by Monica L. Garrett

Created on: January 15, 2009   Last Updated: October 15, 2010

Freelancing as a website developer is a great career and getting started can be easier than you think if you are willing to work at it. You have everything you need to get off to a good start and all you have to do is some legwork.

Get your business set up, create your own website, find some clients and then do some marketing. This is really all you need to put on your to do list to get up and running. It may seem like there is a lot to this but it isn't that much at all.

Business Set Up - Getting your business set up is something you've probably already started or maybe even completed. Decide on your business structure, name your business, get a business license, set up tax accounts, purchase your domain, set up your website, market your services.

Create Your Own Website - Surely you haven't neglected to develop your own website to market your services? Don't put this off. It will bring you customers and answer questions for potential clients. Your website should give an overview of your services and give customers examples of what they are able to obtain and an idea of basic costs.

Having a website won't do any good if no one knows it is there. Don't forget to submit to search engines, list your URL on your marketing materials and link to your page from social networking sites and forums.

Find Clients - How many small business owners do you know? Every one of your friends, acquaintances and extended family members who operate their own business are potential clients. Go to them and ask them who maintains their website. If they say they do not have a website, you know what to do. Sell them one.

If they already have someone setting up or maintaining their website, don't give up. Let them know you are getting started in this business and need clients. They may decide to use your services in the future and they can recommend you to other business owners in their network.

Market Your Services - Marketing your services is essential to building a customer base. You don't have to invest a lot of money if you don't have the budget for it. You do need to have some information to pass out to potential clients. You can print off flyer's yourself or order brochures or other marketing hand outs. You'll need a supply of business cards to leave everywhere that you have an opportunity.

Put these tasks into action and you'll be off to a great start to your new career. Good luck!

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