| So you have decided that you want to do freelance | | | | and recommend you. Of course this works both ways. |
| work. You have done your homework and have | | | | If you do a job for a client that was sub par, that will |
| developed your skills in HTML, PHP, CMS, and a slew | | | | poorly reflect on your business and result in a loss of |
| of other applications. Now you are ready to start your | | | | potential clients. In the field of freelance work viral |
| new career. So how do you get started? Without | | | | marketing is essential. |
| clients your business is non existent. So how exactly | | | | Forums |
| do you build your business and find clients. Below are | | | | Forums are an amazing resource for your new |
| just a few key elements to help you get started. | | | | business. The idea is, you post in forums that are |
| Develop a website portfolio | | | | relevant to your services. Have your website name |
| In order for your potential clients to see what you | | | | and description in your signature. If people see that you |
| offer, and get a feel for you, it is necessary to have | | | | do know what you are talking about, they will be more |
| your own website. The purpose of your website | | | | likely to visit your site. Forums are ideal for the needed |
| should act as a portfolio for potential clients. Show | | | | exposure you need to build a strong client base. |
| completed projects in the form of gif, or jpegs. When | | | | Forums are also great place to learn and gain |
| people can see your work, they will be more apt to | | | | feedback and experience on your work. Go to web |
| use your services. | | | | design communities such as New York Freelancers |
| Develop your website as a total package to your | | | | and get reviews on your work. Remember, criticism is |
| clients. Don't just present your portfolio and leave it at | | | | essential in order for you to grow and learn. |
| that. Offer tutorials, articles, support forums etc. These | | | | To be a successful freelancer, you have to develop a |
| additional services not only provide additional content | | | | business plan which works from all angels. If you can |
| for you clients, but if developed correctly will bring | | | | develop you business with has a professional looking |
| additional traffic to your site which will potentially lead | | | | portfolio, use forums are a source for potential clients, |
| to more sales. | | | | and develop a positive relationship with each client, |
| Word of Mouth | | | | your chance at success will be high. Of course there |
| In the freelance industry, word of mouth is probably | | | | are many other factors to consider as well, but if you |
| your biggest asset. If you do a good job for one client, | | | | can master these simple points, you will have an |
| ideally he will tell someone of the service you provided | | | | excellent start. |