In this episode of Syntax, Scott and Wes talk about how to make freelancing easier — how to avoid burnout, and tips and tricks to make it successful.

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Show Notes

02:15 - Code

Use starters and resets and component libraries
Don’t build in something you don’t know, unless you have time and budget to do so — WP is good enough for most projects
Feel free to go over time on projects if you are learning something new
Re-use code from project to project
Target similar types of clients

13:09 - Communication

Often, clear and frequent
- People won’t be mad for being too informed — just know when to leave out the technical jargon
Clients typically don’t care about Git, React, etc. — they care about results
Don’t overwhelm them
Train your clients that you aren’t available 24/7

22:19 - Time management

Set calendar alerts early and often to not miss communications
Set meetings at 9am, don’t wait around all day for meetings
Block off large amounts of time for dev — you won’t be able to get meaningful work done in one-hour slots

27:54 - Contracts + quoting

Have a boilerplate contract that you can just fill in
- Same for a quote
Value-based billing

33:47 - Billing + taxes

Don’t be shy when talking about money. Be clear on what you need, when you need it, and on what terms. This is business.
- This is your art, but it’s also your business
Pay quarterly taxes - most likely
- Or don’t and take the small hit — then you can pay once a year
Put taxes into another account if you aren’t good with money
Get a billing management system or get an accountant — you need to focus on working on code
- Wave Apps, Xero, Freshbooks

42:03 - Marketing

Be loud — people need to know what you offer
The best marketing is a referral from a previous client
If you show up, return emails and do a good job, you’ll kill it
Show people what you are excited about: blog posts, videos, tweets, etc.
Go where your clients are:
- Do you want to be serving small businesses? Family and friends
- Do you want to be a hired gun for a technical team? Conferences/Twitter, blog posts

48:25 - Final thoughts

Scott — It’s ok if freelancing isn’t for you. Not everyone is great at all of these factors, myself included. However, with practice, you can be your own boss, work on your own terms, and make money. Also, don’t be afraid to take on longer contracts with established teams and companies.
Wes — Freelancing can be a great filler between jobs or career transitions.

Links

Syntax 117: Hasty Treat - How To Email Busy People
Freshbooks - Breaking the Time Barrier
Design Is a Job - Mike Monteiro
Wave
Xero
Freshbooks

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How to Make Freelancing Easier

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