Another fantastic tool to use when working with a satisfied client is the review or testimonial. After delivering the finished product to your client, ask them their thoughts on the quality of the work. Ask the client if you can use a positive review or a testimonial quote from them to promote yourself on your website.
When prospective new clients visit your website, they will see the words and reactions from previous development clients. These positive reviews serve the same purpose as your project portfolio. By providing new clients with the positive results of your previous clients, they can rest assured that you have proven your technical skills previously, and are happy to showcase the results.
Finally, utilizing popular social media sites to search for new clients is a tool that any successful freelance developer must master. The use of social media in today's world is a necessary skill for anyone working in the digital space.
Some sites are geared for networking, while others are all about engaging an audience with creative content. Correctly identifying the best practices on each site is important. By becoming familiar with multiple platforms, your reach as a freelance developer will grow exponentially. Check out these popular places for social interaction. You will need to be active and engaging as a freelance developer, and these sites will help you grow:
LinkedIn
The most obvious social media site for connecting with professionals, LinkedIn is somewhere you must have an online presence. The site allows you to build relationships with prospective clients, as well as share your insights. By writing articles relevant to your industry, you can stand out as a knowledgeable resource, attracting new clients as you do.
Twitter
Another great way to keep your clients engaged with you is Twitter. Twitter is a great space for keeping clients updated about your work, and for making updates on your availability for projects. Short, sweet, and to the point are the keys to succeeding in the "Twitterverse".
Facebook
Just about everyone has a Facebook account. This social media giant is a great way to provide updates and connect with clients in a more casual way than you would on a platform like LinkedIn. In addition to updates, you can – and should – create some engaging content to better interact with followers and clients. Using Facebook as a platform for some of your development portfolio is sure to get fresh eyes on your successful projects.
TikTok
One of the newest social media platforms out there, TikTok is a video platform, based purely on content creation. As a web developer, you can make informed, yet entertaining videos showing what exactly it is you do. Engaging with relatable content consistently will net you a solid following. Younger generations of clients can be drawn to your services by relating to them on their preferred platform. Remember that content is king on this platform, so keep your videos entertaining, but on message.
Instagram
Much like TikTok and Facebook above, Instagram is a social media platform tailored more to engaging an audience with content. You can creatively display your web development work in photo form using this platform, and new clients can #engage with your work with proper tagging techniques. Learning trending tags and making relatable content will gain you a loyal following of engaged users.
Conclusion
We have covered the best tools you can use as a freelance web developer throughout this article. The key piece of advice when starting out as a freelance developer is to utilize your existing networks and local businesses to find new clientele. Offering discounted services in order to build a client base and portfolio of work is a great way to build a solid base of clients, and they can help you grow as well.
Completing projects will lead to positive client referrals and reviews, and new clients will choose your expert skills with a sound mind after reading of your past successes. When looking outward for new clients, using job boards to your advantage will connect you with new clients who are active in the market for your skills, too.
Following trends on multiple social media platforms is a sure-fire way to put yourself in a space where clients and developers can connect and share ideas. Knowing when to inform, compared to when to engage and create are of tantamount importance when navigating the social media landscapes. Properly utilizing professional networks is just as important as creating engaging material for a more casual audience.
Now it’s time to take these tools as you begin your journey as a freelance web developer, or as you continue to grow your web development business. What moves will you make next?
Frequently Asked Questions
Who should have an online portfolio?
Online portfolios are a must for artists, graphic designers, architects, videographers, and photographers.
What should be included in an online portfolio?
Your online portfolio should include information about who you are and what you do, contact information, examples of your work, and a format that’s easy to navigate.
Why should I create a website?
There are many reasons why you should create a website if you’re an artist. You can use it to create a place where people can learn about you, talk about your art, or show off your work.
What are the customization options with a website builder?
Although website builders usually have some customization settings, like templates, fonts, margins editing, and so on, when compared to CMSs, it lacks customization options.
