How To Become a Successful Freelance Developer & Other Tech

In this article, we are going through a detailed roadmap for tech professionals looking to transition into freelancing. We cover the essential steps to launch and maintain a successful freelance career in the technology sector. From identifying your niche and building a compelling portfolio to developing pricing strategies, acquiring clients, and managing your freelance business, this guide offers practical insights for navigating the gig economy in tech.

Why Freelancing in Tech Matters: Projected growth: Freelancers are expected to comprise over 50% of the U.S. workforce by 2028 (Statista)

Increased demand: 41% rise in freelance tech skills demand since 2021 (Freelancer.com, 2021)

Job satisfaction: 77% of freelancers report higher job satisfaction compared to traditional employment (AND CO survey)

Hello everyone, welcome back to my channel! I’m coming to you from beautiful San Francisco—specifically from the Palo Alto area, which is absolutely stunning. After I finish recording this video, I definitely need to walk around and explore! I had another video planned for today, but I felt compelled to make this one instead. The reason is that for the next two weeks, I’m traveling for work, attending various tech conferences, doing a lot of speaking engagements, meeting some incredibly influential people in the tech world, and still working remotely. Yes, I have my computer with me, handling client work and managing everything on the go.

I felt really inspired to share some tips on freelancing and consulting. I’ve been running my own business, Tiff and Tech, for a while now, and there are definitely things I wish I’d known earlier. This video is especially for those of you interested in becoming a freelancer or consultant—whether you’re a developer, UX/UI designer, project manager, or anything in between. These tips are broad and can apply to anyone in the freelance world, and I think they’ll be super helpful for you. So, let’s get right into it!

Before we jump into the first tip, a little background about me. I’ve been working in the corporate world for over eight years. It was back in May when I made the decision to shift from working in corporate to working with corporate. I now consult for some of the biggest tech companies under NDA, so while I can’t name names, let’s just say they’re part of the MANG group (formerly known as FANG). It’s a challenging yet rewarding job, and I absolutely love it. The transition made sense, especially as I was earning more in consulting than I ever did in corporate. It’s been great to take on freelancing and consulting roles, all while staying closely connected to the big tech world—just from a different angle.

Now, for the first tip: understanding your niche. This is the foundation of your freelancing journey. What unique skills are you bringing to your clients? What do you excel at when there’s no boss hovering over you? Freelancing means you’re on your own, and for me, that was a big change. I thought managing my time would be easy since I was already balancing a full-time job in tech and running my business, Tiff and Tech. But honestly, the first two months were tough. I felt overwhelmed by the sudden shift, but what kept me going was my deep understanding of my niche—creating educational content, working with developers, and still being a developer myself. Knowing your niche is key, and while you might start with one area, be open to evolving as you grow.

The second tip is one you’ve probably heard before, but it’s crucial—building your online presence, especially on LinkedIn. I get it, posting on LinkedIn can feel awkward or cringey, even for someone like me who shares a lot online. But the reality is, competition in freelancing is fierce, and you need to showcase your expertise. People often equate online presence with expertise, and potential clients want to see what you’re capable of before hiring you. Whether it’s blogging, posting on LinkedIn, or sharing a portfolio, you need to put yourself out there. I’ve personally landed several clients through LinkedIn, even though I don’t love posting there. It works!

Tip number three: know your worth and set your rates accordingly. Pricing your services can be tricky, but here’s a great strategy that my manager once shared with me: when a potential client reaches out, give them a high-end but reasonable rate. Clients are unlikely to walk away immediately; instead, they’ll likely negotiate. It’s important to do your research on platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, or TopTal to understand the going rates in your industry. But remember, always start a little higher because people will want to negotiate, and you deserve to be paid what you’re worth.

The fourth tip is perhaps the hardest—finding clients. Once you’ve landed a client, keeping them is relatively easy if you deliver quality work and maintain good communication. Being responsive is key! I can’t tell you how many times clients have thanked me for my prompt communication, which is a rare quality in the freelancing world. To find clients, utilize platforms like Upwork and Fiverr, or post on LinkedIn. Showcase your work through videos or portfolio pieces. You can also ask your existing clients for referrals—there’s no shame in that!

Finally, tip number five: treat your freelancing business like a business. Many people treat freelancing as a side gig, but the reality is that if you approach it like a full-time job, that’s exactly what it will become. Stay on top of invoicing, meeting deadlines, and managing client relationships. Use tools like QuickBooks for accounting, Trello for project management, and Slack for communication. The way you manage your freelancing business will determine your success.

Freelancing and consulting can be incredibly rewarding, but it’s also hard work. You’ll likely go through a range of emotions—from excitement to fear to feeling paralyzed, like I did in my first month. But believe in yourself and keep pushing forward. The 9-to-5 job isn’t necessarily more secure these days, so why not take the leap if you’re passionate about freelancing? I believe in you, and I know you can do it.

Let me know in the comments if you’re interested in freelancing and what area you’d like to focus on. Is it development, design, project management, or something else? And don’t forget to hit that subscribe button! Now, I’m off to explore beautiful San Francisco.

Hey again, everyone! Before I head out, I wanted to leave you with one final thought. Whether you’re just starting out in freelancing, or you’ve been doing it for years, remember that the most important investment you can make is in yourself. Take the time to learn new skills, attend industry events, and connect with people who inspire you. As I mentioned earlier, I’m here in San Francisco for some tech conferences, and I’m always learning something new from these kinds of events.

Staying current with the latest trends, tools, and technologies can set you apart from the competition. Don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone either. Sometimes, the best opportunities come from taking a risk and saying yes to something new. For example, I never thought I’d enjoy public speaking as much as I do now, but it’s become such a valuable part of my career. So, if you’re offered a chance to do something that scares you a little—whether it’s giving a talk, leading a workshop, or working with a new client—go for it!

Also, make sure to celebrate your wins, big or small. Freelancing can sometimes feel like a rollercoaster of highs and lows, but it’s important to recognize your achievements along the way. Whether it’s landing your first client, hitting a new income milestone, or even just getting through a busy week—take the time to appreciate how far you’ve come.

Alright, I’m about to head out and explore Palo Alto. Look at this amazing view behind me! I’m really excited to share more about my adventures, the tech conferences I’ll be attending, and some of the incredible people I’ll meet along the way. If you’re curious about what it’s like to attend these tech events or want to hear more about freelancing tips, drop a comment below and let me know what you’d like me to cover in future videos.

Don’t forget to hit the like button if you found this video helpful, and make sure to subscribe so you don’t miss any upcoming content. I’ve got some exciting stuff planned that I think you’ll really enjoy. As always, thanks so much for your support, and I’ll catch you in the next video. Take care, everyone!

Thanks for sticking around! Stay tuned for more tips, adventures, and behind-the-scenes content from my freelancing and tech journey. Be sure to follow me on Instagram and LinkedIn to keep up with my latest updates and get a sneak peek of what’s coming next!