Mobile app development continues to grow and become more of a necessity, and mobile app developers are in high demand. It’s competitive, rewarding, and anticipated to expand further. Clients are increasingly interested in mobile user interfaces because they are more engaging than web front ends.
The freedom to be your own boss is the most prevalent motivation for starting as a freelancer. You are the captain of your ship. The demand for mobile app freelancers has been increasing in recent times.
So, if you want to become a freelance mobile app developer and trade your skills for money, you have come to the right place. This article will guide you to become a successful freelance mobile app developer.
What Is the Role of a Freelance Mobile App Developer?
A freelance mobile app developer is recruited by a client (individual or corporate) to create, maintain, or upgrade a mobile application. The mobile app developer needs to ensure that the app design and the working of the app meet the demands of the users. They also collaborate with businesses to assist them in launching the app into the market.
Mobile app developers can be android app developers or iOS app developers. Android app developers build apps for android-powered smartphones, whereas iOS app developers build mobile apps for iOS devices (Apple devices).
You can also be a cross-platform mobile app developer who builds apps that can work on both android and iOS devices. Instead of designing separate app versions for each platform, cross-platform app developers create a single program that can operate on many operating systems.
How to Become a Freelance Mobile App Developer?
Now let’s look at the steps to get started as a freelance mobile app developer.
1. Select Your Platform
When you initially start as a freelance mobile app developer, you should focus on a particular app platform. Select your target audience. There are three types of mobile app developers in the market: Android, iOS, and cross-platform app developers.
| Types of mobile app developers | Technologies used |
|---|---|
| Android developers | Android developers should look into Kotlin and Java. Java is an excellent language to start android app development since it allows you to create fundamental frameworks and simple apps with ease. Kotlin is a little more extensive, with a wider library and set of convenient APIs, making it easier to construct unique functionality and advanced app development. Most modern developers prefer Kotlin for building native android apps. |
| iOS developers | Developers interested in working with Apple should learn Swift or Objective-C. Swift is best suited for one-time projects and single apps, whereas many developers believe objective-c is better suited for designing apps that interact with one another. Swift is a modern programming language and is the most preferred choice by developers for iOS app development. |
| Cross-platform app developers | If you target cross-platform support (iOS and android), there are two popular frameworks. React-native is a JavaScript-based mobile framework that lets you create natively rendered iOS and Android apps. Flutter is widely regarded as the best framework for building high-performance cross-platform applications. It uses the Dart language and is highly recommended by professionals. |
Object-Oriented Programming (OOP) and UML are basic requirements required to develop apps independent of the platform you are using.
You can try to master everything, but this is not a good idea. It is preferable to focus on only one and then gradually broaden your scope to incorporate other app development platforms.
2. Start Developing Ideas Into Apps
Take your time and conduct your study to create a range of projects with varying functionality. You can follow a tutorial or a course and learn the app development basics.
Initially, you can start creating apps by following the tutorials. If you don’t have any ideas, you can create clones of existing applications to master the craft. Once you become good at app development, you can start building apps using your own ideas.
Once you build mobile applications, you should publish some of your apps online. For android apps, you can publish your apps on the Google Play Store, and for iOS apps, you can put them on the App Store.
Having your applications in these stores shows your expertise and talents. They’re a great place to start with your CV and portfolio.
Mastering the fundamentals will make sure you won’t mess it up in a paid job. Volunteering on projects with other devs is a good approach to meeting new people. It may also pave the way to a successful career in mobile app development.
3. Build a Strong Profile Online
Many firms wanting to recruit app developers try to learn about you and your applications through platforms such as LinkedIn and Upwork. Keep your profile updated on all these platforms. You can also create a portfolio website to showcase all of your works.
Clients want to see that you’re serious about app development and that it’s more than a side gig for you. You can leverage social media platforms to post content about things you offer and market yourself as a mobile app developer.
Capture screenshots and videos of your applications. Explain your work methodology and how you wireframe or create apps before getting into the nitty-gritty of coding.
Discuss your approach to problem-solving and troubleshooting. Then, showcase your best features. Your portfolio should also include a link to the app store, where your apps are available.
4. Widen Your Network
Using your present network and increasing your network can significantly boost your future opportunities. Looking for individuals who require your expertise is a huge component of freelancing. You’ll need to practice discovering them and conversing with them.
Networking is a good place to start since it allows you to practice expressing who you are and what you do. You could meet someone who requires your abilities or get introduced to a firm where they operate. Friends, relatives, professional contacts, and individuals you encounter in your daily life are all possible clients and referral sources.
When you gain clients and finish your job for them, add the information to your portfolio. As your portfolio fills up with work experiences and projects, you will be able to attract new customers.
5. Keep Yourself Updated
Mobile operating systems are evolving at a rapid pace. Every year, new hardware is getting launched. Your apps will need to support these upgrades and improvements while also reaching back a few device generations to retain functionality.
6. Make Plans for Time Management
There will be a lot of work, which means you will need time to master new languages, tools, and skills. Freelancers must organize their schedules around these activities. Set your sights on materials that will assist you in staying up to speed on the newest developments.
7. Be Selfless and Humble
There are undoubtedly developers out there who are even better at what you specialize in than you are. Respect their abilities and knowledge, learn from them, and pass on your knowledge.
If you have the chance to work with an inspirational designer or a forward-thinking entrepreneur, take advantage of it — even if you feel like you’re in their shadow at times. You’ll never be perfect at everything, but you may find someone who is.
8. Business Networks for Freelance App Developers
These are a few popular sites to hunt for remote work:
- Upwork
- LinkedIn jobs
- Freelancer
- WeWorkRemotely
- Yunojuno
- Jobspresso
These platforms connect and attract well-paying customers fast and efficiently.
9. Set Yourself Out From the Crowd
Most work is now done online, and you may face greater competition for the same position. It is up to you to stand out from the crowd of applications. Specialize in a particular technology and a niche. Market yourself as the best freelancer in your niche.
As previously said, use LinkedIn to build a personal relationship with someone at the firm. Even if these recommendations are a little out of your comfort zone, your potential customer will appreciate your additional effort.
Final Thoughts
As simple as these things may appear, they will aid you in your freelancing adventure and assist you in obtaining more clients. A good freelancer broadens their degree of creativity, takes chances, and adapts quickly to the market’s changing demands.
To be an excellent freelancer, you must be resilient, ambitious, positive, and determined. If you have any questions or comments, please leave them in the comments area. I will gladly assist you at any moment. If you liked this post, please share it with your friends so that others can benefit from it as well.
But how much can I earn by being a freelancer app developer