Studies conducted by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that only the web development field is expected to grow by 15% by 2026. That means the development industry is booming. Companies intend to hire freelance software engineers and developers in other parts of the world instead of full-time developers.
Those developers will do the same tasks for a much lower price. But In freelancing, you often compete with other freelance developers who are selling similar services. And to surpass that competition, you will need to build a personal brand as a freelance web developer. In this article, I’m going to share with you why you should brand yourself and how you can brand yourself as a freelance developer.
What is personal branding in career development?
Personal branding in career development refers to the intentional cultivation of a unique and compelling professional image. It involves showcasing one’s skills, values, and personality to differentiate oneself in the job market. A strong personal brand communicates your expertise, reliability, and authenticity to potential employers, colleagues, and clients. It can help you stand out, build relationships of trust, and advance your career by making a lasting impression that aligns with your career goals and aspirations.
Why should you brand yourself?
There is a myth in the freelancing industry that the personal website branding is only important for expert freelancers. It is one of the most important factors that need to be considered in this competitive industry. There are some solid reasons for this statement. Let’s discuss them:
Distinguish You from Other Freelancer
For new freelancers, it is always challenging to get new clients because the competition is so high. But your personal brand positions you in a unique way from others by showcasing your skills, values, and other unique qualities that you possess.
Companies Hire Experts
Building your personal brand helps you establish yourself as an expert. No hiring manager prefers to work with someone who has not enough experience in the specific field. Work on finding your niche and then gain enough experience. Once you establish yourself as an authority, companies wouldn’t mind paying a considerable price to consider working with you than with your ill-experienced competitors.
It develops trust
Before deciding on which web developer to hire, a client would always do research. Now, if you brand yourself as a freelance developer and have reviews of your previous clients, the chances are high that they will hire you. These recommendations of previous clients make you credible for potential clients.
How can you brand yourself as a developer?
Now you have a better understanding of branding and its importance. Let’s move to the next steps on how you can brand yourself as a developer.
You ARE a developer
Why will the hiring manager take an interest in an aspiring developer? They will dismiss you at the first cut. Even if you’re new to software development, consider yourself a developer. You will get many opportunities to explain your experience level in future. Never send the message that you’re an “Aspiring Developer” rather than a “Developer”. Clients will directly consider you not qualified for the current job anyway.
Craft Your Brand Identity
Determine how you want people to perceive you. Consider creating the image you want to project and the reputation you aim to build. Finding what makes you unique can be challenging, especially in competitive fields like programming. It’s essential to identify your “secret sauce” – that distinctive quality or skill that sets you apart. Authenticity is key; never misrepresent yourself, as this can be detrimental in the long run.
Integrate Personal Branding into Your Daily Life
Rather than treating personal branding as a matter of a separate task, make it an integral part of your daily activities. Enhance your brand by optimizing your existing efforts. If you have expertise in specific areas or have worked on impressive projects, showcase them on platforms like GitHub or Bitbucket. Sharing your knowledge and experiences can strengthen your personal brand.
Keys to Effective Personal Branding:
Authenticity: Be yourself; honesty and transparency are highly valued.
Achieve Remarkable Outcomes: Strive to accomplish extraordinary things.
Pursue Passion: Focus on what you love, as your enthusiasm will shine through.
Quality Matters: Deliver high-quality work, as it reflects positively on your brand.
Challenge Conventions: Don’t be afraid to defy the norm and innovate.
Visibility Matters
The secret sauce to success in personal branding and online identity is visibility. Even if you possess excellent marketing skills and expertise, they won’t be effective if no one knows about them. To increase your visibility:
Be Searchable: In today’s digital age, if you can’t be found on search engines like Google, it’s as if you don’t exist. Maintain an online presence.
Start a Blog: Blogs are still relevant. They allow you to share your experiences, insights, and expertise. Consistency is key when writing them; focus on a specific topic to build an engaged audience.
Leverage Social Media: Platforms like Facebook and Twitter are invaluable for networking. Building a strong online network can lead to opportunities and connections.
Engage on Social Media: Respond to comments, answer questions, and be present. Use tools like Google Alerts to monitor your online mentions and reputation.
Speak at Conferences: While it may seem daunting, speaking at events can significantly boost your visibility. Start small and build your confidence.
Create Value: Contribute to your community. Answer questions on platforms like StackOverflow, report bugs, and work on open-source projects.
Certifications: For some industries, certifications are highly regarded. They can validate your skills and knowledge.
Industry Recognition: If possible, seek recognition from respected organizations within your field, for example, such as Microsoft MVP or Mozilla ReMo.
Networking is Vital
Networking is often underestimated, especially by introverted individuals. However, it’s a crucial part of personal branding. Networking can begin within your workspace, by interacting with colleagues and attending social events in tech industry. It’s also beneficial to participate in local meetups, conferences, and other gatherings, both technical and non-technical. LinkedIn offers an excellent platform for online networking.
Building your personal brand is an ongoing process. As you continue to develop your skills, share your knowledge, and engage with your network, your personal brand will evolve. Your personal brands’ reputation and visibility will grow, opening doors to new opportunities, job offers, and collaborations.
Be active on GitHub
Try to be active on GitHub but along with that, make it professional. It should not give clients the impression that you’re not sincere with your work and not good at time management. If you’re never going to finish a project, try to delete them. Clear your account from all the half-finished, messy projects. Make sure that hiring managers only see projects that you have completed.
Benefits of personal branding
Enhanced Job Opportunities: Establishing a strong personal brand opens doors to job offers and speaking engagements. Your visible impact and accomplishments make you an attractive prospect to potential employers and collaborators.
Your Brand as Your Spokesperson: A successful personal brand serves as your public advocate, conveying a clear message about your skills, work, and contributions. This simplifies self-promotion and showcases your expertise effectively.
Increased Influence: A well-defined brand amplifies your influence, allowing you to lead, mentor, speak at events, and organize workshops. People recognize your capabilities and are drawn to your expertise.
Expanded Networking: A robust personal brand expands your professional network, enabling connections with experienced individuals who can assist in your skill development and career growth.
Wrapping Up
Remember that branding yourself as a software developer takes time and effort. In the first place, start building your online presence and spend most of your time and energy there. Later on, you can move on to other tips. In the end, you should see a positive difference in your job offers and projects. If you still have any queries related to personal branding, feel free to reach us.
