The world runs on apps, and those who can build apps are always in high demand. Here, we dive into the world of freelance app programers — how to become one, how to hire one, and how TalentPowered makes it easy to do both.
Hire or become a Freelance App Developer
These days, accommodating mobile devices is becoming a necessity for businesses. And in most cases, this means apps. Of course, the growing need for app programmers is also great news if you’re a freelancer interested in app development!
If you’re an app developer looking to break into the freelance app market, continue reading. If you’re a business owner hoping to hire freelance mobile app programmers, scroll down to Hiring an App Programmer.
Becoming an App Programmer
When it comes to freelancing, there are definitely businesses looking to hire. App programmer has become a great title to have — freelance developers tend to make around $50 an hour, though that number will fluctuate depending on things like location, experience level, and whether or not you’re programming for Android or iOS development.
So, what does it take to become a freelance app programmer?
Coding Languages
First things first: You’ll want to decide if you’d like to specialize in iOS applications. While Android apps use Java and minor C++, Apple products rely on their own coding language (Swift). Inconvenient? Yes, a little. But the silver lining is that projects for iPhone apps tend to pay better than freelance assignments exclusively for Android apps.
If you’d like to be able to diversify your skillset, you can also learn multiple languages. This is a useful aspect of coding for any sort of developer; app programming is no different. Need to pick up a language? No worries. As with other coding languages, there are definitely self-taught learning curriculums. That said, if you need more structure, there are plenty of college courses and coding bootcamps available — and more are starting to offer Swift specific coursework.
Portfolio
Knowing how to code won’t be enough to get your foot in the door — you’re also going to need a portfolio. After all, a portfolio exemplifies the phrase “seeing is believing.” It’s one thing to have a resume, but you’re bound to be more memorable (and able to more concisely showcase your abilities) with actual proof of concept.
Now, ideally, this would be made up of apps you’ve programmed professionally. Later on in your career, it’ll even be the best of your work. If you’re looking for your first gig, though, your portfolio should be made up of other projects. Assignments from classes or bootcamps will work, as well as things you’ve made in your spare time. Don’t be afraid to highlight work you’ve done on your own time! It can highlight your ability to take initiative.
A portfolio is also a way to showcase your range, so make sure to include a variety of work, if possible.
Getting Started
Okay, every freelancer gets their start differently. Some are still in school and looking for a way to make a dime on the side. Others might be hoping to make a career change, or at least a change to full-time freelancing. Not to mention, there are some who don’t mind taking on freelance gigs alongside their full time jobs.
The point is, the flexibility of freelancing provides a work experience that attracts many unique situations. What works for the full-time freelancer might not be as beneficial for someone’s small side hustle. Still, there are a few tips for getting started that can help any freelancer.
Just like any job, getting that first gig can be tough. All you need is a foot in the door… but in a digital flood of applications, it can be hard to stand out. Because of this struggle, it’s worth trying to start your freelance journey by working for someone you know. Past coworkers, friends or family are all good places to start — these are people who already know you personally and can often be more willing to give you a shot.
Another tip is to start small. Don’t expect to take on massive projects at the start — especially if you don’t have a solid portfolio to back you up. Smaller jobs can be easier to get and they’ll let you test the waters with freelancing, especially if you’re new to freelancing in general. It can be an adjustment, learning to incorporate freelance work into your schedule.
Finally, be careful about offering to do work for free. It can be a tempting offer, especially because you get professional experience out of it, but people can take advantage of your desperation. We’re not saying never work for free (it really can be a decent place to start), but unless you’d prefer programming apps remain a hobby, you’re going to have to charge eventually. Don’t let companies pressure you into working for less than you are worth.
Freelance Job Sites
There are many websites available to help you connect to businesses, but many are lacking. For instance, the last thing you want is poor communication. That could mean you pour hours of work into something that the client didn’t even want! There are plenty of horror stories of freelancing gone wrong.
The TalentPowered platform offers solutions to these issues. Employers post project tasks and you reply to the ones you feel best suited for. If it’s a match, TalentPowered will put you in touch, as well as providing communication channels and helping ensure a settlement gets worked out early. After all, the last thing you want is for an employer to go back on something both sides have agreed to, like deadlines or pay rates!
Whether you’re new to the game or looking to grow your flourishing freelance business, TalentPowered is a great place to connect to future employers.
Hiring an App Programmer
When it comes to freelancing, though, there are two sides of the equation. Yes, it’s hard being the freelancer in the hot seat; you have to prove your worth to companies that are flooded with applications. That said, we also understand that being the person behind the hiring process is a tough place too. After all, app development tends to require different programming skills than the average web developer might have.
This can put you in a tricky scenario. Do you trust less skilled in-house employees, hire an entirely new employee, or take the risk with freelancers who might not fit with your company?
Again, every situation is different. Maybe your in-house employees could be trained, or hiring another full time employee could be just what you need. But these options can take significantly more time and money, and not every business has those resources. In those cases, freelancers can solve the problem.
Freelancers are cheaper than full-time employees (no benefits to cover!), can be hired faster (less extensive paperwork!), and are already trained to program apps. Of course, there are horror stories of freelancers producing bad products or struggling to communicate, which is where TalentPowered comes in.
First, you post about the job you want completed, and interested freelancers will submit portfolios for you to peruse. Once you find someone you like, TalentPowered allows you to sign any settlements early and provides a line of communication that you can utilize from the beginning of your project to the end, which can help you reduce frustration and wasted time.
Whether you’re looking for a freelancer, or are a freelancer yourself, TalentPowered has the features and the support to ensure that the experience is a good one. Contact us today!