Business Web Sites for the Self-Employed: Part Two  

What does it take to get a Web site running on the Internet? When you have a site that is ready for some real-life testing, you are ready to put the site up. Publishing a Web site is a three-step process: getting a domain name, choosing a host, and posting the site.

Fugate, Alice E. And Elizabeth A. 'Betsy' Frick. Intercom (2003). Careers>Freelance>Web Design

Freelancing in the Web World

To live the freelance life is to live a life of uncertainty. Not knowing when or from where your next paycheck is coming requires a certain mind-set that not everyone possesses. Some may argue that with so many companies struggling just to keep their heads above water now that the bang is out of the Big Web Boom, full-time work is no more secure than the freelance lifestyle. But before you unplug that feeding tube once and for all, ask yourself if you really have what it takes.

Thomas, Evany. Webmonkey (1998). Careers>Freelance>Web Design

Freelancing in the Web World

So you think you've got the cojones to be a freelancer, eh? Then join Evany as she gives you some pointers on this wild and woolly career move.

Thomas, Evany. Webmonkey (2001). Careers>Freelance>Web Design

When You Are Your Own Client, Who Are You Going To Make Fun Of At The Bar?

Should your blog have a business? Jim Coudal shares insights into the adventure of transitioning from client services to product creation.

Coudal, Jim. List Apart, A (2005). Careers>Freelance>Consulting>Web Design

Filling Your Dance Card in Hard Economic Times

The worsening economy will adversely affect our industry, at least in the short term. However, our skills and products are suited to ride out hard economic times. Marketers can easily measure return on investment for electronic media. Likewise a web address—such as an online shop—provides a wider audience and lower overhead than a street address, and could therefore be a better investment. So how do you ensure your company isn’t a wallflower? Keeping your dance card full is about making a truly positive contribution. Here are seven steps to help get you into the rhythm.

Ronalds, Pepi. List Apart, A (2009). Careers>Web Design>Freelance

Nine Myths About Freelancers And Freelancing

Many people are mistaken by what a freelancer actually is and how they use their time. There are many myths that clients think about freelancers, freelance work, or becoming a freelancer. I have made a short list of freelance myths, and what the reality of the myth actually is.

Johnson, Andy. Web Design Tutorials (2009). Careers>Web Design>Freelance

Eight Ways Freelancers Can Make Money In The Holiday Season

Christmas and the holiday season are often the time of the year where people spend the most amount of money. So if your outgoings overtake your freelance in-comings, then you may need to take a look at re-branding your business for the holiday season. Here is WebdesignDev’s short guide on how freelancers can make a bit of extra money on the side during the holiday season when times are tough on the wallet.

Johnson, Andy. Web Design Tutorials (2009). Careers>Web Design>Freelance

Five Ways To Scare Your Web Dev Clients Away

Some folks may find it impressive that you know the ins and out of UNIX and how your last open source coding project attracted media attention, but the majority do not. Especially when acronyms start spewing forth with articulated speed. Keep in mind that executives are employed to keep you employed and need to understand your ideas to communicate them to stakeholders and customers. One way to minimize 'tech' talk is to include the following words into each technical statement: We are using [technology/programming language] to enhance [a specific part] of our business.

Varty, Sue. Web Design Dev (2009). Careers>Freelance>Advice>Web Design

Process, Not Portfolio 

Not long after I went independent, a friend who works at a well-known global advertising agency asked if I would be interested in helping out on a high-profile Web site redesign project. I was pretty stoked. He suggested I come in to meet his team. After meeting with the lead developer and project manager, I was told they wanted to bring me on. All I had to do was to meet the creative director. “Can I see your portfolio?” I hadn’t brought one. “I can give you the URL,” I said. We weren’t near a computer. His glassy response: “I’m not sure what we have to discuss if I can’t see your work.”

Hess, Whitney. UXmatters (2009). Careers>Freelance>Portfolios>Web Design