects. When you find that you have a few well-paying projects at hand, you can bid adieu to your full-time job. 

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Steps to Become a Successful Freelance Software Programmer

Here are some bulletproof tips to help you become a successful freelance software developer:

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1. Get Trained in all the Vital Programming Languages

This step is fundamental to becoming a stable freelance programmer. You must learn multiple languages in programming as it will help you work on a diverse range of projects. It will also push up your reach among prospective clients.

2. Enhancing your Communication Skills

If there is one secret that can make a difference in your freelance career path, it’s effective communication skills. This skill forms the bedrock of freelance development. It is quintessential to communicate with your clients so that you can understand their expectations well. Also, communication skills play an essential part in helping you maintain professional relationships and client retention.

3. Develop Work Ethics

Various basic work rules are necessary to become a successful Software Developer. Having a fixed schedule that you strictly adhered to is of paramount importance. You must also create a set pay rate quote that can be sent to clients to avoid loss-worthy negotiations. Finally, you must discuss and chalk out a rough schedule of meetings, possible deadlines, and any other commitment-related timeline for delivering optimal results to the client.

4. Work on your Online Portfolio 

As a freelancer, your online portfolio works like your resume. It is a place to showcase your certifications, degrees, educational background, past work experience, and everything that promotes your work to potential clients. Make sure to continually update your portfolio and keep it neat so that it attracts the right clients. 

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5. Know your Target Leads

Becoming a successful freelancer requires you to set a target audience – essentially, your work base. Next, you need to have an eye for these target leads and get to know their expectations and requirements. You need to dive into their demographics – age, location, gender, industry, etc. Once you get to know them well, you can connect with them via different channels to keep the conversation open and transparent.

6. Upskill in the Latest Programming Languages and Technologies

It is crucial to stay curious about the latest languages and technologies to be a top Freelancer. You can subscribe to newsletters, publications, take up short online courses, read blogs, etc., on the latest updates to keep up with the current scene. These steps will help you in acquiring skills that are of industry standards and relevance. This will increase your earning opportunity and fetch you more clients on a long-term basis.

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How to Choose Clients?

Freelancing can be a tricky world, and you need to be careful while choosing clients. In addition, you must be cautious and prevent yourself from landing up into exploitative contracts. 

Three fundamental filtering aspects should consider:

1. The reputation of your possible client: You must run a background check of your client, as the client would do for you. Make sure that they don’t have a history of complicated transactions and payment issues.
2. The client hires rate: A client may publicize 50+ projects but not hire more than 5-6 employees. This is a definite red flag. Companies with such a low hire rate aren’t clients where you should approach. 
3. Feasibility: Feasibility means looking into the fact that your available resources are enough to deliver a client or not. For example, if a client wants you to work on Android and you’ve been working primarily on Linux, an Android-based project may not be feasible for you. Again, there is no harm in exploring, but always prioritize your feasibility before choosing a client.

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In a nutshell

Switching to freelance software development is a lucrative prospect in the present market as the demand for freelance programmers has skyrocketed rapidly in the past few years. It is a desirable choice for creative people who always look for challenges and learning opportunities in their careers.

However, you should remember that freelancing is not a cakewalk. It demands a significant investment of your resources and time. Sometimes the workload might be high, whereas sometimes, you might not have projects that you like to work on. So, switch to freelancing only if you are okay with an unstable workload.  

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