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Today I posted on a thread over at TalkFreelance and wanted to take a quick minute and *hopefully* get your feedback on something.

The original poster mentioned that they would like to become a freelance web designer.  They have a basic understanding of HTML, CSS and Photoshop and was wondering how to go about becoming a freelance web designer.  The poster goes on to say that they’re not really sure how to actually get a site live on the Internet or even about domain registration.

I don’t want to dissuade anyone from pursuing a career in freelance web design.  I’ve been a freelance web designer since 2002 and I LOVE what I do.  It gives me great enjoyment to not only do the work, but to truly understand how emotionally invested *some* clients are.  Yet, this nonchalant approach to the industry peeves me… yet I digress.

Personally, I don’t believe the poster is anywhere close to being ready to jump in the freelance web design world.  There’s a lot more involved in freelancing than just standard XHTML, CSS and Photoshop… and I’m not really talking just technical proficiency here.

As a freelancer, I’m responsible for everything.  Supporting clients, managing finances and the budget, continually working to upgrade my skillset and more. 

Some of you might say, “Hey!  Didn’t you forget one of the most important things??? FINDING CLIENTS!?!?!”

In the beginning, this is definitely something you have to always work at (and I put that in my thread post on the board) but at this point I can’t remember the last time I had to “look” for a client.  Practically all of my work is referral based and those that aren’t usually contact me via my website.

So… after this long novel… I’d like to ask your opinion.  What do you think it takes to jump into the freelance web design world?  Now you could be a smart (you know what) and say “a diving board”, but I’m being serious here. 

What skills or preparation do you feel is required before someone jumps into the freelance game?

Tags: freelanceweb design, freelancer tips, freelancing, freelance

Aaron Wall, author of SEO Book, has put everything that he knows about online marketing on one page.

Yeah, I know… Impossible!

Not really.

Aaron has created the mind map that gives you a great breakdown. Check it out!

Earlier in the week, I posted about a funny list from Freelance Switch on the top ten signs you may be charging too little. Well, Jack from the Lighter Side section is back at it again with another funny list of the Top Ten Signs You May Be Charging Too MUCH.

Again, there’s always some truth in comedy. Here are a couple of my favorites…

Number 10:
To justify the price on your quotes, you’ve started writing extra words that usually mean the same thing… (eg. Creation of Concept, Concept Development, Concept Refinement, Tweaking to Concept, Amendments to Concept ….)

Number 2:
When you hear how much your lawyer charges per hour you think ‘peh, small fry!’.

…. And the number one sign you may be charging too much
You have reportedly charged *cough* $700,000 for this logo…

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen the logo thing before. Organizations spend thousands and thousands of dollars for a logo that is just plain bad. Man, if only I could just get ONE of those!!