How do I get started as Freelancer?

[sohaib rahman]

I am an experienced Java developer. I am thinking to get started as Freelance Android Developer. My questions are as follows:
1. How do I get started as Freelancer?
2. How do I earn more profits while developing application in Android?
3. How should I win customers and make them come to me for more projects?
4. What infrastructure is necessary for being a freelancer?

Please reply me. I require your help.

[Ulf Dittmer]

I require your help.

With all due respect, that's not good. You seem to have very little idea on how to embark on this career change. Relying on the word of strangers (whom you may trust, but probably shouldn't) for such an important undertaking does not bode well. For example, if you do not (yet) have an idea on how to make money by doing that, or how to acquire customers, or how to get started, then why are you thinking about doing it?

[sohaib rahman]

Hi Ulf,

Thank you for your valuable response. It is pleasurable to hear that there are some people who are investing time to respond to my questions. I admit that I have no idea on how to start as a freelancer and acquire good customers. Some of the people in this forum might have an experience as freelancer especially in Android and some of them are working online and making money. I am just asking for suggestions for which this forum is made and not seeking HELP. I would like to invite all you people in sharing their valuable experience and/or tips and tricks. This would not be only useful to me but to the people who are in their jobs and want to shift as a freelancer. What are the dos and donts etc. I am a young 25 year old amateur developer who has taught and developed in Java and wants to run his own start up. I would like to ask the experienced people in this forum to give their inputs.

Thanks

Sohaib Rahman

[Mayu Mayooresan]

sohaib rahman wrote:
1. How do I get started as Freelancer?

Just like any other freelancer you can also start your work (Learn Android dev before that). There are amble of sites out which will help you to find clients online. I don't wanna spam the forum here by providing so many sites but freelancer.com is a good place to start.

sohaib rahman wrote:
2. How do I earn more profits while developing application in Android?

You do more work you will earn more money. Simple as that

sohaib rahman wrote:
3. How should I win customers and make them come to me for more projects?

Getting the first project will be very tough, but as you get along the road, you'll get more and more projects. Try to meet the deadlines with clients.

sohaib rahman wrote:
4. What infrastructure is necessary for being a freelancer?

1. Internet connection
2. Paypal/moneybookers account (preferably a credit/debit card)
3. Membership in freelance job offering sites
4. confidence and real good knowledge.


These are just the beginning you have long way to go in freelancing.

[rob michael]

One of the best ways to get a leg up in terms of starting to build up freelance clients is by ensuring you have a good web presence and a good portfolio.

Even without clients yet, you should try and build up a portfolio of apps you have made that are in the market (do apps for free for friends/family, offer to do work for free) - This will mean potential clients will be able to come and see your work immediately, and will hold much more sway if you have decent apps they can see, using different technologies etc. Obviously, similar to web design work, a large part of mobile programming is about the design aspect, the aesthetics etc, and clients will want to know that not only can you deliver the functionality they require, but also you can make it look good.

[Mark Spritzler]

You can post on www.elance.com as an example of the many sites out there to post as a freelancer. I myself have hired some people on elance. The toughest part is getting started.

Mark