How Do I Become a Freelance Coder?

A freelance coder codes websites and programs or software for clients. While you will usually need some type of training to pursue this career, a degree isn't always necessary. As such, you can use related online, community college, or vocational school courses to prepare for this career — some people even teach themselves using self-study materials. You might, however, consider earning a degree and seeking employment in preparation for this freelance career, as such steps can lead to references and contacts, and can help you obtain experience. Once you are ready to seek projects, you can do so through help-wanted and project-wanted ads, freelance project databases, cold calling, and direct mail.

When you want to become a freelance coder, your first step generally will be seeking training in this field. You might find a number of coding classes you can take online, or you could choose to enroll in coding courses at a college or university. Though you can earn a degree as you prepare for this career, it isn't strictly required. Many freelance clients will not ask about your degrees or other credentials, as they may be more interested in your skills. If your goal is to meet the criteria of just about any company or individual in need of your type of coding help, however, you might decide that a degree is helpful.

A degree might also help you gain experience and references that could help you land your first clients. For example, you might consider earning a related degree and then getting a job as a coder. You can use your employment to gain experience, build skills, and develop references and contacts you can use when you are ready to become a freelance coder and land your first independent projects. Additionally, you might use the money you earn as an employee to sustain you while you start and build your freelance business.

If do not seek formal education, you can still become a freelance coder. Many people learn how to code using books, online tutorials, and even instructional videos. For example, if you want to become a web coder, you can likely find a range of self-teaching materials that will be helpful as you educate yourself about this type of coding. After you learn how to code, however, you may have to complete sample projects or volunteer to code for free to build up samples you can use to land clients. This is not necessarily because people won't want to hire you without formal training but because you will need a way to demonstrate to potential clients that you are the right person for the job.

As far as finding clients is concerned, there are many ways to get business once you become a freelance coder. You can answer ads from individuals and businesses in need of freelance coding help and place your own ads to attract clients, for instance. Cold calling and direct mail are also ways to reach potential clients and to explain how you can help them. Additionally, you can use online project databases to find freelance coding work.