So, You Want to Start Your Portfolio
Well, here you are, a new web designer/developer just dieing to get your first client. Well it’s more difficult than you think. First off as you may have noticed, there are SO MANY of us out there which means we have to be able to out perform one another or in my personal preference learn from one another.
Where do I start?
This is where most of us starting out are stuck at for a while. You could go out and spend hundreds to thousands of dollars on advertising, business cards, etc. but I have a way that will earn you money, get you clients, and best of all build your portfolio without spending one penny.
Start Freelancing Here
Here is a short list of freelance web sites: http://www.scriptlance.com; http://www.elance.com; http://www.guru.com. Out of that list Guru is the only one that has a fee but there are great possibilities with all three. On these sites you can bid for projects by price and time delivered. This is a way that you can get money for starting out. There’s not much word of mouth doing it this way but there’s more of a selection and more opportunity.Another thing you can do is go around to small businesses in your area and ask them if they need a web site. Going out to the small businesses shows initiative and if you offer your services for little to no fee you’re guaranteed to get the project. They might be a little skeptical on why you’re doing it for the price that you’re doing but you have to explain to them, “Hey, I’m starting out trying to build my portfolio, all I’m asking is you spread the word about me if you like what you get.” There you go, your name is spread out through the local community and you get more clients. I would start off by giving out 5 to 10 free web sites, because my rule is, for every one person you satisfy, they’re going to go tell 10 more people.
When business starts booming get testimonials from the clients that were completely satisfied. “What do I do with the testimonials?” you may be asking. Put them on your portfolio! Show the people you don’t do mediocre work and that you have pleased the people who have hired you. This will bring out more trust to those potential clients.
It’s that easy!
Can you believe it? Those few simple ways to get known and your portfolio built. It takes time, blood, sweat, tears, frustrations, headaches, and that’s not even the half of it. If you’re truly passionate about what you do you will realize its all worth it in the end.
I hope you learned a few new ideas and a few new ways of getting your name and work across the net and I thank you for your time in reading this article.
About the author
Jonathon Harrelson (Daygon on the forums) is a 19-year-old web developer based out of Texas, USA. He’s been web developing and designing for four years and squeezing since the forums opened. He’s a mentor, husband, father, and a friend to everyone. He’s the owner of http://interactionmm.awardspace.com and co-owner of http://www.slayerproductions.net. An avid web designer during the day and a family man at night.
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