Are you a web developer looking for more web development projects? If you are wondering how other developers are sitting on a pile of clients and where do all such clients vanish when you set out to find work, then hang on. In this article, we will discuss seven sure ways you can grab more projects.
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7 ways to get more web development projects
Once you get working experience of a few years, new clients will come more easily. Until then, try these ideas to bring in projects.
- Create your own website.
- Social media marketing.
- Check out freelancing websites.
- Do enough of networking.
- Collaborate with those in related industry.
- Referrals work like charm.
- Reach out.
Now, let us examine each of our seven strategies for getting more projects.
1. Create your own website
Offering website designing services and not having your own site is an irony in itself. You cannot get clients if they are not aware of your existence. Build yourself a stunning website that your prospective clients would drool over.
If you’re not marketing your business, you’re only winking at the girl in the dark.
Before you write the content for your website, define who you are talking to. Anyone who wants a website should not be your target audience. Better to be an expert in making beautiful feminine websites for mom bloggers or highly professional B2B manufacturing business websites. The more focused, the better.
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2. Social media marketing
Social media marketing is another way you can attract new clients.
Depending on your target client, choose your social media platforms and be consistent with your posting. Top in feed means top in mind. They might not need your services as of now but if you have been successful in capturing their attention, then whenever they plan to create a website in the future, your name will automatically pop up in their heads first.
Keep in mind that it takes at least six to eight touches for a person to take a call on your offer.
Related: Digital marketing tools for the busy web developer
3. Check out freelancing websites
Photo: Joseph Gruenthal on Unsplash
Freelancing websites can be good when you are starting from a sub-zero level. Fiverr and Upwork are the most popular websites where you can find many web development projects.
Since these platforms are overcrowded and highly competitive, the prices are often low.
There are also job boards that are specifically known for web development projects. Hubstaff Talent is an underdog that can help you grab web development projects because of less competition.
StackOverflow is another job board where you can filter and find web development gigs.
Other niche job boards you could check are Codeable, Authentic Jobs, We Work Remotely, CodePen and Smashing Jobs.
4. Do enough of networking
Networking is one of the key elements of marketing. It does not just help you get more clients but also builds relationships that could result in collaborations and partnerships later.
”If you’re not networking, you’re not working.” — Dennis Waitley
You can network offline as well as online. Join meetup, an offline networking platform, to meet local business owners who might need websites. Coworking is a great place for networking as well. Attend events and you can find amazing people doing super-interesting work.
Online networking has numerous options. You can choose active Facebook and LinkedIn groups as well as online small business forums. There are many online communities you can join for networking and to learn from experts in various niches.
Online as well as offline, try finding people who are still working on their business ideas and don't have a website yet. The idea is to join the groups and attend the events where your target audience hangs out.
5. Collaborate with those in related industry
Partnerships with related industry freelancers could be quite beneficial. I am not talking about partnering with your competitors, but those who offer complementary services.
You just need to find out who are the people who are serving your target clients in any way. It could be a:
- Graphic designer
- Content writer
- Online course creator
All these professionals can refer you for a new website. You can work out the incentives in the form of a flat fee or a percentage cut.
6. Referrals work like charm
Word of mouth is the oldest and the most effective form of marketing. All you need to do for this is ask.
Most people trust the recommendation from people they know.
If you already have a client who is satisfied with your work, ask for his testimonial and reference. Testimonials can help you build rapport and trust with a prospective client who is sitting on the fence unable to decide on your services.
7. Reach out
Photo: MD Duran on Unsplash
Yes, I am talking about cold calling. Though it should not be the first thing to do, it can be tried as the last resort.
Don’t be too cool with your cold pitches.
Make a list of prospective clients you would like to have — maybe those who you think might need a website revamp or those whom you met through networking. Now, you don’t have to sell your services in the first email itself.
- Record a small video why you think they need a site to revamp.
- Create a wireframe for those who don’t have a site yet and send them over.
These are the two ways copywriting specialists use human psychology to persuade leads to take the desired action:
- In the first case, you are scratching the surface and showing the problem beneath.
- In the second case, you’re painting a desire in their mind that they cannot resist.
I agree it is more work than just hitting a send button of a standard cold email. But your chances of converting prospects into clients are much higher.
Related: How to write proposals that win clients
Conclusion: seal the deal!
If you are looking for ways to expand your web development business, then let me tell you that there is no dearth of clients. 380 websites are created every minute and this is HUGE!
It is only about breaking the catch 22 situation of not getting clients because of no experience and no experience because of no clients. Once you’re in the system, you are set to grow.
With all these ways mentioned above, I am sure you’ll seal a deal soon.
