Looking to become a freelance web developer...what should my selling point be?

[dRastic1337]

At the end of my freshman year, my web design teacher introduced me to a guy that wanted a website made. I've worked for this guy for a little over a year now, and he's been pretty happy with what I've produced so far. (I'm getting paid, but only student rates of course, since I'm no professional and I'm still in high school.) However, he hasn't had anything for me to do lately, and I'd really like to get some more clients so I can earn some money.

Thing is, I'm not sure where to start. Like, how to actually find clients. I'm sure I can just make posts on Reddit, craigslist, and freelance websites in order to find people, but I'm not sure exactly how to persuade people to hire me. I'm pretty skilled with HTML, CSS, JavaScript, PHP, and SQL, and I have a lot of experience with jQuery as well; I can create decent-looking websites, but personally I don't think I'm anywhere near professional.

Considering I can make websites (although not professional ones necessarily) but I charge student rates (about a fifth of the average hourly salary of a web designer), what should my selling point be? That is, what should I be focally advertising about myself that will increase my chances of getting hired? I know "I'm not a professional but I charge considerably less" is obvious, but I don't know if there's something else I should be focusing on as well.

Just want some input I guess.

Thanks.

 

[Ophidiam]

To be honest, if you're looking for a job that could make money to save for college or university. I'd suggest getting a part time job at McDonalds. Creating websites is an amazing trait and to be honest I'm envious. But going through all your education first would be the best choice if you want to be professional in web designing. Through college and university, you'd probably be able to get better clients during or after them as you're more experienced with the work.

 

[dRastic1337]

I'm not really saving for anything. I just want some money so I can buy stuff (games, computer parts, whatever). Away-from-home jobs won't really work for me right now, because I don't have a car (and there's no way I'm walking/biking three miles every day to the nearest McDonald's to get paid $7.50/hr. ), and fast food does not interest me. That's why I like doing web design - because I get paid to do what I like.

What I guess I'm getting at in my initial post is that I do have the ability to work as a web designer. I feel that that's clear because I'm already doing it. I just need more work, I guess.

 

[Mobilize]

It's kinda hard to find work as a web-designer, since most of the large companies have their own, and most of the small companies can't afford it.

Your best bet is probably either (first off) finding someone you know that might need a website for their company, and charge them a very small amount for doing it- I'll get to the point of this later.

The second thing is doing a couple (4-5ish) for free, it's much easier to find people that wants a free website..

After you've done this, you have sort-of a CV, something to link people to, so that they know what you're capable of. I'd guess this is the best way to advertise, at least on forums and other internet-accessible things. Just link the site and state what the people you did it for payed (or would've payed). It's awesome that you're pursuing your dream, good luck man.

 

[fudpeX]

I build web pages for people and I'm a CIS Major at MTSU. I will tell you that it is really tough to make good money doing so. and you spend %150 of what you make between finding clients. I think the best thing for you would be to at least do templates, and sell the templates. I have had 4 people in the last year I built web Pages for. One was a professional contractor. I've only made $30.

The thing is, people aren't that willing to pay that much money for something they have to maintain and update themselves.

You would make better money working somewhere near by, like a restaurant or convenient store.

Make business cards. and give them out. That's your best bet if you really wanna build pages for people.