How do I get clients as a web developer?

FriendlyPufferfish said:
As other said, starting local is a option. A few projects for free, then look for GMBs without pages. Restaurants and other little brick and mortar business use Facebook as their "page", offer them a real page and explain advantages. Offer cheap page +12usd monthly for hosting. Page changes at a cheap price. After delivering the product, you can take the chance to pitch some seo or GMB boosting services (resell stuff from reputable sellers from here). Rinse and repeat. Not sure how much money you need to do to live on your country, but oportunities are out there.
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Very smart! Make sure to sell them on the benefits for real, sell on some stats that X% check the menu online before coming in or something.
 
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This is probably one of the easiest markets to enter - there's so many templates and themes out there.

If you're just using existing themes and modifying them, then sell on price - pick a niche in your area, and start cold-calling companies in that niche. Sell them set x page website for x price and include content that you have pre-created & can be spun easily based on their offerings.

Call them, ask to speak to a manager or owner. Then move on - churn & burn.
 
CyHead said:
This is probably one of the easiest markets to enter - there's so many templates and themes out there.

If you're just using existing themes and modifying them, then sell on price - pick a niche in your area, and start cold-calling companies in that niche. Sell them set x page website for x price and include content that you have pre-created & can be spun easily based on their offerings.

Call them, ask to speak to a manager or owner. Then move on - churn & burn.
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I don't know why... but I'd feel really bad selling someone a template/theme website. Maybe it's cause I see those things as "shite" even though they look good just because I'm a developer, but doesn't it feel kinda scummy? They look good, they do what they're supposed to, but charging 1000$ for something that someone just somewhat technically knowledgeable could do just doesn't feel right to me.
 
DunderMannen said:
I don't know why... but I'd feel really bad selling someone a template/theme website. Maybe it's cause I see those things as "shite" even though they look good just because I'm a developer, but doesn't it feel kinda scummy? They look good, they do what they're supposed to, but charging 1000$ for something that someone just somewhat technically knowledgeable could do just doesn't feel right to me.
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I agree - those template peddlers make garbage sites. I see them all the time, but if money is your focus - templates or pre-created themes are the way to offer a cheap price, while also making it up in volume.

In this economy, a lot of people won't have time or money for a custom site, which can easily be in the range of $15-30k+ if you factor in content, design, coding, testing, etc.
 
As someone who has made over 400k pitching my software skills (with no portfolio / website), I'll tell you two things you need: persistence and sales personality.

I would recommend looking at Craigslist / Upwork to find people who are looking for software services. It's a mountain to climb if you want to convince someone they need development done.

Second is to find clients with deep pockets. You'll come across all types of people but mostly solo entrepreneurs or struggling mom and pop shops. These guys typically don't pay well and you may have to fight for your invoice to get paid (Like I am right now).

You have to stand out when you send your email or pitch. Don't use a template. Actually try to understand the company, look at their website / product and give it a good try. Make sure it's super personalized and you've done your research. But also don't spend more than 30 minutes on a single pitch.

For instance, Craigslist is flooded with 3rd world devs who spam reply ads. So you can start with a line like "Hey my name is [your name] and I'm a dev right here in [city]!"

Get really intimate with the platform you use. It's to your advantage to understand people and the environment where they are looking for software jobs.

Lastly, be able to do the job. I've come across a ton of clients who are looking for a programmer because the previous one couldn't do the job. It's kind of like dating. The only reason someone is single and actively looking is because every potential partner failed to meet their expectations. Come into the situation understanding that.

Just know that it's not easy to find clients and make good money. It takes time. You have to be willing to outsmart & outwork your competition as an entrepreneur.
 
FatBee said:
I had a case, where a guy called me for a website, I haven't even heard what he wants, he asked for the portfolio & ofc I gave it to him.
His first response was: Dude, I won't spend your time, having XXX.xx in your portfolio make me think you will charge me a lot and it will be out of my budget. Have a nice day.
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But this also opens way for better clients who can pay more as well
 
DevMask said:
Nothing. It is web designing, not any rocket science.
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Exactly.
This is especially true if you are from tier one or tier two country. You cant put food on the table with it.
Why would some one pay you 500 - 1000 dollars when they can get the same thing for 100 dollars?
Make a few bucks and move on to something else. Example app development or SAAS development.
Perhaps an agency with very niche offerings. You can give them a website and SEO as a bonus.
For example if you develop an app they will also need a website and seo to market the app.
The point is try to build a business.
 
msyaz said:
1) Use web scraper to find websites with outdated, ugly designs and not optimized for mobile.

2) Contact the website owner.

3)Pitch them your web design service. Be sure to show them real PORTFOLIOS of your design work.

4)bank cash
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How do you achieve this first step with a scrapper? -> "Use web scraper to find websites with outdated, ugly designs and not optimized for mobile"
 
SumitBadaya said:
What is it that you can offer and do but other web devs cant?
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Exactly this. Look what people need help with and put a spin on it - that is your USP. Find problems that need fixed too and offer to fix them.
 
  1. Find web design clients through proposals.
  2. Find web design clients through job boards.
  3. Find web design clients through cold pitching.
  4. Find web design clients at events.
  5. Find web design clients through referrals.
  6. Find web design clients through inbound marketing.
 
Ex web dev agency owner here. You can AMA.

- Automate LinkedIn & scale that.
- Build up a good looking Upwork profile.
- Collaborate with local design/ux or marketing agencies.
 
I would say a good way is to try to be as specific as possible about your areas of expertise, wherever you decide to list.
 
lucky.sparks said:
Ex web dev agency owner here. You can AMA.

- Automate LinkedIn & scale that.
- Build up a good looking Upwork profile.
- Collaborate with local design/ux or marketing agencies.
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Interesting, did you sell the agency?
Also what do you mean by AMA?
Thanks.
 
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