by Brenna Mae

Created on: April 12, 2009

If you've proven to yourself that you're good enough at what you do, you're probably good enough to start selling your work professionally. Whether it be web design, coding work, or another type of online service, this guide will help you on the right path.

1) Portfolio

The first essential step is to create a portfolio. This will take time. Even if you're able build a website in a day it's not worth the rush. Create a design that is not only attractive, but also effective.

The Goal: The goal of a portfolio is for the visitor to really look at your pieces, and to be able to easily and quickly find the necessary information when they've decided to work with you.

The Solution: Portfolio pieces should be high-quality, and easy to view. Ideally, they should be on the front page, and the main focus.
When the potential client is done looking through your work, they should then be able to find pricing, terms, and most importantly: a way to contact you. Have contact information on the front page as well, and include a form for ease of use.

What if you have nothing to put in it?
This happens quite often with beginners. You'll need to create a base portfolio, even if the works are not done for a client, or they're done cheaply. Start searching on Freelancing forums, Craigslist, and job boards for potential clients. Try to find clients dealing with church websites, non-profit organizations, or small companies on a low budget. Offer your services for free, or for a very low cost.

If possible, create a website for your local church, school organization, or something of the like. Getting known in your own community can arise more clients down the road as well.

2) Get Formal

With a few projects completed, you have a strong working portfolio. You'll probably want to leap up and start finding even more clients, or head straight to the mall to spend your hard-earned money. Before you do that though, you have to realize you've just started a business. At this point, it's smart to set up a few formal rules.

Create a Contract Template:
Going pro means you can run into problems along the way. It's time to create a formal contact to share between you and any future clients.

Below are a couple of useful links about how to create a contract for freelancing:
- http://advertising.about.com/cs/copywriting/ht/howto contract.htm

- http://advertising.about.com/od/contracts/ss/createc ontract.htm

Payments and Invoicing:
This will all have to be laid out in your contract as well, but it's time to start thinking

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