First Freelance Projects: Lessons and Insights from Early Web Development

As a web developer stepping into the freelance world, the first few projects you undertake are often pivotal in shaping your career. My journey as a freelance web developer began in 2002 with a small yet impactful project for an elevator repair service. This experience laid the groundwork for my further endeavors and offered invaluable lessons in communication and meeting deadlines.

Early Project: Elevator Repair Service (2002)

Back in 2002, my first freelance web project involved creating a simple website for an elevator repair service. This was a small local business with about 8-10 employees. The project was a result of a customer offloading their billing needs to my mom’s accounting firm. Direct interaction with the CEO was crucial, and the project demanded clear communication to meet client expectations.

At that time, there wasn't much online presence for elevator repair services, and the client’s requirements were minimal in terms of design and functionality. CSS2 had just been officially released, so my knowledge of CSS was limited, and I resorted to using mostly static HTML with inline styles and tables.

Despite its outdatedness, the website performed surprisingly well. It brought actual business and the domain ranked well for strategic keywords. The website remained live until 2015, a testament to the project's success in its time. This early experience taught me the importance of understanding the client's needs and how to translate their requirements into a functional and accessible website.

Leveraging Online Presence in the Early Days of Web Development

In the early days of the internet, online presence was crucial for businesses, but the technology was still evolving. As a web developer, it was essential to adapt to the rapid changes in web technology. CSS, JavaScript, and Flash were in their infancy, and CSS was still a relatively new concept.

My next freelance project in 2008 shifted to a different industry—this time an eyeglasses store. The challenges were significant due to the chaotic communication between the two decision-makers. The project was postponed several times, and despite the difficulties, the website was launched after heated arguments. The website has continued to run, even after 10 years, and has served as a consistent source of information for the company.

From Freelance to Publishing: Leveraging Web Development Skills in Publishing

Another pivotal project for me was a site redesign for a book publisher. This project was unexpected and led to a series of exciting developments. I began by writing code for a book about web design, which then expanded to numerous books over the next five years. This period, from 1999 to 2000, was a fascinating time in web development, often referred to as the 'Wild West stage'.

The lack of established norms and technologies presented both challenges and opportunities. Flash was just beginning, and JavaScript and CSS were still new concepts that were not widely taught in schools. The lack of standardization meant that developers like myself had to be flexible and innovative to adapt and create.

This project not only demonstrated the importance of adapting to new technologies but also highlighted the value of consistency in website maintenance. The books produced during this period provided invaluable insights and knowledge to aspiring web developers.

Conclusion

Looking back on these early freelance projects, it is clear that they played a crucial role in shaping my skills and understanding of web development. From understanding client needs to adapting to new technologies, these experiences have been invaluable in my career. While the websites I worked on might seem outdated in modern times, their impact on my professional journey cannot be overstated.

For more stories and tips from my freelance career, be sure to check out my Quora profile. Reflections on these early projects not only provide insight into the evolution of web development but also offer valuable lessons for current and aspiring freelancers.