Making Money as a Freelance Web Developer while Job Hunting

How William is Making Money as a Freelance Web Developer While Job Hunting

What’s up, everyone? Today, let's dive into how William is making money as a freelance web developer while job hunting. As someone who needs to support his family during this period, William has had to find effective ways to generate income. Freelance web development has been a lifesaver, and he’s excited to share his process of generating leads, targeting clients, and creating websites that meet their needs.

Identifying His Target Client

First and foremost, it’s crucial to identify who the target clients are. For William, the focus is on small business owners—think solo entrepreneurs like landscapers, electricians, or plumbers. These individuals don’t need a complex website, but they do need a professional online presence. In today’s digital age, having a website is essential, as the first thing potential customers do is search for the business online.

Despite receiving some criticism for not targeting larger clients who could pay more, William's goal is to gain experience and help those who aren’t tech-savvy. They don’t need a subscription-based service like Wix or WordPress; they need a simple, easy-to-manage website. That’s where William comes in.

Generating Leads

1. Nextdoor App

One of William’s primary methods for generating leads is through the Nextdoor app. This platform is packed with local residents seeking services like yard work, plumbing, and electrical work. By posting regular updates and offering his web development services, he reaches out directly to those in need. When he sees a relevant post, he messages the person, introducing himself, explaining his services, and emphasizing that he can save them money.

2. Google Maps

Another effective strategy is using Google Maps to find small businesses without a website linked to their Google business page. William calls or emails these businesses, offering his services to help them establish an online presence at an affordable rate. His basic package starts at just $250, which includes essential features like contact information and an “About Me” section. He offers more comprehensive services as well, but his main aim is to provide a cost-effective solution.

William’s Unique Selling Proposition (USP)

What sets William apart from other freelance web developers is his commitment to saving his clients money by teaching them how to host their own websites. He shows each client how to manually deploy their website on Netlify using a zip file he provides. This hands-on approach not only saves them money but also empowers them with the knowledge to manage their site independently.

Staying Organized

To stay organized, William uses a Google Sheet to track his leads. He logs details such as who he called, their response, and follow-up actions. This helps him manage his workflow efficiently and ensures that no potential client slips through the cracks.

Benefits Beyond Income

This freelancing venture is more than just a way for William to make money. It’s a valuable experience that’s enhancing his skills in B2B sales, broadening his network, and allowing him to help others in his community. While he’s still refining his process and looking for ways to streamline his operations, the journey so far has been incredibly rewarding.

Conclusion

Freelancing as a web developer has been a practical solution for William to generate income while searching for a full-time job. By targeting small business owners and offering affordable, simple website solutions, he’s gaining valuable experience and making meaningful connections. If you’re in a similar situation, William hopes his journey inspires you to explore freelancing as a viable option.

Where can you learn these skills?

PreCodeCamp offers a comprehensive tutor-involved program that will help get you started in your coding Journey. Please take a look at our 6-part program where you can learn these skills in 3-6 months depending on your timetable.