i am 18 years old guy who wants to start a web design business to gain experience and money , i am aware that i have a lot to learn before i can start freelancing and i am living in a third world country . it is not possible for me to get local clients . please note that i won't start freelancing until i have made some websites made . i won't be freelancing using freelance websites instead i will make my own web design business .
my questions are :
- what are the backend programming languages i need to learn ?
- am i being delusional that i can get clients online ? do i need some kind of contract ? what to use to communicate with the clients ?
- i am learning daily and i think i can be ready in 5 months , am i being delusional again ?
- do i need to learn how to design websites ? is there anything i need to be aware of ? and finally how can i know i am ready to start ?
i do enjoy learning but as you can tell , i need to make money as soon as possible . any answer or advice you drop is very appreciated
Top comments (2)
Hello,
More than any special tech, you need to find clients and explain them why they need you.
I don't have myself experience in freelancing.
But there are great content on dev.to already,
maybe start here?
#consulting
for example
How to Find Consulting Clients
Chris Achard ・ Nov 7 ・ 5 min read
As freelance developer coding is maximum 50% of the job
Jesper Reiche ・ Jan 1 ・ 5 min read
How I Lost My Consulting Job
Nick Karnik ・ Oct 27 '18 ・ 4 min read
Your Specialty Should Be Easy to Explain
Erik Dietrich ・ Aug 7 ・ 8 min read
How to Politely Say No and When To Do It
Erik Dietrich ・ Aug 13 ・ 9 min read
Ask for feedback: Tech consulting companies
Pierre Vannier ・ Aug 12 '18 ・ 1 min read
Some Truths About Starting a Consulting Business
Paul Lefebvre ・ Nov 1 '17 ・ 8 min read
How to Get Fewer Freelance Clients
Devon Campbell ・ Sep 24 '18 ・ 1 min read
Great reply here!
I'll add a few thoughts. Generally put yourself out there and be okay with some rejection along the way. Look for local clients as well as online. There are a lot of channels and you'll find what works best with experience.
As Jean-Michel pointed out, this is as much about marketing as the raw tech skills, but both matter and can only improve with lots of effort, practice and immersion into the ecosystem (which you are clearly already doing).
I basically got my start with odd freelance jobs etc. And so did lots of other folks I know.
Good luck!