Podcasts Technology Syntax - Tasty Web Development Treats How to Make Freelancing Easier

How to Make Freelancing Easier

Published: Oct. 14, 2020, 1 p.m.

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In this episode of Syntax, Scott and Wes talk about how to make freelancing easier \\u2014 how to avoid burnout, and tips and tricks to make it successful.

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Show Notes

02:15 - Code

  • Use starters and resets and component libraries
  • Don\\u2019t build in something you don\\u2019t know, unless you have time and budget to do so \\u2014 WP is good enough for most projects
  • Feel free to go over time on projects if you are learning something new
  • Re-use code from project to project
  • Target similar types of clients

13:09 - Communication

  • Often, clear and frequent
    • People won\\u2019t be mad for being too informed \\u2014 just know when to leave out the technical jargon
  • Clients typically don\\u2019t care about Git, React, etc. \\u2014 they care about results
  • Don\\u2019t overwhelm them
  • Train your clients that you aren\\u2019t available 24/7

22:19 - Time management

  • Set calendar alerts early and often to not miss communications
  • Set meetings at 9am, don\\u2019t wait around all day for meetings
  • Block off large amounts of time for dev \\u2014 you won\\u2019t be able to get meaningful work done in one-hour slots

27:54 - Contracts + quoting

  • Have a boilerplate contract that you can just fill in
    • Same for a quote
  • Value-based billing

33:47 - Billing + taxes

  • Don\\u2019t be shy when talking about money. Be clear on what you need, when you need it, and on what terms. This is business.
    • This is your art, but it\\u2019s also your business
  • Pay quarterly taxes - most likely
    • Or don\\u2019t and take the small hit \\u2014 then you can pay once a year
  • Put taxes into another account if you aren\\u2019t good with money
  • Get a billing management system or get an accountant \\u2014 you need to focus on working on code
    • Wave Apps, Xero, Freshbooks

42:03 - Marketing

  • Be loud \\u2014 people need to know what you offer
  • The best marketing is a referral from a previous client
  • If you show up, return emails and do a good job, you\\u2019ll kill it
  • Show people what you are excited about: blog posts, videos, tweets, etc.
  • Go where your clients are:
    • Do you want to be serving small businesses? Family and friends
    • Do you want to be a hired gun for a technical team? Conferences/Twitter, blog posts

48:25 - Final thoughts

  • Scott \\u2014 It\\u2019s ok if freelancing isn\\u2019t for you. Not everyone is great at all of these factors, myself included. However, with practice, you can be your own boss, work on your own terms, and make money. Also, don\\u2019t be afraid to take on longer contracts with established teams and companies.
  • Wes \\u2014 Freelancing can be a great filler between jobs or career transitions.

Links

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