How to Find Freelance Jobs

Summary

Luke Sislian, a self-employed web developer, discusses the meaning of freelancing and strategies for acquiring customers. He differentiates between being a full-time freelancer and a side hustler, noting the potential for higher income and less stability in self-employment. Sislian emphasizes the importance of focusing on existing customers and establishing a strong brand presence before seeking new clients. He advises investing in a web presence through content creation rather than spending on ads, and optimizing for local markets. Additionally, he suggests offline methods for gaining local business, such as contract work for other developers, direct contact with potential customers, and attending networking events.

Takeaways

• 😀 Freelancing can mean being a truly self-employed individual or a side hustler, with each having different implications for income stability and work hours.
• 💼 Being self-employed as a freelancer means running a one-person operation, handling all aspects of the business, which can lead to higher income but less stability.
• 🛠 As a side hustler, one balances a full-time job with freelance work, often leading to more stable income but less potential for high earnings and more work hours.
• 📝 The speaker emphasizes the importance of defining what freelancing means to the individual before starting to attract customers.
• 🤝 Building a business should start with focusing on existing customers and prioritizing their needs before seeking new ones to ensure business growth through referrals and repeat business.
• 🌐 Establishing a strong web presence through investment in owned media like blogs and videos, rather than spending on rented ad space, is crucial for sustainable business growth.
• 📈 Optimizing the website for specific services and a targeted local market can improve search visibility and attract clients looking for local expertise.
• 🏢 Before actively seeking new customers, it's essential to have a solid business foundation including branding, a portfolio website, online review profiles, business cards, and a business phone number.
• 🔍 Researching and understanding potential clients or businesses before contacting them can significantly increase the chances of securing work.
• 📲 The importance of following up with potential clients or businesses regularly cannot be overstated, as persistence often pays off in securing freelance work.
• 📈 Networking, both online and offline, is highlighted as an effective way to meet potential customers and grow the business beyond just online presence.

Q & A

What is the primary focus of Luke Sisliano's video and accompanying article?

The primary focus is to discuss what it means to be a freelance developer, and to provide strategies on how to get customers for one's freelance business, both online and locally.

Why is it important to define what 'freelancing' means according to Luke?

It's important because the term 'freelance' has become a buzzword with different meanings for different people, which can lead to misunderstandings about the nature of a freelance developer's work.

What are the two definitions of a freelance developer mentioned by Luke?

The two definitions are: 1) An individual who is truly self-employed, operating as a one-person business. 2) An individual who is doing freelance work as a side hustle while maintaining a full-time job or business in another field.

How does Luke define a truly self-employed freelance developer?

A truly self-employed freelance developer is someone who operates as a one-person business, with no other jobs, and is responsible for all aspects of the business including development work, marketing, bookkeeping, and regulatory filings.

What are the potential benefits of being a self-employed freelance developer?

The potential benefits include higher income due to keeping 100% of the profits from their labor, and having more flexibility in how and where they work.

What are the potential downsides of being a self-employed freelance developer?

The potential downsides include less stable income with highs and lows, the need to work many hours to cover all aspects of the business, and the responsibilities that come with being the sole decision-maker and worker.

What is the alternative to being a self-employed freelance developer, as mentioned by Luke?

The alternative is to be a freelance developer as a side hustle, where one maintains a full-time job or business in another field while doing development work on the side.

What are some important considerations before starting to market one's freelance business, according to Luke?

Important considerations include setting up the business to focus on servicing existing customers first, establishing branding elements such as a website, portfolio, online review profiles, business cards, and a business phone number.

Why is it crucial to focus on existing customers first in a freelance business?

Focusing on existing customers first ensures a better customer experience and higher likelihood of referrals and repeat business, which are essential for growing the business without constantly needing to find new clients.

What are some strategies Luke suggests for getting customers online as a freelance developer?

Luke suggests investing in a web presence by creating content such as blog posts and YouTube videos that one owns, as opposed to spending on ads. He also recommends optimizing the website for specific services and local geography to attract relevant traffic.

What are some ways to get local business for a freelance developer that do not involve a website?

Luke suggests doing contract work for other developers, contacting potential customers directly by introducing oneself to local businesses, and attending networking events such as BNI (Business Networking International).