Whether you're interested in making a living or just want a few extra dollars on the side, freelancing is a great opportunity for any web designer. We will talk about how to get the best clients, what to charge for your services and what out of pocket expenses to expect. After that, we will explore ways to keep clients happy by managing expectations. Learn how to value your work and ensure that your next freelance project goes off without a hitch.

1. The Art of Freelancing and the Interactive Web By Chris Black

2. Background Chris Black 3 years part time free lancing 2 years as a Senior Developer at the Nerdery 1 year full time freelancer / author Why did I go freelance?

3. Going freelance

4. Why Freelance?

5. Compared to Fulltime Freelance / Contract Control over projects you take Work on your own schedule Income varies each month Always on the clock Self motivated Fulltime Little control over projects you work on Work 9 to 5 Consistent salary Usually not on call Motivated by others

6. Considerations Could I go 90 days without a paycheck? Do I have all the knowledge to accomplish the tasks? If not, do I know others that can help? Am I self motivated?

7. Getting work

8. Types of Work Full time job + freelance on the side When you want more experience or need extra cash Don’t compete with your employer! Full time freelance Contract jobs

9. Types of Self Employment Freelance Generally shorter projects Can be fixed bid or time and materials Less commitment Requires more work from you – wearing many hats Need to find work on your own or by referral Work remotely, sometimes onsite Contract Work Usually 20 – 40 hours per week for a set duration Generally paid by the hour Contractual agreement of work Can be specific to your discipline Placement by recruiters or professionals Usually onsite

10. Starting an LLC Valuable for full time freelancers Easy to setup Separates expenses into a business account Step 1: Name Step 2: Articles of Organization ($160) Step 3: EIN number Step 4: Open a bank account

11. Finding Freelance Work Have a consolidated portfolio ready LA and NY Craigslist Networking events (MN.swf, Minnedemo…) Create a blog Participate in online communities Are you competing with other Freelancers?

12. What to Charge Entry level work is usually $20 / hour Mid to junior level work $30 - $60 / hour Senior designer or developer $80+ / hour These numbers are for design / development in Minneapolis, rates vary based on location Keep in mind marketing, sales, software, tax prep and more are all on your dime

13. Working for Free Overnight website challenge When you need to boost your portfolio When you feel passionate about something Answering quick questions Put a cap on the amount of free work you are willing to do

14. Estimating Fixed bid vs. Time and Material Fixed bid is paying based on initial estimate Time and material is paying per hour Only choose fixed bid for very small, well defined work Properly managed time and material is better for both you and the client Break down the project into front end and backend work Offer alternate estimates removing features

15. Estimating Example

16. Filtering Work Is this a project I want? Are they paying my going rate? Will this be good exposure? Is the timeline reasonable? How much research will I need to do? Don’t take every job

17. Executing work

18. Client Relations Some small talk is good Eat lunch with clients and colleagues Keep in mind the project will end

19. Project Management Clearly outline estimates, hours you plan to work and hours completed Break the project down into milestones

20. Example Timeline

21. Invoicing the Client For small projects with new clients take half up front Reliable, repeat clients can be billed weekly or monthly Contract work is usually on NET 30 terms, it could be 60 days before you see a check! QuickBooks Pro

22. Example Invoice

23. Clear Communication Respond to e-mails promptly Ask questions rather than guess Be honest about your ability and interest in the work Recognize early warning flags

24. General Information

25. Considerations Health insurance Dental insurance Disability insurance Do I need a loan in the next two years? Retirement account Budgeting Taxes – just hire somebody

26. Taxes Many things are deductable for self employed individuals: software, computer, business expenses, conferences Anyone you do more than $600 of work for must send you a W9 Claim all of your income Pay estimated taxes quarterly

27. Questions?

28. Additional Information http://vandelaydesign.com/blog/business/7-freelancing-mistakes/ http://www.developria.com/2010/12/if-you-can-make-it-here.html http://www.developria.com/2010/12/if-you-can-make-it-here-part-2.html http://www.developria.com/2010/12/if-you-can-make-it-here-part-2.html http://blog.benstucki.net/?p=66