October 17, 200917 yr OK, so over the last few weeks I've really been trying to decide what I need to do first. Do I set up my own portfolio website, get the business cards printed, register as self-employed with the good old HMRC? I was wandering I some of the freelancers on here that have already gone through the start up process help me sort out what I need to do first to get started, and just help me build a step by step guide as to how to start up as a freelance web designer. Thanks for any help in advance
October 17, 200917 yr Do I set up my own portfolio website, get the business cards printed, register as self-employed with the good old HMRC? Portfolio - definately! Register with tax office - definately! Business cards - not essential but a useful marketing tool First I'd always recommend having some disposable income in the bank that you can live on for 6-12 months while you try to build the business up. This is a very difficult game for freelancers to succeed at and in the early days income will be very scarce! Second, after you've got a portfolio/business site online you need to look for work. Initially, doing free sites for "good causes" is often a way to start as it can help get your name around. You could try freelance bidding sites but these tend to be frequented by people from the far east who do stuff for peanuts - certainly not enough to bring in a sustainable income. You could also try putting ads in your local newspapers, parish magazines and so on.
October 17, 200917 yr Author Portfolio - definately! Register with tax office - definately! Business cards - not essential but a useful marketing tool First I'd always recommend having some disposable income in the bank that you can live on for 6-12 months while you try to build the business up. This is a very difficult game for freelancers to succeed at and in the early days income will be very scarce! Second, after you've got a portfolio/business site online you need to look for work. Initially, doing free sites for "good causes" is often a way to start as it can help get your name around. You could try freelance bidding sites but these tend to be frequented by people from the far east who do stuff for peanuts - certainly not enough to bring in a sustainable income. You could also try putting ads in your local newspapers, parish magazines and so on. That sounds about right, and I agree with what you are saying. Just wanted some advice, thanks for the reply!
October 21, 200917 yr Author Well I was researching online over the last few days, looking into the whole self-employment and sole trader situation. I came across this, which does explain the key steps; http://www.bytestart.co.uk/content/19/19_1/what-is-a-sole-trader.shtml and for those interested in setting up a LTD company; http://www.bytestart.co.uk/content/19/19_1/forming-a-limited-liabili.shtml Hope this provides you with what you were hoping for. Other than that, I am going to set up in the following order; 1. SAVE LIKE A SQUIRREL 2. Find the best hosting plan, or reseller account (If I decide t provide hosting solutions as well as web design) 3. Design my own portfolio with the essential information such as contact details and skill-set 4. Set up a business bank account 5. Register with HMRC for self-employment 6. Print business cards and brochures to show prospective clients. 7. Start looking for potential clients as all the usual places, such as Restaurants, Clubs, Shops, Sports Centres, etc... Thats my take on it, feel free to comment
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