What Is a Freelance Web Developer and How to Become One

By ZipRecruiter Marketplace Research Team

Freelance web developers create eye-catching and user-friendly websites to generate web traffic and promote their clients' products and services. Unlike staff web developers, freelance web developers are independent contractors who may work for an individual or business on a short- or long-term basis. As a freelance web developer, you determine your target audience based on your client's customer base and design a website to attract new customers and keep current customers interested. You may also meet with your client to ensure you understand their expectations and wants for their website. When developing a design, you may collaborate with a team to create a new site or find ways to improve an existing one. Functionality and aesthetic appeal are your two primary goals.

To become a freelance web developer, you may choose to pursue formal education or learn the trade on your own. You may earn an associate or bachelor's degree in web development, computer science, information technology, or a related field, or you can attend a certificate program at a vocational school. Other aspiring freelance web developers take online courses and learn how to code and create websites on their own. Become proficient with a variety of coding languages, such as C#, Java, JavaScript, and Python. Obtain an internship or entry-level position at a technology firm or in the IT department of a company to gain hands-on experience in the industry. Most freelancers work in the field for a few years before becoming independent contractors. As a freelance web developer, you may market your services with large firms that have IT departments, or you may decide to work with individuals or small businesses.

The daily job duties of freelance web developers vary, depending on the company they work for and the scope of the project. General job duties may include meeting with clients to determine the client's goals and expectations for their website. They may spend time designing website layouts to fit the client's specifications. Some freelance web designers spend their day coding and programming different functions of the website. Others serve as quality assurance (QA) testers after the application is created to ensure it is running smoothly, looks good, and is user-friendly. Freelance web developers are independent contractors, so some of their time is also spent processing invoices and payments from clients.

Freelance web developers work in a highly competitive field, especially because they are independent contractors who need to find their own clients. Each client's project is different, so freelance web developers need to be adaptable and able to meet the client's expectations. Freelance web developers must know how to work both on their own and collaboratively with a team. Great web developers are detail-oriented problem-solvers with strong technical knowledge of how computers and web servers operate. Proficiency in many software programs, web applications, and programming languages such as HTML, C++, JavaScript, Flash, and SQL is essential. Each phase of building a website is vital, so freelance web developers must have excellent communication skills to ensure everyone working on the project is informed of the current status of each step.