Freelancing can be challenging, but there are plenty of tricks to make it easier. Learn how to avoid burnout and effectively manage your time. Discover the benefits of reusing code and maintaining clear communication with clients. Explore the importance of setting boundaries to improve productivity. Hear about the best practices for contracts and pricing strategies to enhance your freelance value. Plus, find out how to build a strong portfolio and the role of personalized connections in securing clients.
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volunteer_activism ADVICE
Reusable Codebase
Assemble a set of reusable starters, resets, and component libraries.
This reduces cognitive load and speeds up development.
volunteer_activism ADVICE
Time Overages
Don't stress about exceeding your initial time estimates when freelancing.
View overages as learning opportunities; don't overcharge clients for them.
volunteer_activism ADVICE
Choose Familiar Tech
Avoid using unfamiliar technologies for client projects unless time allows.
Stick to reliable tools like WordPress for most standard websites.
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In this episode of Syntax, Scott and Wes talk about how to make freelancing easier — 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’t build in something you don’t know, unless you have time and budget to do so — 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’t be mad for being too informed — just know when to leave out the technical jargon
Clients typically don’t care about Git, React, etc. — they care about results
Don’t overwhelm them
Train your clients that you aren’t available 24/7
22:19 - Time management
Set calendar alerts early and often to not miss communications
Set meetings at 9am, don’t wait around all day for meetings
Block off large amounts of time for dev — you won’t 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’t 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’s also your business
Pay quarterly taxes - most likely
Or don’t and take the small hit — then you can pay once a year
Put taxes into another account if you aren’t good with money
Get a billing management system or get an accountant — you need to focus on working on code
Wave Apps, Xero, Freshbooks
42:03 - Marketing
Be loud — 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’ll 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 — It’s ok if freelancing isn’t 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’t be afraid to take on longer contracts with established teams and companies.
Wes — Freelancing can be a great filler between jobs or career transitions.