4 things I learned as a freelance developer

I worked freelance for 3 years and in that time I have learned many valuable lessons. Most of these lessons I learned the hard way. I don't want you to make the same mistakes I have, so here are four of the most important things I've learned in the world of freelance web developmenty:

1) If you aren't business-minded, you will have a hard time.

As a freelance developer, you are essentially running your own business. This means that you will need to have a certain level of business acumen in order to be successful. This includes skills such as dealing with clients, networking, marketing, market research, sales, and educating clients. If you don't enjoy these aspects of the job, you may find freelance web development to be a challenging field.

2) If you make a mistake, own up to it!

In the world of web development, mistakes are bound to happen. When they do, it's important to own up to them and take responsibility. For example, I once let a hosting service delete my client's VPS because I didn't notice that my credit card had expired. My client was understandably furious, but I owned up to my mistake and worked tirelessly to fix the issue. In the end, my client appreciated my honesty and willingness to take responsibility, and our relationship was strengthened as a result.

3) Always keep backups of EVERYTHING.

As a web developer, you will be dealing with a lot of different types of information and documents. It's important to keep backups of everything, including contracts, meeting notes, previous product versions, and any other relevant documents. This will help to protect you in case of any unexpected issues or disasters, and it will also help you to be more organized and efficient in your work.

4) Make educational content for your clients.

Not everyone is tech savvy, and you may find that some of your clients have little experience with computers or web technology. In these cases, it can be helpful to create educational content for your clients. For example, you could create video guides or written tutorials that explain how to use your product or service. This will not only help your clients to understand your product better, but it will also show them that you are willing to go above and beyond to help them.

In conclusion, working as a freelance web developer can be a rewarding and challenging experience. By keeping these four lessons in mind, you can set yourself up for success and make the most of your time in this industry. Remember to be business-minded, own up to your mistakes, always keep backups, and create educational content for your clients. With time and dedication, you can build a successful and fulfilling career as a freelance web developer. Happy coding!