Heyy,

 

I'm currently still in college but want to start doing a little freelance work on the side. So I was wondering if anyone has some tips or methods for find small clients to start out with. I'm not looking for big projects and not really fussed about making a big amount of money. If anything I just want to be able to build up my portfolio a little. So what did you guys do when you were first starting out? If you also have some general guidelines for pricing it would help. Thanks

clubs or school web pages are good to do. the budget is usually next to nothing but sometimes can be ok.

 

i did my wife's school site - it's amazing how many schools don't have someone to do it for them! and a kids' football club.

BEWARE: you can get sucked into a vortex of never- ending revisions and scope creep! you need to set out from the beginning what you are going to do and what you're not going to do. try and get as much info as possible at the start - i.e. how they are going to update it etc. be friendly but firm with them the same as you would be for 'real' clients. it's up to you to guide them.

 

for pricing - it's up to you. what would you work for? be sure to say how much it would cost if they were a business and then state how much you could do it for.

clubs or school web pages are good to do. the budget is usually next to nothing but sometimes can be ok.

 

i did my wife's school site - it's amazing how many schools don't have someone to do it for them! and a kids' football club.

BEWARE: you can get sucked into a vortex of never- ending revisions and scope creep! you need to set out from the beginning what you are going to do and what you're not going to do. try and get as much info as possible at the start - i.e. how they are going to update it etc. be friendly but firm with them the same as you would be for 'real' clients. it's up to you to guide them.

 

for pricing - it's up to you. what would you work for? be sure to say how much it would cost if they were a business and then state how much you could do it for.

 

Thanks. As I said, budget isn't really an issue because I'm still in college and mainly just want work I can use for a portfolio to help me get more work and a university place. I might look into placing an advert in the local advertisement newspaper. At first I was thinking of putting one on craigslist but then decided not to due to some of the strange people on there lol. There are also like 5 schools, a couple of kids football clubs and lots of small businesses so I think I just need to get my name out there more than anything. Thanks a tonne for this though mate

does your college have any clubs or societies? they might have a site or one you can get involved with

Why don't you try out with some design contests website? Such as 99design? I hope it would help.

Btw, joining those contests also remain you some interesting experiences

Although it was a long time ago, the best way I found to get clients was to start off by asking around my personl network such as family and friends. I would charge just enough to cover expenses and give me a bit on top, and make it very clear to them that they would have to pay if they wanted additional updates. This gave me the first 5 or so websites I needed to get myportfolio started.

Although it was a long time ago, the best way I found to get clients was to start off by asking around my personl network such as family and friends. I would charge just enough to cover expenses and give me a bit on top, and make it very clear to them that they would have to pay if they wanted additional updates. This gave me the first 5 or so websites I needed to get myportfolio started.