Finding your first freelance clients can be a challenge. So many coders look for a steady job and take freelance projects on the side. Without experience, past clients, and a portfolio, many clients have trouble trusting you. Even if they’re willing to work with you, they might expect you to do the work for less.

Whether you take freelance projects, it can be exciting and intimidating at the same time. Many people don’t know where to start. You don’t have to panic. Every successful freelancer has been in the same position at one time or another. You can jump on many freelance sites. Over time, you can also create your own website to market yourself. No matter which route you go, it’s up to you to set yourself apart from the crowd.

Coding school programs are just the start for many students. You can learn the basics or add onto the skills you already have. It’s common for students to use this to qualify for a higher position or explore more career options. If you’re planning on going freelance, there are a few things you need to do.

Prepare Yourself for a Freelance Career with Coding Bootcamps
If you’re considering a career in coding, especially if you’re going freelance, you can prepare now. Coding school programs help you learn the skills you need to compete. It’s not enough to just learn the skills. To be a freelance coder, you have to be willing to prepare in many different ways.
● Build Your Portfolio to Reflect the Types of Work You’re Interested In
You might get clients contacting you about other projects as well. You can choose what kind of projects you’re ready to take. You should always build your portfolio around the projects you’re interested in. This way, potential clients have examples of what you’re good at. Try to stick to a few of your best projects. Whether you’re in school or working at a different company, always be on the lookout for opportunities to build your portfolio.
● Be Confident in Your Ability to Handle Your First Gig
Whether you learned on the job or enrolled in code school, you already have the skills you need. What level you’re at varies based on your training and how long you’ve been doing it. Coding gigs don’t have to be complicated. In fact, many freelance clients just want you to design a relatively simple site. You can evaluate each job as it comes to determine if you have the time and skills required. Many coders are more prepared for their first freelance gig than they might realize.
● Take Advantage of Existing Platforms
If you’re using front-end languages, you’ll have plenty of existing platforms to choose from. WordPress and Squarespace are two common examples of the platforms you’d use if you’re only working with frontend web development. A fair number of projects can be completed with frontend development alone. You can create entire interactive websites with it.
● Use Your Offline Networks to Find Your First Client
Different freelance sites help professionals connect with clients who need their services. When you’re trying to get your name out there, you can use as much exposure as you can get. One way to get this is through the offline connections and networks you already have.

Find an Exciting Future in Freelance with Coding Bootcamps
Coding school programs teach students about the different skills required to work in coding. Some of the classes at TK2 Academy teach students the basics. Others help you learn specific languages or level up to qualify for promotions and other opportunities. If you plan to go freelance, you need to put in the work to build a strong portfolio. TK2 Academy can help you decide which direction you want to go and get going. We provide structured classes and bootcamps. You can learn at your own speed and choose what you want to focus on. Just click here and see what TK2 Academy can offer you.