Freelance Business

How Freelance Designers & Developers Can Be Their Own Advocate — Speckyboy

26Jan

By Eric KarkovackNo Comments

building website, creating a website, Design Clients, freelance, Freelance Business, Freelance Career, Freelance Clients, google web designer, internet design, web design, web design company, web designer, web page design, website builder, website design

How Freelance Designers & Developers Can Be Their Own Advocate — Speckyboy

Working solo is one of the benefits of being a freelance web designer. You don’t have a boss breathing down your neck or tracking every mouse click. That’s one reason why many of us choose this career path. On the other hand, no one has your back when things go wrong. There are no team members to ensure that you’re treated fairly or paid for your work. Raise your hand if a client ever skipped town without paying their bill. Yes, we see you! This also extends to mundane tasks, such as onboarding to your client’s workflow. For example, working with an agency client and being dropped in the middle of an unfamiliar website. You don’t always get the benefit of a guided tour on how everything works. It’s easy to become overwhelmed, and remaining silent only exacerbates the situation. The result ...

Do Freelance Web Designers Need a Side Hustle?

12Mar

By Eric KarkovackNo Comments

building website, creating a website, Freelance Business, Freelance Career, Freelance Design, google web designer, internet design, web design, web design company, web designer, web page design, website builder, website design

Do Freelance Web Designers Need a Side Hustle?

Taking your freelance web design career to the next level is challenging. Going from getting by to living comfortably is equal parts hard work and good strategy. Why do you need both to succeed? Well, you could be up to your elbows in projects. But that’s no guarantee of more revenue. Plus, being crazy-busy isn’t sustainable. You’re more likely to burn out than rise to the top. Planning can help. Take the initiative to assess your career and determine the best path upward. The answer depends on how far you want to go. Your skills and strengths also play a role. Some designers (myself included) have turned to side hustles to increase earnings. For me, writing has been the best path. Others might sell web-related products or do occasional sub-contractor work. There are plenty of opportunitie...

Lessons Learned in 25 Years of Freelancing

15Feb

By Eric KarkovackNo Comments

building website, creating a website, Freelance Business, Freelance Career, Freelance Clients, Freelance Design, google web designer, internet design, web design, web design company, web designer, web page design, website builder, website design

Lessons Learned in 25 Years of Freelancing

Embarking on a freelance web design career means embracing uncertainty. You’ll have to book enough gigs to keep you financially afloat. You’ll also need to weather the ups and downs. Most importantly, you’ll have to adjust to a changing landscape. Nothing is guaranteed. Thus, I was astonished and amused when the calendar flipped to 2024. This year marks the 25th anniversary of my freelance business. How time flies. I had no such milestones in mind back in 1999. My goals were relatively simple. I wanted to apply what I’d learned working for others. And I wanted to do things my way. Longevity wasn’t a priority for that 21-year-old kid. Maybe I’ve beaten the odds. But I’m still working with clients. Some have even been with me for the entire run. My goal today is to share some valuable lesson...

The Unpredictable Life of a Freelance Web Designer

13Oct

By Eric KarkovackNo Comments

building website, creating a website, Freelance Business, Freelance Career, Freelance Clients, Freelance Design, google web designer, internet design, web design, web design company, web designer, web page design, website builder, website design

The Unpredictable Life of a Freelance Web Designer

I’ve been a freelance web designer since 1999. And I know where I’ll be most days. I’m usually here at my desk, plugging away at projects. But that’s where the predictability ends. That’s because my to-do list is subject to change. One request from a client can disrupt everything. No matter how much I plan. My schedule is in a constant state of flux. I’ve learned to accept the situation. Or have I? A recent tweet made me think about how unpredictable my days are. And I’m not the only one dealing with uncertainty. Other freelancers have shared their frustrations as well. Sometimes web designers need to shift gears faster than a Ferrari. That’s just reality. So, how do we cope with it? And what can we do to lessen the need? Here are a few thoughts on dealing with an unpredictable life. No Ro...

Discovering the Freedoms of Freelance Web Design

17Aug

By Eric KarkovackNo Comments

building website, creating a website, Free Templates, Freelance Business, Freelance Career, Freelance Clients, Freelance Design, google web designer, internet design, web design, web design company, web designer, web page design, website builder, website design

Discovering the Freedoms of Freelance Web Design

People tend to assume a lot of things about freelance web designers. I’ve spent over half of my life being one. And I think I’ve heard them all. Among the greatest hits: “If you get tired of working, you can go watch TV.” “Wow, I bet you could hit the golf course every day.” “Life without a boss!” “You can sleep as much as you want.” I could go on. But you get the idea. The common thread is that they all relate to a perceived freedom. And you can’t blame people for assuming. Freedom is one of the big selling points of this career path. But that’s not the type of freedom I’ve experienced. It got me thinking about the realities and how they differ from the perceptions. Just what type of freedoms come with freelancing? And what are the costs and limitations? The Freedom of a Personalized Work...

Advice for Being a Good Design Mentor

9Aug

By Eric KarkovackNo Comments

building website, creating a website, Freelance Business, Freelance Career, Freelance Design, google web designer, internet design, Learn Web Design, web design, web design company, web designer, web page design, website builder, website design

Advice for Being a Good Design Mentor

The web design community is supportive and giving. Being a part of it is a perk of the job. Many members are willing to share their knowledge and help others. Mentoring is part of the tradition. But we don’t necessarily seek out these opportunities. They tend to happen organically. As such, it can be a challenge to advise another designer. You want to make a positive impact. Yet it’s also important to respect boundaries. Nobody wants to become a nuisance or overbearing. The goal is to help others find their way. Provide sound advice and give them the benefit of your experience. It’s a foundation they can build upon. That’s what being a good design mentor is all about. Here are some tips for helping others live their dream. Show Kindness and Empathy If another web designer approaches you fo...

How to Deal with Clients That Have Outsized Expectations

31Jul

By Eric KarkovackNo Comments

building website, creating a website, Design Clients, Freelance Business, Freelance Career, Freelance Clients, Freelance Design, google web designer, internet design, web design, web design company, web designer, web page design, website builder, website design

How to Deal with Clients That Have Outsized Expectations

Clients have big ideas for their websites. It’s an opportunity to build something special. But web designers don’t always share the same level of enthusiasm. That’s not because we don’t want to help clients achieve their goals. It’s because we understand the reality of how challenging a project can be. A great website requires skill, hard work, and resources to do things right. Clients don’t always consider this. Sometimes they don’t know what’s involved. Or they assume that we’ll figure out the details on the fly. This can result in a disconnect between stakeholders. The design and build processes become anything but collaborative. Worst of all, it puts the project outcome at risk. So, how do you deal with clients that have outsized expectations? You can start by providing a reality check...

Jumping Through Hoops for Prospective Web Design Clients

16Mar

By Eric KarkovackNo Comments

building website, creating a website, Design Clients, Freelance Business, Freelance Career, Freelance Clients, Freelance Design, google web designer, internet design, web design, web design company, web designer, web page design, website builder, website design

Jumping Through Hoops for Prospective Web Design Clients

Booking new clients for your web design business is challenging. First, you have to find someone interested in your services. Then it’s a matter of hammering out an agreement so that you can start your journey together. This sounds easy. But the process can feel like being in a reality show competition. Once in a while, you’ll run into a prospective client who plays the part of the sly host. They’ll test your limits by asking all sorts of philosophical questions and assorted odd requests. Frankly, it’s a bit unnerving. Sometimes it can feel belittling. You’re trying to land a new client but have to endure the third degree. You might start to wonder if you’ll ever just get to the project. How much of this must you tolerate? Where do you finally draw the line and say, “Thanks, but no thanks…...

Why It Takes Commitment to Work with Clients

5Dec

By Eric KarkovackNo Comments

building website, creating a website, Design Clients, Freelance Business, Freelance Career, Freelance Clients, Freelance Design, google web designer, internet design, responsive web design, web design, web design company, web designer, web page design, website builder, website design

Why It Takes Commitment to Work with Clients

The ability to work with multiple clients is one of the perks of being a freelance web designer. You can build websites spanning an array of industries – each one providing a unique experience. Or you can go in the opposite direction and focus on a particular niche. Whichever path you choose, there is a singular common thread for each project you take on: commitment. It’s crucial to not only focus on a project’s outcome, but on our relationships with clients as well. Yet it’s not something we routinely discuss. That’s something we should change. After all, commitment is a key ingredient to a successful web design career. You aren’t likely to get very far without it. Let’s kick off the discussion with a look at what kinds of commitments web designers need to make, along with tips for managi...

Dealing with People Who Don’t Value Web Designers

25Nov

By Eric KarkovackNo Comments

building website, creating a website, Freelance Business, Freelance Clients, Freelance Design, google web designer, internet design, web design, web design company, web designer, web page design, website builder, website design

Dealing with People Who Don’t Value Web Designers

If you spend a bit of time in the web design industry, you’ll undoubtedly run into someone who just doesn’t understand the value of what you do. What’s amazing is that, even in this high-tech world in which we live, there are still people who think that anyone can build a great website. Years ago, it seemed very common. As a young designer, I can remember a few co-workers (and even my boss) having no idea what I did. But in those days, web design was a fairly new concept in the mainstream. Thus, I never took their attitudes personally. It was likely a matter of people who didn’t quite “get” the internet just yet. But now technology is everywhere. People hold the entire web in their hands. And yet, we still run into those who think we’re all hipster rip-off artists. Years ago I had an encou...

The Grumpy Designer Asks: Are You Tired?

8Nov

By Eric KarkovackNo Comments

building website, creating a website, Design Clients, Freelance Business, Freelance Career, Freelance Clients, Freelance Design, google web designer, Grumpy Designer, internet design, web design, web design company, web designer, web page design, website builder, website design

The Grumpy Designer Asks: Are You Tired?

Before we get too far, let me state that this isn’t a “woe is me” post. I may be grumpy, but I also know how to count my blessings. And I’ve been fortunate in numerous ways. It’s just that… I’m tired. You see, after 25+ years in this industry, I’ve come to realize that this job doesn’t get any easier. If anything, more layers of complexity keep being added. And the expectations from both clients and myself are higher than ever. Then there’s the unhealthy mix of a constant stream of emails, Slack notifications, and tweets. Taken together, it’s enough to wear you out mentally and physically. Surveying the web design community helped me to see that I’m not alone in this feeling. But it’s not only work-related stressors. There’s been a pandemic in our faces for years now. And each of us has st...

Making Money with Open-Source Software: What’s Our Responsibility?

31Aug

By Eric KarkovackNo Comments

building website, CMS, creating a website, Freelance Business, Freelance Career, Freelance Design, google web designer, internet design, web design, web design company, web designer, web page design, website builder, website design, WordPress, WordPress Plugins, WordPress Themes

Making Money with Open-Source Software: What’s Our Responsibility?

Free, open-source software powers much of the web. And it’s part of what makes the web design industry so unique. Could you imagine a traditional line of work that relies so heavily on no-cost tools? The concept would likely be unfathomable to anyone from an accountant to a zoologist. Yet it’s something web designers have embraced and, to some extent – expect. Whether it’s building a website with WordPress, crafting a layout with Bootstrap, or storing data via MySQL, it’s an everyday occurrence. And these tools are just a few examples. We have a multitude of free options – each helping us do our job more effectively. This has been the case for years. And things have gone remarkably smoothly. Some tools come and go, but the underlying philosophy of open-source software has endured. But that...

Learn to Prioritize Your Web Design Work

6Jul

By Eric KarkovackNo Comments

building website, creating a website, Design Clients, Freelance Business, Freelance Career, Freelance Clients, Freelance Design, google web designer, internet design, productivity, web design, web design company, web designer, web page design, website builder, website design

Learn to Prioritize Your Web Design Work

So much of being a freelance web designer is about balance. Make sure to take time for yourself. Create efficient processes or even outsource tasks to ensure that you have time for your projects. But what about the projects themselves? When you have multiple clients to please, finding balance can seem impossible. And perhaps it’s not even necessary. Truth be told, each web design project is a unique entity. And while it’s wise to be diligent in your efforts, not every task carries the same level of importance. That’s why the ability to prioritize your work is so valuable. This is a skill I’ve struggled with over the past couple of decades. Life’s a journey, as they say. But even if we don’t always get it right, there are some things to keep in mind when it comes to prioritization. Let’s ta...

Are Low-Cost WordPress Projects Worth Your Time?

12Jan

By Eric KarkovackNo Comments

building website, creating a website, Design Clients, Freelance Business, Freelance Career, Freelance Clients, google web designer, internet design, web design, web design company, web designer, web page design, website builder, website design, WordPress, WordPress Plugins, WordPress Themes

Are Low-Cost WordPress Projects Worth Your Time?

If you’re a freelancer looking for new clients, you’ll likely find plenty of opportunities to take on low-cost WordPress projects. But pairing the term “low-cost” with WordPress seems like an oxymoron. Sure, it may accurately describe what a client is willing to pay. That doesn’t speak to the challenges involved, though. These projects always tend to be more than meets the eye. I’ve spent over a decade working in the WordPress space. And I can’t recall a single project that didn’t involve multiple revisions and at least some customization. Even a website that uses a third-party theme and a few select plugins will need some tweaks. This process encompasses projects at every pricing level. It begs the question: are low-cost WordPress projects worth your time? The answer depends on what exact...

How Web Designers Can Cope with Situations Out of Their Control

26Nov

By Eric KarkovackNo Comments

building website, creating a website, Design Clients, Freelance Business, Freelance Career, Freelance Clients, Freelance Design, google web designer, internet design, web design, web design company, web designer, web page design, website builder, website design

How Web Designers Can Cope with Situations Out of Their Control

Everyone wants to control their own destiny. For web designers, that means layouts that look great, code that works as intended, and clients who pay on time. While we may wish for each of those things, reality usually plays out differently. Layouts aren’t always pixel-perfect, code breaks and clients – well, they’re human. But it goes even further. The deeper you look, the more situations you’ll find that are out of your control. This is especially tough for those of us who keep a tight grip on both our business and projects. When something is out of our sphere of influence, it’s easy to become frustrated. And that can harm virtually every aspect of your work. It may even creep into your personal life as well. That’s why the ability to cope with these situations is vital. By saving yoursel...

Items Every Web Designer Should Have in Their Office

14Jul

By Eric KarkovackNo Comments

building website, creating a website, Freelance Business, Freelance Career, Freelance Design, google web designer, internet design, web design, web design company, web designer, web page design, website builder, website design

Items Every Web Designer Should Have in Their Office

Web designers are fortunate in that our work can be done from just about anywhere. That said, most of us still tend to gravitate towards either home or commercial office space. Why? Because dealing with coffee shop Wi-Fi just isn’t conducive to getting things done. Plus, the whole pandemic thing made sitting amongst strangers a no-go for most of the world. But not just any old office setup will do. There are some items that go hand-in-hand with comfort and productivity. Things that web designers either can’t or shouldn’t go without. As someone who has worked from home for over 20 years, I can attest to the importance of a well-thought-out space. I’ve managed to put together an area that helps me battle stress and lapses in creativity. It’s also a solid spot for doing some actual work when ...

The Right Way to Add Recurring Revenue to Your Web Design Business

4Mar

By Eric KarkovackNo Comments

building website, creating a website, Design Clients, Freelance Business, Freelance Career, Freelance Clients, Freelance Design, google web designer, internet design, web design, web design company, web designer, web page design, website builder, website design

The Right Way to Add Recurring Revenue to Your Web Design Business

Booking new projects is a key revenue driver for any freelance web designer. But a lot of time and effort goes into both finding projects and getting the details hammered out. Then you still have to do the actual work. It’s not always an efficient process. And, unless those projects are quite large, you might also need to find other ways to boost cashflow. Constantly chasing that next opportunity can be tiring – and may not be enough to sustain your business. That’s why recurring revenue is so attractive. As the name suggests, it’s money that comes in regular intervals – weekly, monthly or yearly. It’s something you can depend on and, once a client is signed up, won’t require repeated sales pitches. Ideally, it will allow you to better focus on design and development. Sound like something ...

Freelance Situations You Need to Fix Right Away

27Dec

By Eric KarkovackNo Comments

building website, creating a website, Design Clients, Freelance Business, Freelance Career, Freelance Clients, Freelance Design, google web designer, internet design, web design, web design company, web designer, web page design, website builder, website design

Freelance Situations You Need to Fix Right Away

As a freelance web designer, you’ll have the opportunity to work with a wide variety of clients. And it’s likely that some of them will want to enter into different types of working arrangements. One common example is billing. You may run into a client that prefers to pay a flat monthly fee rather than be charged hourly. Some might even aim for a yearly invoice. But it can go well beyond a unique invoicing schedule. Client preferences can be all over the map. They may include how you communicate, when you work, and how quickly things get done. Anything and everything are on the table. This calls for a certain level of flexibility on your part. The willingness to work with a client on such issues can be beneficial to your relationship. But the opposite can also be true. With certain clients...