I would recommend trying to find your own clients before going onto gig marketplaces, as this route has less competition.
If anyone in your network needs a website, app, or software assistance, that’s an ideal starting point.
Scrimba teacher Tom Chant got his first coding gig because his mom had consulted for a school that needed a developer to add a feature to their website.
The task was straightforward but pivotal—he created a database that made the school’s archive searchable online.
This opened the door to a local museum that needed help.
Although that job was small, it was another stepping stone and it wasn’t long before a nearby historical library reached out.
What started as a few small tasks eventually grew into a long-term collaboration, with the library relying on Tom as their go-to web developer/consultant for several years.
They still call on him to this day whenever they hit problems!
Back in those early days, another unrelated opportunity appeared just because Tom mentioned he was available as a developer.
A colleague who ran a side hustle taking international students on tours of the region needed a website.
He wanted a platform to showcase his itineraries and manage bookings directly online.
That also became a regular gig, lasting several years.
If you don’t have anyone in your network who can help you land your first gig, try reaching out to local businesses without websites — or with poorly designed ones — and offer your services to help improve their online presence.
You’d be surprised at how effective it is to pick up the phone or visit a business in person.
It is probably outside your comfort zone, but that is exactly why it works.
Most aspiring developers never do it, so those who do reap all the benefits.
