How to Make Freelancing Easier

In this episode of Syntax, Scott and Wes talk about how to make freelancing easier — how to avoid burnout, and tips and tricks to make it successful. Sentry - Sponsor If you want to know what’s happening with your errors, track them with Sentry. Sentry is open-source error tracking that helps developers monitor and fix crashes in real time. Cut your time on error resolution from five hours to five minutes. It works with any language and integrates with dozens of other services. Syntax listeners can get two months for free by visiting Sentry.io and using the coupon code “tastytreat”. Netlify - Sponsor Netlify is the best way to deploy and host a front-end website. All the features developers need right out of the box: Global CDN, Continuous Deployment, one click HTTPS and more. Hit up netlify.com/syntax for more info. Show Notes 02:15 - Code Use starters and resets and component libraries Don’t build in something you don’t know, unless you have time and budget to do so — WP is good enough for most projects Feel free to go over time on projects if you are learning something new Re-use code from project to project Target similar types of clients 13:09 - Communication Often, clear and frequent People won’t be mad for being too informed — just know when to leave out the technical jargon Clients typically don’t care about Git, React, etc. — they care about results Don’t overwhelm them Train your clients that you aren’t available 24/7 22:19 - Time management Set calendar alerts early and often to not miss communications Set meetings at 9am, don’t wait around all day for meetings Block off large amounts of time for dev — you won’t be able to get meaningful work done in one-hour slots 27:54 - Contracts + quoting Have a boilerplate contract that you can just fill in Same for a quote Value-based billing 33:47 - Billing + taxes Don’t be shy when talking about money. Be clear on what you need, when you need it, and on what terms. This is business. This is your art, but it’s also your business Pay quarterly taxes - most likely Or don’t and take the small hit — then you can pay once a year Put taxes into another account if you aren’t good with money Get a billing management system or get an accountant — you need to focus on working on code Wave Apps, Xero, Freshbooks 42:03 - Marketing Be loud — people need to know what you offer The best marketing is a referral from a previous client If you show up, return emails and do a good job, you’ll kill it Show people what you are excited about: blog posts, videos, tweets, etc. Go where your clients are: Do you want to be serving small businesses? Family and friends Do you want to be a hired gun for a technical team? Conferences/Twitter, blog posts 48:25 - Final thoughts Scott — It’s ok if freelancing isn’t for you. Not everyone is great at all of these factors, myself included. However, with practice, you can be your own boss, work on your own terms, and make money. Also, don’t be afraid to take on longer contracts with established teams and companies. Wes — Freelancing can be a great filler between jobs or career transitions. Links Syntax 117: Hasty Treat - How To Email Busy People Freshbooks - Breaking the Time Barrier Design Is a Job - Mike Monteiro Wave Xero Freshbooks ××× SIIIIICK ××× PIIIICKS ××× Scott: Displaced Gamers YouTube Channel Wes: Battery Adapter for DeWALT 20V Max 18v Dock Power Connector Shameless Plugs Scott: React For Everyone - Sign up for the year and save 25%! Wes: Master Gatsby - Use the coupon code ‘Syntax’ for $10 off! Tweet us your tasty treats! Scott’s Instagram LevelUpTutorials Instagram Wes’ Instagram Wes’ Twitter Wes’ Facebook Scott’s Twitter Make sure to include @SyntaxFM in your tweets