Get to be your own boss. What else do you need? There are many perks of being a successful freelancer! Yet there is something that might bother your client.  These tips can work miraculously. They might give you refreshing vibes and change your entire work schedule. I have worked with freelancers for a long time now.  What puts them on most blacklists is unprofessionalism. I hope you pick up some value in these tips to steer your career straight and help add value to your profile!

Recommended Reading: Top 10 Mobile App Development Companies in India

1. Let’s make a Deal!
Do you need contracts even for the small jobs? It can be a huge task to figure out the details behind every deal so do you have to run away?
Many freelancers get caught up in heavy paperwork and drain their time in it. All you need to do is cover the basics on which you and the client have to agree upon. Your contract should have these basic things:
• The work produced isn’t plagiarised.
• The client’s proprietary information should stay confidential.
• Payment terms. The payment mode of the time and conditions of payments.
Having a few basic terms in place for every project will always protect you, importantly, will help inform about your work. Once you have your contract, your client then can print, sign, and return.

2. Don’t be afraid to say “no”
Don’t add too much to your plate.
Saying no is hard, but you can avoid all the strenuous work. When in a dilemma, stick to your limits and abilities.
No matter what you do, you are eventually going to disappoint someone. It can be the client because you were not able to deliver your 100%. So turn down features opinions and add on when you aren’t available or ready for them.
The worst thing about taking on everything that comes your way is that your plate may end up full.
You make wrong commitments. You’re stressed, anxious, and the worst part, now you’re left with no time to make use of that golden opportunity.
Next time you get a project; don’t just reply with an instant yes. Just consider the opportunity, ask yourself.

3. Focus your freelance business
By focusing on your brand identity and the type of projects you take on, it’ll make everything much easier for you—from marketing to doing the actual design work.
Pick one or two services to specialize in, and only take on work that falls into those categories. Then turn down the rest.
Once you’ve decided on the services you now specialize in, be sure to translate that in your brand. Only allow that feather on your hat to show and creep in your profile.
Some keywords and content can help you big time. All of this is a by-product of marketing, which in turn will steer traffic and new projects on your way.

4. Showcase not show off
This is a repetitive but much relatable topic. Many freelancers make the error of filling their resume with work just to show that they have some sort of skill in design. Keep it simple to showcase your previous works.
There’s a difference between a freelance business CV and a school profile. A freelance portfolio should only contain the work you expertise in via client work.

5. Transparency the clearer picture
As a freelancer, truthfulness is an utmost necessity. That’s something you must be proud of, so don’t hide behind a veil. Be the face of your business to be proud of your work.
From a client’s point of view, if I were to hire you to provide a service, I would want to know a reliable guy. So be sure to inject who yourself are into your brand. Personalize your product.
Also, when a client is interested in working with you brief him up regularly, If he wants to give opinions suggestions take them.

6. Make a schedule
Freelancers often have a flexible schedule. It is a huge mistake many people would take advantage of that flexibility. The best way to avoid getting used is to make a schedule for you.
The dirty little secret here is that much of the time where you do not do actual work can be turned into precious minutes to enhance your abilities and learn more.
But, even if you’re working on a project basis, and can make your own hours, it’s in your best interests to make them regular. Plan your work at specific, slotted times makes it convenient to get in the zone when you need to be – relaxed and enjoy your life.

7. All work and no play make Jack a dull boy!
Speaking of enjoying life, many people overlook this point and end up overburdening themselves.
Taking time for you isn’t just fun and games; it’s a primal part of work-life balance. In order to be really productive, you need time to rest and recharge your batteries.
Take holidays breaks and off days.
When deadlines haunt, you’ll have to burn the midnight oil and get things done. Just make sure you touch your deadlines by burning that midnight oil.

8. Know your numbers
Your freelancing is a serious business, and as a business, you need to know your numbers. Such as:
• Business revenue (How much do you need to make per month to live?)
• Site traffic (Where are the clients coming from? What’s your most popular thing?)
Knowing these stats will shed light on the regions that are working for you and what areas need improvement. To see where the most traffic is coming for is the most archival technique.

9. Make every rupee count
If you are serious then you need to save up on taxes. That is how you can make every rupee count. Read all the government policies regarding tax TDS and rebates. Now the GST. Try to maximize your income bar. Manage your expenses and income judiciously.

Recommended Read: 5 STeps to Pursue a Career in Freelancing

The post Tips to Become a Successful Freelancer! appeared first on EngineerBabu Blog.

Are you bored of going to the office every day and irritated sitting for long hours in tiny cubicles? Many of us face a similar crisis and think about leaving our job at some point in life and preferring to pursue their career in freelancing. However, very few can take such a bold step.

What if I tell you there is a way to run your family without having to even step in the office? Why not start working as a freelancer? Leaving a full-time job sounds scary at first, but if you want to get value for your potential, then you need to think out of the box.

All you need to keep in mind is that you stay up-to-date with daily events, understand employer’s vision, deliver quality work on time, take regular feedback from the client and stay motivated. At this moment I’m listing some ways that can help you pursue a career in freelance:-

1.  A goal without a solid plan is just a wish

All of us have certain goals in life, but only some of us have the courage to make efforts to achieve them. A hollow aim is as good as a spineless person who only builds castles in the air and seeks pleasure in his imaginary world. It is time to break the bubble of illusion and meet reality, however, harsh it may be. If you’re thinking of leaving 9 to 5 job to take up freelancing, you need to work your ass off to make it happen. A fairy is not going to land you that dream job.

According to Alan Lakein, “Planning is bringing the future into the present so that you can do something about it now”

We surely cannot change our future, but we are in power to determine our present course of actions because they govern future consequences.

It is highly uncertain that you will earn a permanent employment opportunity in one go. It takes the time to click the right thing through perseverance. So keep your savings in place before leaving the job. Spend time in deciding your brand name and logo for they are most important in showing your work to clients.

2. Choose clients as you would friends

The next step to taking up freelancing is to target potential clients. Probably, you don’t even know that you already have some of them? Don’t understand what I am getting at? Well, let me clear things up a bit.

Why not approach people you have already worked within your company? Some of them would have appreciated you. Do not be shy in telling your colleagues, ex-clients or even boss that you are thinking to freelance. You can even talk to your family and friends to see if some of their contacts can provide you work. Update your social media profiles about your current work status. All you need to do is be receptive to your environment.

3. Your value doesn’t decrease based on somebody’s inability to see your worth

This may be one of the trickiest aspects of freelancing. Your aim might be to get a handsome salary, but then you don’t even want to overcharge, making the client think you are too ambitious to be talented.

Calculate your per day salary and paid leaves to see if you can make both ends meet. Freelancing may not give you the liberty for paid leaves, after all, so you need to find out a way to sustain.

You can talk to other freelancers and discuss the current status. This will give you a clear picture as to what is the actual value of your services. Do not over commit for it estranges your relationship with the client. Also do not be in a position to get underpaid. Know your market value and negotiate accordingly.

4. The nature of a portfolio is that it’s always a work in progress

Do not take a dive impulsively. Even before stepping into the shoes of a freelancer, accumulate all your work in one place to see your progress. A portfolio can be your escape.

Clients may often ask for your sample work so make an effort to write some samples in your free time. If you’re good at designing, present posters or templates designed by you. If you’re a writer, embed links to your blog or wherever you have been published. Instead of showing a diverse set of work, always pitch in the idea of your expertise in a particular discipline.  

A sound portfolio has the power to market your product effectively as actions speak louder than words. The visual impact lasts longer than any verbal communication so is diligent in making a portfolio that accentuates your abilities.

5. The opposite of networking is not working

You heard me right. If you are not networking then what are doing? Being an introvert is not going to help. You have to come out of your comfort zone if you want something better in life.

Networking is perhaps the most efficient tool which can act as a catalyzer in your venture. If you get the hang of it, you would be unstoppable. Meet new people both in a real and virtual world, start conversations and cultivate good relations. Networking is less about hunting and more farming. You need to carefully look after your field to get a good product.

Social media can be one of the most prominent influencers in connecting you with potential clients. Look for people from the field you are looking to work in. Showcase your skills by writing engaging stuff on your Twitter, LinkedIn and other social media handles. Some Amazing Ways To Ace a Networking Event.

You can even attend seminars and conferences which offer a variety of options to choose from. They are a treasure chest of opportunities. Even a pep-talk at such events can bear fruits. Startups are always on the lookout for extraordinary people. This will provide you abundant chances to connect with people who may be hiring freelancers online.

If you want to find some freelancing work or make your career in freelancing so join us. Contact us

The post 5 Steps to Pursue a Career in Freelancing – EngineerBabu appeared first on EngineerBabu Blog.

If you have an Idea and Looking for Hire Freelancers Online, this Bible is for you :).

1. Who are Freelancers 
Freelancers, as the name suggest are the people not bound by an employer, office hours or attires. They are free from all the regular and usual shackles. Freelancing has always been as evident and contemporary as the (contractual) full-time jobs. Freelancers are majorly involved with writing, programming, web designing, editing, advertising and other job works.

Freelancer:  “Someone who works from home or Beach but get things done the way you want

2. Why you should Hire freelancer Online
90% Projects we receive from the first-time Entrepreneur. That means people are already in full-time Job, saved some money, have an idea and want to try.

a) Hiring freelancers reduces your Risk of Leaving Job:
I did the same, five years ago, I was working in Tech Mahindra, I build beta version and once all set I left the job and became a full-time entrepreneur. You don’t need to leave your high paying job till the idea is not validated. Idea validation simply means you have initial 100 paying customers and those are happy with your product. Leave your high paying job only after your product is stable, and you either got good funding or making enough to sustain.

b) Build a prototype and See how market behave:
Once you have the beta version, check with your friends and beta community like Betalist.com. Check their feedback, Get things fixed, Have stable version.

c) Cost
Working with freelancers reduces your cost of unnecessary things like Office rent, Maintenance, Phone Bill, Electricity, etc.

Learning: How I saved $20000 a Year with freelancing work
Earlier we had in-house content writers, Indore is not a place where I can find great tech content writer, we invest a lot in Salaries, Employee engagement and making them happy, etc.
After calculation, we realised we are spending approx $200 for an article. We decided to leave work for professionals and focus on things we are best at. We hired 3 NewYork-based freelance content writers who were doing Masters in computers and had excellent communication skills. We got writers at $20 per article, and were super happy.

D) Time:
You can be an expert in once domain but not in all, decide which is the best technology for your idea like Anguar2, Node, React, etc. Whether a website is enough, or you need a mobile app also? Whether Android-only first or iOS also.

3. Place to Find Freelancers
There is almost 100+ Freelancing website available over the internet, but the popular ones are:
Upwork, Freelancer, Guru, iWriter, Appfutura, Fiver, People per hour, Craigslist Jobs, Angel.co jobs, etc.

Fiverr Reviews

Though people have Very negative reviews about fiverr.com, As a client I found it good for small jobs like
getting Logo Design, Writing Articles, Hiring Someone to do marketing, Someone can even sing a song for you in $5.

I used Fiverr quite a lot of time, and I still do for jobs like getting the Facebook cover design, Image editing work, etc.

Pros :
1. All in One solution for day to Day tasks like Appointment Setting, Content, SEO, Marketing, Editor, etc.

Cons:
1. you won’t get very high quality and accuracy, carefully filter your list,
2. Share clear instruction, you need to do all communication over Fiverr chat,
3. For every customization, you will be charged extra.
Note: Don’t keep money in their wallet. Writer clear instruction before hiring. Hire only experienced people, don’t hire new baby.

B)Freelancer.com

 

Freelancer is one of the Oldest websites When I was a kid they started this company. I worked as a client and as Developer, while starting my freelancing journey, at Freelancer.

Pros :
1. If you are looking for something really cheap this website is for you,
2. A good place to hire mass crowd from Bangladesh and Pakistan who can help you to promote your Facebook page,
3. Freelancer App is really nice, good design and really easy to use,
4. They don’t have any low price limit.

Cons:
1. Since it’s mass dedicated, you need to filter a lot,
2. Hard to find good quality freelancer or company,
3. Only needy and Job-hungry people comes there.
Note: Don’t pay upfront until you are not satisfied or assured with their genuineness.

C) Upwork Reviews

Upwork is leading company in Freelancing word: Upwork is joint venture of oDesk and Elance
Odesk: It was focused on Freelancers. You can hire freelancers on hourly pay.
eLance: It was focused on Companies. They merged their businesses and launched Upwork. Upwork has the largest community of freelancers and is still growing very fast.
Freelancers are charged for making a new connect so as a client you can know that only serious and confident freelancers will be applying.

Pros:
1. You can find great developers and companies,
2. Good range of talent domain,
3. Can even find some big companies,
4. Can rely on the rating and reviews.
5. Don’t need to filter a lot.
Cons:
1. They suspend account of users (vendor and client both) very quickly for vague reasons,
2. They charge 20% from clients and 20% from Developers, and that’s really huge amount.
Note: A bit expensive but serious people business. Good Quality freelancers

I really like Upwork, but I don’t know why people hate them.

You can read more reviews here 
For more clearly on hiring freelancers:
I wrote an Article on TechinAisa that received thousands of views and comment,

Steps to Hire Freelancers

With technological advancement, mobile apps are fast changing the way the market and businesses operate and communicate with their customers. Does your business run with the help of mobile apps? Having a well-designed and operative mobile app is a huge and essential asset for a business. However, you need to find the best app developer who can build your app. How do you ensure you get the best developer for your company? Here are some tips you need to watch out for to avoid frustrations in your business.

Tips on how to hire freelance mobile app developer

1. Take your time
When recruiting a new app developer, you need to take time before allowing anyone in. This is because something done in a rush is bound to fail. Ensure that you hire A-class professionals who are motivated to assist you and take your company to a higher level. Take your time so that you can know who is best suited. If you work with the best, you will always create an edge in the mobile app market.
With time you will know more about how professional and serious a developer is. Years of experience is not always the deciding factor; it’s the quality of work and nature of the person.

2. Hire the best
Many people are usually torn in between hiring a developer with a talent or one who can help you in long run. When recruiting, always look out for a developer with the best skills and one who is talented. They one might stay in your company for a short period but will definitely leave it better than they found it. Consider skill and talent more than the period one will spend in the company.

3. Remember cheap is expensive
Don’t always look for the lowest price when hiring an app developer. Although price must be a consideration, do not let it affect your decision. Good app developers charge what they feel is the best price; going for a low-budget option might reflect in your sales or in user-experience(UI) to your customers who use the app. Failure to please them, might cost you loyal customers.

4. Time frame is key
Do you have a deadline to create a certain app? If so, you need to think about the time-frame when hiring. For instance, if you have a certain release date or launch of a project, you’ll need to hire a developer who can work with the set deadline and requirements. Also, you need to consider their speed and motivation for the work, which you will know over the long calls.

5. Discuss the ownership of the app
Have you worked with an app developer who doesn’t share the ownership of the mobile app? Before signing a contract with any developer, you should have a clear understanding of the ownership of the app once it’s completed. Otherwise, you will never have a full control of your business.

6. Look at their past works
When looking for an app developer for hire, it’s important to put more weight on the apps that are relevant to your market or your industry. You can ask the app developer to show some of their past apps that they have developed before. Check if it is close to what you are looking or if the developer has worked for any clients in your industry. These factors are important to consider in order to avoid hiring the wrong person. It’s worthwhile in the end!

7. Communication is essential
If you want your company to cut an edge in the mobile app industry, you need to hire a perfect match. Ensure you find a developer with whom you can communicate well. This is because; you and the developer will most certainly need to communicate on the revisions and ideas before settling on a certain app. Remember, communication is key to success!

8. Ask for proof of their successes
How can you tell that one has been successful without seeing a proof of what they have done? To be sure that you are getting the best, you need to ask the app developer for their best apps and their strengths in relation to app development.

9. Seek out referrals
Why are referrals important? A referral you trust can serve as one of the best and most trusted resources for getting quality and skilled app developers. Try and find out if their previous clients have been happy with the developers’ work. This way, you will be sure of the person you are hiring and what to expect.

10. Self-motivation
How does it feel to work with a self-motivated person? The best favor you can do your company and yourself is to hire a self-motivated person. They will always work to advance themselves since they always want to become better. Also, you won’t have to push a self-motivated person around at any particular time. If you want to achieve your set goals and objectives, get someone who understands what they want in life.

11. Understand your needs
Before hiring, you should ask yourself why you need the app and of what benefit it will be to the company. This way, you will understand clearly what you need to look for in the developer. Additionally, understanding your needs will help you avoid expensive mistakes which might cost your company a fortune.

12. Will your developer use the app?
Make sure that you are targeting your customers before developing any new application. Carry out a market research to find out the kind of apps the customers have in mind.
In addition, you can try to get some ideas of what the customers would want to be included in the app. When you understand your customers’ needs, you will understand fully the kind of app developer you need. It will be easier to lay down your needs.

13. Ask for a sample
Do you want to hire the best? Then carry out a thorough recruitment exercise. Give the potential app developer your needs and ask them to prepare a sample app. Test and try the sample before hiring, if it makes you happy, you can go ahead and hire him/her. If not, continue with the process until your needs are met.

At the end of the day, you should ensure that you get your company the best app developer. To get the best, you must be willing to invest in the best way in terms of money and time. Take your time, give it the best. It’s worthwhile in the end!

Extra Precaution while Hire Freelancers online

This might seem like a trivial question for a common person, but when it comes to venture startups or business development, this might very well be considered as an issue of significant substance. A freelancer is a person who might not necessarily be committed to a particular organisation but can sell his labour or intellect for his own as well as the company’s benefit.
Freelancers if chosen correctly, can get the assigned task in a specialised and prolific manner. It’s not only time saving but economic when it comes to financing management. However, due to the abundance of available freelancers, the question of hiring the most dexterous freelancers becomes paramount. Therefore, these points must be considered while to hire freelancers:-

Freelancer’s Portfolio Guinness
The first and the foremost thing that must be dug about a freelancer should be his portfolio. A portfolio gives a vague picture of what the freelancer’s work is all about. It matters if the freelancer has previously undertaken jobs of similar genre. Even if that’s not the case, his previous jobs could point towards his ability to get this job done. A freelancer having some references by his side is always a plus.

Time Bound Agreement
Step three on How to Hire Freelancers Online

One of the most basic requirements of any company or venture includes that the person or freelancer must be able to deliver his work before the deadline. It doesn’t matter that the work of the person is of utmost quality if it is not being accomplished on time. If the freelancer has no antecedent experience with deadlines, then he can be asked for work samples, before actually hiring him/her.

Fair & Clear Payment Agreements
Sometimes, the option of hiring cheap freelancers can be very tempting. But doing so could lead to unfortunate setbacks. While deciding on payment terms, there are N number of things that must be noted such as currency conversion, pre-payment and post-payment conditions, what might happen if he is not able to deliver, etc. The final amount that is finalised must be agreed upon by both the parties before starting the work itself. Deciding all such factors on a prior basis not only improves the professional relationship but also steers clear of any possibility of conflicts.

Frequency of Communication
The hired freelancer might not necessarily be a person of the company’s locale. This gives rise to the importance of medium of communication with the freelancer now and then. Most of the freelancers having some prior experience have solutions to these problems and are ready to communicate via Skype, phone calls or regular mail.

Ability to work in a team
In many of the projects, it is required that the freelancer must team up with the other members to get the job done. This reduces the time required to finish off the task and thus saves a significant amount of money in the process.

Legal Formalities
It should be made certain that all the legal agreements clearly stating the deadline, confidentiality, reimbursements and other expenses are drawn correctly and that too on time.

Read About More-  A To Z Information Of Freelancing World

The post How to Hire Best Freelancers Online appeared first on EngineerBabu Blog.

Thus, we’ve put together a list of the best sites.

Best websites to Hire Android App Developer

X-team

X-team is trusted by world’s leading brands. They have been providing high-quality developers when you need them the most. You get app developers for hiring and that also for full-time. Moreover, they will bill you on a monthly basis. Isn’t it good?
They not only save your time and money while recruiting but they also help you to get cover employment cost completely. And that, we would say, is quite flexible, right?
The developers over here are easy to work with. They often communicate with you by gladly joining your daily standups. Moreover, they proactively move the project forward, to ensure that they are adding value to you.
X-team’s Android app developers help you to create high quality, efficient and maintainable code. All developers are examined and screened for their performance superiority. Passionate leaders of X-team are even screened for dealing with diverse projects before they are taken on board. What makes them agiler is they are dedicated full-time to one project at a given period.
This makes them more focused and better equipped to deal with the issues you face.

Upwork

Here, you can find the level of service that works for you. It’s an online freelance marketplace that you can turn to. You know that Android operating system controls the global marketplace, leveraging a professional specialist who is accustomed to the software and technology, right?
It is a powerful way to reach vast new markets. So, if you want to hire android app developer or are developing, distributing, or running any of the smartphone and mobile application, working with an Android app developer isn’t only a good practice; it is basically required. And Upwork is better known for the number of freelancers it provides than the overall quality.
Given the nature of mobile platforms, working with an Android specialist over here is a flexible and cost-effective way to cooperate on any mobile project supported by this near ever-present platform.
If you have more time to examine through developers by inspecting them yourself, you can certainly find some great developers on this site. Be extremely careful to avoid the failures. Don’t shell out more money down the line to fix bad work.
Whatever road you pick to take on your search to hire Android app developer, you shouldn’t forget to equip yourself with the best resources available.

Gigster

It is a smart software development service, combining top developers and designers with artificial intelligence. Apart from the fact that they scan and examine app developers that they hire to be on board with them, one shouldn’t forget to note that they are not much of a traditional freelance developer-client meeting ground. Here, you can hire android app developer and designer more easily.
The way they function is quite stimulating, and the process they apply is what makes them totally worth of. Who won’t want to work with them, isn’t it?
You can better understand them with the following example:
Get some amazing app idea and get in touch with the Gigster people to get a quote. There, a representative will give you a call. Within 10 minutes, you will get a quote in terms of estimated time and estimated development cost. If you agree, a project manager will be assigned to you, along with the number of developers to work on your project. After that, the project manager would consult you on how your thing can be developed in a more user-friendly manner.
You don’t need to manage the developers as your code is maintained by Gigster even when they are done with your project. They just take a fair amount of money and keep on upgrading the codes to make your app time proof. Cool, isn’t it?

Toptal

Toptal is a worldwide talent network for the top 3% of software developers and designers, where you can hire Android app developer who specialises in Android apps. You will get one of the very best with them.
Here, they consult with their senior engineer and personally hand-pick top Android developers that fit your specific project need. Doing this, not only ensure that will find one of the best Android developers but that you will also hire a top-notch app developer who was hand-picked especially for your project.

EngineerBabu

A community as well as a marketplace where world class mobile app developers, web developers, and client are present in a single platform to fulfil their dream!
We help you to connect with top mobile app development companies, who have developed similar kind of projects matching with your requirement.
If you have ideas and looking for perfect IT Partners, EngineerBabu is for you. We have startups or Entrepreneurs to
o Help you build wireframe by visualising your need.
o Hire perfect partner who can build your product impeccably.
o Hire best mobile app developers, web developers, a freelancer for your dream project.

And many such experts to convert your idea into an execution plan.
How we make money; we charge monthly subscription from vendors or IT service provider. We don’t charge anything from startups or clients.
Working within India gives us low-cost solutions while keeping the quality and we are happy to pass that advantage to you. For expert solutions and outstanding service, you can get in touch with us.
EngineerBabu is Freelancers community of world class web, mobile developers and SEO/SMO Experts. You can Hire Freelancers online and Find Freelancer Work.

The post Top 5 Freelance Sites to Hire Android App Developer appeared first on EngineerBabu Blog.