How to find freelance work as a web developer

Web developers are in high demand and are among those with the highest paying skills right now. If you’re a freelance web developer, this is great news since you can charge more for your time. Still, finding work can be confusing if you don’t know how to go about it, regardless of if you’re a newbie or a seasoned veteran.

This guide will cover:

• How much a freelance web developer can make
• How to find freelance work as a web developer
• How Countingup helps freelancers manage their finances

According to Glassdoor, the national average salary for a Freelance Web Developer is £36,702 per year in the UK. The highest salary Glassdoor recorded for a Freelance Web Developer is £60,876 per year and the lowest is £22,150 per year. 

These salary estimates are based on 3321 salaries submitted anonymously to Glassdoor by Freelance Web Developers.

Whether you’re a new web developer or a seasoned pro looking to branch out on your own, there are a few actions you can take to help you find freelance work. 

1. Optimise your portfolio

Having a decent portfolio is the key to unlocking job opportunities as a freelancer. After all, how will potential clients know what you can do if they can’t see any of your work?

The most efficient way to showcase your skills is to set up a website where you can showcase your work. Use your web development expertise to build your entire website from scratch and use that as an added way to demonstrate your skills.

You’ll also want to add an About section and a Contact page so visitors can easily learn about your freelancing business and get in touch if they want to know more. 

2. Focus on a niche

If you’ve been a web developer for a while, chances are you already have an area you have more experience in. Use whatever you’re most skilled at as your focus. Choosing a niche will increase your chances of getting hired for jobs. It also means you can establish yourself as an expert in your field and charge higher rates for your specialist services. 

For example, you could choose to focus on a specific industry, like sports, eCommerce, hair and beauty, culture, and so on. Alternatively, you could do some research into your competitors and market to find a gap that you can fill with your skills.

3. Join a freelancing website

Another great way to find clients is to join a freelancer marketplace that helps freelancers find clients and vice versa. Different sites cater to different skills and needs, but here are a couple of well-known examples:

1. Fiverr

Fiverr is a freelancing platform where freelance web developers can set their rates to match their skill level. You’ll see prices for projects range from £5 for beginner web designers to £10,000 for expert designers with impressive portfolios.

2. UpWork

UpWork is one of the largest freelance marketplaces and has over 12 million registered users. This website offers a large amount of exposure for freelance web developers and grants you access to a massive database. The drawback is that there’s a lot of competition, which makes it more difficult for newbie web developers to get jobs.

3. Toptal

Toptal is a professional talent matching service that focuses on the tech and web development fields. This is one of the most elite developer bases, and the service only provides the top talents in the market to their clients. As such, this website is only suited for those with a lot of experience.

4. Work for free

Potential clients are more likely to take you on if they don’t risk losing money in case it doesn’t work out. As such, offering to work for free for your dream employers can be an excellent way to get your foot in the door.

You can also try pitching your work to startup companies, which usually have a massive need for web developers but limited funds to pay for it. They’d likely love to take you on.

5. Make use of social media

Social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn can also help you find jobs. Focus on building your brand and social media presence by connecting and interacting with potential clients. You can also join freelance web developers groups to network with other developers. 

Also, make sure you spread the word to friends, family, business associations, and other acquaintances that you’re looking for new opportunities. 

6. Always get a contract

Make sure you get a contract written up and signed before starting any job to avoid mishaps. Smaller clients will likely be happy using one you’ve made, but bigger companies will have their own standard contracts. 

Whatever the arrangement, always get a contract. Read through it and make sure all the terms and conditions work for you. If you’re not comfortable with the client’s terms, it’s better to turn them down than to compromise. Instead, find clients who will accept your terms.

7. Get testimonials

Research shows that 88% of people trust online testimonials and reviews as much as recommendations from friends or family. So try to get happy clients to share a good word about your work and business. If potential clients see that other brands found success from working with you, they’ll be more comfortable (maybe even eager) to hire you.

Once business kicks off, you need to charge clients for your work. Learn everything you need to know about creating and sending invoices as a sole trader here.

When you’re running your own business, it’s important to keep your personal and business finances separate, as well as keeping track of your income. With the Countingup app, it’s easy to keep organised when it comes to your finances. 

The business current account comes with free built-in accounting software that automates the time-consuming aspects of bookkeeping. You’ll receive real-time insights into your business finances with profit and loss reports, tax estimates, and the ability to create professional invoices in seconds. 

You can also share your bookkeeping with your accountant instantly without worrying about duplication errors, data lags or inaccuracies. Seamless, simple, and straightforward. Find out more here.