Dixie Vogel, Kansas Web Consultant, Web Designer, and provider of web hosting services.web hosting, consulting training 

web consulting, design & hosting

Web Design Articles: Help for Wannabe Pro Web Designers

Reviewroses

  1. Just do it! Do all the web design you can, find out what skills are in demand at what rates, and set up your own site and business materials. Learn everything you can and make sure you take the time to prepare for the plunge, both in terms of finances and skill building.

  2. Hustle those jobs! Check out freelance boards, want ads, and local webshops. Pass out those cards like there's no tomorrow, list your business everyplace you can think of, and promote your services both online and off.

  3. Be realistic about rates. You aren't going to get rich as a rookie (or even seasoned pro), but you also deserve to be paid fairly for your time. Web work is skilled work, and you should charge appropriately for it. Don't forget to figure in your expenses as a freelancer in your rates as well. Expect to gradually earn more as your portfolio and experience level warrant higher rates.

  4. Leave your ego out of it. Avoid web cliches and other design elements that may be annoying to site visitors. Focus on the site visitor and you won't ever go wrong. Be sure your work is of professional quality!

  5. Don't rely on software to replace skill. Good software can help you work a little beyond your current skill level, but it cannot replace the need for skills. (And bad software can definitely make you look bad!) Do your homework.

  6. Clear agreements at the start of a project protect everyone's interests. Make sure your client knows exactly what to expect at what prices. Make sure you don't find yourself in over your head. Spell it out!

  7. Require deposits and kill fees. As much as you may enjoy the work and your clients, you are in business. Limit your risks and keep the investment in the project fairly equal for both you and your client. It can make the difference between having a successful business and a failed one.

  8. Respect your clients (and yourself). Treat your clients well and do everything you can to be a dream designer. While every client relationship may not work out, you can treat every client with respect, regardless of your differences. Communicate clearly and don't forget diplomacy!

That's it. I hope, as always, some of my thoughts have been helpful to you. If you have comments or suggestions, please feel free to share them with me. Happy freelancing!

Dix

 

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