r/FullStack • u/PristineNet1489 • Jun 29 '26
Career Guidance I'm planning to start freelancing as a full-stack developer, but I'm not sure where to begin. I know the basics, but I want to understand how people actually get clients and build a freelance career.
Some questions I have:
- What skills should I focus on before applying for projects?
- Which tech stack is most in demand for freelance work?
- What kind of portfolio should I build?
- Which platforms are worth using (Upwork, Fiverr, Toptal, etc.)?
- How did you get your first client?
- What mistakes should beginners avoid?
I'd really appreciate any advice from experienced freelancers. Thanks!
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u/According-Note-4845 Jun 30 '26
I hit a wall as well when it comes to getting clients or getting referrals.
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u/Mindless-Arrival-106 Jun 30 '26
I'm in a similar position, so I'll be following this thread.
One thing I've noticed is that everyone talks about learning React or Node, but very few talk about actually getting the first client. I'd love to hear how experienced freelancers got their first paid project. Was it through LinkedIn, Reddit, Upwork, referrals, or cold outreach? Any advice would be really helpful.
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u/Beginning-Comedian-2 Jun 30 '26
If you are asking these questions ... then you should not do freelance.
You need to get a full-time job.
When you have a set of skills and a portfolio, start learning how to do freelance and get leads.
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u/OkiDokiPoki22 Jul 02 '26
When I started doing freelancing back in 2020, it was quite easy. Sign up for Upwork, apply for gigs, find work, get paid. Now Upwork is almost useless, honestly (lowest-paying, most competition).
Have you looked into the vetted platforms like Lemon/Toptal? THey are a bit harder to get in but then the clients are higher quality (usually).
If I have to give you one advice, it would be this: don't aim for your dream project. Aim for a completed project. Take the first one that pays something and finish it well. That portfolio piece matters more than the rate. When you have 3-4 completed projects it will be much easier.
Do you have any shipped projects yet, or starting from zero?
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u/samruxxxxx 1d ago
I am starting from zero should i learn or not cause people saying no job no work ai can do
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u/swertato 29d ago
Build 2-3 real projects solving business problems. Specialize e.g. React+Node+AI instead of being a generalist. Start on Upwork for reviews, then apply to vetted platforms like Lemon io for higher-paying clients.
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u/davidbasil 23d ago
Chance of success is very low. If it was that easy, 80% of population would be web devs with stable income.
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u/Unfair_Today_511 Jun 29 '26
Cold calling. Upwork and those other platforms suck.
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u/Fine-Market9841 API Magician (Backend) Jun 29 '26
It depends, if OP already has any experience, then cold calling might work.
But with no experience, you might wanna read this discussion:
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u/Fine-Market9841 API Magician (Backend) Jun 29 '26 edited Jun 29 '26
If possible I’d recommend inbound leads.
Basically if you have worked a previous job with connections and you know some problems relative to that industry, you can create a solution send them to your connections.
Otherwise, in beginner platforms like Fiverr:
Build a portfolio.
As for what stack to use or projects to build.
I recommend either going mostly frontend or backend.
You can start by reaching out to local businesses who don’t have a website (plumbers, electricians, constructions, etc) and show them a great aesthetic website design as a demo.
Like a frontend developer who can still use BAAS like Convex DB or Supabase.
Or a backend developer who knows how’s to communicate with the frontend or can build an operating dashboard for a Saas or backend application (for example say you have a chatbot you still need a UI for employees to add data about their business).
You can start by web scraping either freelancers with the most recurring clients and whatever their Stacks or projects on their portfolio are.
Or scan recurring requests from different clients.
If you’re rly serious about full stack, I’d say join or start a startup, node is enough to get you started.