Any advice on starting up a freelance graphic/web design business?

Question

I have 13 years experience as a designer and I'm looking to supplement my income by doing some freelance. I'd like any advice on how to go about starting, what to charge, etc.

Answer 1

This information may be a lot of help for you:
http://www.sitepoint.com/article/experienced-freelancer

Sitepoint forums is one as you may know one of the best recognized webmaster forums with a lot of experienced people in this type of business.
A lot of help can be found here.

From my own personal point of view i think it's important to start building a portfolio of work you have done under the employers you have worked for to give an indication of your work in webdesign and what areas you are profficient in.

Also as a starting free lancer i would search on freelancer websites specificly targetted at webdesign.
Such as:

http://www.rentacoder.com
http://www.scriptlance.com
http://www.getafreelancer.com
http://www.rentacoder.com
http://www.hireacoder.com
http://www.elance.com
http://www.programmingbids.com
http://www.guru.com
http://www.cityitjobs.net
http://www.GetACoder.com
http://www.codelance.com
http://www.Project4Hire.com

These are all websites where people are looking for freelancers offering webdesign/programming services.

One thing to keep in mind is that you shouldn't charge to much in the beginning of your carreer as a freelancer since you have to build reputation and good credit.
Every job completed to satisfaction of the customer is a bonus point for your freelancing carreer on these above websites.

There is alot of competition but also a lot of insufficient coders so you have to build trust and reputation to go for the big projects and to allow yourself to charge better rates.

As a freelancer it is important to charge less then the established companies since otherwise there is no edge for you to compete on. The edge that makes a difference is mainly pricing combined with proficiency. If you can find a balance that you can be satisfied with regarding pricing and your time then you have a good chance to surive the harsh competition in the world of webdesign freelancing.

If you can offer professional and quality webdesign/coding for cheap rates you have the future of a steady client base that may help you advance in your freelance career (and in time charge better rates).

Because the competition is massive on the internet and freelance sites. But once you have completed a job to the satisfaction of the customer and for a affordable rate then you have won yourself a new client since this client is very content with your work and rates and would definately considder your services later on.

Try to take on a lot of simple projects such as simple email forms and such to show your ability of webdesign and advance from there to bigger projects.
I am myself also looking for a affordable webdesigner/coder so if you wouldn't mind i would very much like to know what your experience is with coding regarding programming languages.
Send me a email and tell me a little more about yourself and what areas of expertise you have. Recent and past work would also be very helpfull.

Best of luck to you in your freelancing carreer.

-Edwin-

Answer 2

The best routes to take are to research the process of starting a business as well as the industry you're interested in.

I recommend checking out the SBA, Entrepreneur, The Start Up Journal & Nolo. All 4 are great informational resources for the new/small business owner. I posted links for you in the source box.

Associations may be a good avenue to explore as well. These organizations will address many of the thoughts, questions and concerns you'll inevitably have as well as many you haven't anticipated yet. See the source box for some relevant links.

Research, research, research – this cannot be stressed enough. Read as much as you can about the industry. Here are some book titles that are relevant:

* The Creative Business Guide to Running a Graphic Design Business by Cameron S. Foote
* The Business Side of Creativity: The Complete Guide for Running a Graphic Design or Communications Business by Cameron S. Foote
* Inside the Business of Graphic Design: 60 Leaders Share Their Secrets of Success by Catharine M. Fishel

Hope that helps! I wish you much success & happiness in all your ventures!

Answer 3

Starting a small business takes a lot of courage. But, as they say, courage does not pay the bills. To be successful – to stay in business – you need more than courage. You need a combination of hard work, skill, perseverance, and lots of luck.

Some things you need to consider:
- "How can I support my family while I build up by business?"
- "What are my abilities?"
- "Is there a market for the product or service I have chosen?"
- "How long will it take this business to reach the financial goal I have?"

You may want to read the article "How to Start a New Business Successfully" http://www.powerhomebiz.com/vol51/launch.htm , which lists six steps to launch a new business successfully:

1. Provide a benefit.
2. Determine the fit with your market.
3. Right timing is everything
4. Be ready to support your business
5. Develop a blueprint for success
6. Market, market, market

Start by researching the business and preparing your business plan. Here are some resources on starting a web/graphic design business

How to Start a Web Design Business http://webdesign.about.com/od/jobs/a/aa052404.htm

I suggest you check out these sites to gain more info on the going rates for freelance graphic/web design

http://www.elance.com
http://www.guru.com

Important thing to remember: don't forget the contracts. Here are some resources to guide you in preparing contracts

Need for Written Web Design Contract http://www.ivanhoffman.com/written.html
Sample web design contract http://www.wilsonweb.com/worksheet/pkg-con.htm

For in-depth information, I suggest checking out the following books:

- How to Start a Home-Based Web Design Business by Jim Smith http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0762705612/ref=nosim/powerhomebizguid
- The Real Business of Web Design by John Waters http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1581153163/ref=nosim/powerhomebizguid

Answer 4

The clients, which you have been dealing with in the last 13 years can help you a lot to get some small time business for your spare time. In the meantime you may also get some software helping to automatically post your ads free on several of the classified pages on the internet. That may bring cusomers to you by and by.

Answer 5

absynthian has the right way to get some business, as they say network, network, network. There is an About.com link thay has all about web site publishing and graphics. Also Monster.com has sologig that has all kinds of info and you can put yourself out there with sologig for a small fee and freebie adding and looking at what employers have listed.
Mel

Answer 6

Yeah Yeah! the truth is--- you need to make business cards or flyers with your name of business what youdo, cheap pricing, and find acheap printing place where you can send your work for printing .Important! DONT TELL ANYONE WHERE YOU GO TO DO THE PRINTING FIND THE CHEAPEST ONE! then you go out to night clubs and talk to the promoters and let them know u want to design there flyers for cheap(just the first few) On the flyer,prefebally on the right lower side in small text you write designed by (?) and then your number(?)! people recognize your work and spread the word! design also for realtors all types of business's go out there girl !!! trust me on this one!!!!!!!! Forget what the others said, too many people are doin that ,conquer your local area first!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Answer 7

Hopefully, in your 13 years of working for other people you have made a significant number of contacts in the industries you want to serve. Contact people whose accounts your company has lost, and people who may have left their companies, these people will be the easiest to sell to as they already know you.

Answer 8

Go on line and charge $30.00 an hour. I really only answered your question because your avitar is so cute.