What does a Freelance Web Designer do?

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A freelance web designer finds clients, creates website layouts, and works independently. Finding clients requires advertising and referrals, and the designer must split their time between design work and finding new clients. The designer creates a proof for the client to review, then creates the actual programming scripts needed for the website. The client provides feedback, and the designer completes the project.

A freelance web designer is responsible for finding new clients, creating proofs for clients to review, and designing a website’s layout and functionality. The level of design complexity depends on the client’s needs, the designer’s skill set, and the project budget. A freelance web designer works independently, providing website design to a variety of clients. He or she operates as an entrepreneur, using industry contacts to create a portfolio of work for potential clients to review.

Many people who want to become freelance web designers have an overly romantic view of this type of work. As an independent operation, there is no guarantee of work every day, and the designer must split his time between design work and discovering new clients. Reasons for selecting this career are varied and range from starting a new career to needing flexibility to accommodate family obligations.

Finding new customers requires a combination of advertising, business contacts and referrals. A freelance web designer can develop a professional relationship with a web hosting company, which can provide referrals for clients in need of a web designer. Advertising on local business listings is a great way to develop a reputation, as is building an online portfolio of work done.

After meeting with the client to review the site’s needs, the designer creates a proof for review and discussion. It’s usually a whiteboard drawing of how the site looks and works. During this stage, the customer can easily see what the final product will look like and make changes. Depending on the size of the organization and site, multiple meetings may be required.

Once the initial layout is approved, the freelance web designer gets to work. Now he or she starts creating the actual programming scripts needed for the website. For many designers, this is the most rewarding aspect of their job. Once the site skeleton is complete, the client reviews the results and provides feedback. This adds time to the process, but is invaluable as part of the customer relationship.

The designer completes the remainder of the project by developing the accepted designs and plans. Many designers post updates on a private website and provide the customer with a username and password to access the work in progress. This allows the designer to work productively while giving the client the ability to track progress.




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