If you work in web development or programming, you may have heard the term “Coderpreneur” to describe someone with your skills working in an entrepreneurial fashion. Or, perhaps you’re already an entrepreneur and you’re considering adding a new skill set to your resume. Codepreneurs are advanced freelance professionals; they set up a small business, a website, and a brand based on their talents. Learn what you need to do to upgrade your skillset and your digital presence to become an in-demand Coderpreneur.
- Make Sure Your Skills and Credentials Are Up to Date
Some of the best coders learn on their own, or they got their start in a high school program. If you don’t have a professional degree in computer programming or a certificate that attests to your abilities, you may consider completing one to better sell yourself to customers. Another good idea is to create a professional, eye-catching portfolio of your work.
Give your new small business a name and incorporate it as a legal entity. This can save you legal fees in the future, give you limited liability, and increase payment flexibility. Use an online formation service to incorporate your business before trying to attract new clients.
- Market Yourself and Find a Niche
As a coder, you’ll experience high employability. Every business in the digital age, if it wants to keep up with the times, needs a good coder on staff (or at least on-call). Those with knowledge of how computers work may be called upon to fix website bugs, design a new interface, or correct cybersecurity issues before they become unfixable problems. If you’re good at what you do, you’ll never struggle to find open positions, but you may have a hard time getting hired if you don’t pitch yourself to new clients correctly.
You likely know how to make a personal website, but do you know how to market yourself and your skills? Focus on your narrative biography, your niche area — do you mostly work with small businesses and startups, or do you see yourself freelancing for larger corporations? — and your services. Your website should make it easy for potential clients to find you, understand what you can offer, and book a consultation or get in touch with you easily. If you’ve yet to create a website, or the one you have seen better days, then get in touch with Rocket, a results-oriented agency that can help you intelligently grow your business.
- Find Your First Client and Do a Great Job
Your first client may be a friend of a friend or someone you’ve found on a job board. As soon as you’ve found your client, make sure to consult with him or her to thoroughly understand what is needed of you. Communicate with your client throughout the job and deliver what you’ve promised.
Don’t forget to ask your client for a review when you’ve finished the job — but only if you’ve exceeded the expectations. Online reviews can make or break new businesses. According to Podium, a customer is more likely to trust you and even spend more money on your services if you have higher reviews.
If you’ve always wondered about starting a small business while relying on your skills as a professional coder to make money, venturing out as a Coderpreneur may be a great option for you and your future career. Remember to make your new business’s site easy to navigate, be willing to explain your services to potential clients, and build your brand by showcasing your work and telling your story on your website.
