Today is my first full day of freelancing as a web designer! Until now, I’ve been moonlighting; working in the mornings before my day job, on my lunch breaks, during evenings, and on Saturdays. Starting today, I’ll be freelancing 1 full day each week, and I’ll be adding days over the next few months, transitioning out of my day job. According to the current plan, I’ll be freelancing full-time by January 2013.
Why freelancing? It comes down to freedom. Freelancing allows me to have more control over my schedule, the people I work with, the projects I take on, and the income I can earn. I love entrepreneurship and business. I’m enjoying learning what it takes to run a business (marketing, sales, accounting, finance, customer service, etc.).
Why web design? I love empowering small businesses by creating websites that help them succeed online.
I’d argue that it’s the opposite. Your employer can reduce your pay or lay you off at any time, affecting your main source of income. When you work for multiple clients, you’re not reliant on any single one to provide your income.
So far, all my work has come via word of mouth. My clients have all been people I’ve met at local networking events, or people who’ve been referred to me by friends, family, colleagues, and church members. I prefer these “warm leads” to cold-calling, because there’s a base level of trust already established. So, if you know a small business or nonprofit that needs web design help, let’s talk!
I’ve also networked (and become friends with) several local web designers and developers that have directed their overflow work to me. These web pros have also been incredibly generous in giving advice on web design and freelancing.
I’d love to talk more about my transition to freelance web design, so please share your comments and questions!
Thats awesome Chad! I'm glad things are working out for you and you inspire me to try, and I will in due time.
I wish you the best of luck!
How's Life? You got right sized or down sized?
The choice to start freelancing was entirely my own. It's something I've been building up to for a couple years. I'm fortunate enough to have an employer that's letting me phase out gradually.
Awesome article very helpful tips, thanks for sharing.
It's been one year since you wrote this post. Any news and experiences to share? I hope it worked out for you.
I have been freelancing on and off for a few years. In the beginning, I tried to work for small businesses, but later discovered that it is better to work for large companies and agencies. The checks may come slower - you always have to wait 30 days after you submit an invoice, but the pay is higher and more consistent.
- - Steve
Steve, thanks for asking, and for sharing your experience. I left my corporate IT job at the end of December 2012, so I've been self-employed full-time since January 2013. I collaborate with independent contractors as necessary for projects, but not as often as I'd like. My goal is to form a 3-10 person web design consultancy, in which I'd be the project manager/client relations manager.
Like you, I'm also finding that I need higher-budget projects, which probably means working with clients larger than the 1-10 employee small businesses I currently work with. It's something that I'm focusing on right now.
Every day is a learning experience; some days are disheartening, but others are very rewarding.
Hi Chad,
I found your site through your WP duplicator post and read a few more posts from there. You are a great source of inspiration. I just got my first client for an SEO project. I found the project by first doing a small web design tasks, but the client then asked for me to perform the SEO tasks. I have a goal to be a freelance webdesigner/SEO too. Thanks for your posts and here's to more success.
Nate
Thanks for commenting, Nate. It's always great to hear from readers, especially when they share insights into their lives. Here's to your success as well!