Why Freelance Web Designers Aren't Afraid to Stand Out

Whether you’re designing an ebook cover for a client, designing a branding identity for a new company, or creating a website template or logo, no doubt there will come a time you want to separate yourself from the crowd and stand out above the rest. It can be very tempting to just play it safe, but there is much to gain if you don’t conform – maybe not now but definitely in the future.

In this article, I wanted to share some of my suggestions with you on 19 reasons why freelance web designers aren’t afraid to stand out – often.

How This Software Developer Found Success as a Freelancer

Takeaways
Freelance web designers can differentiate themselves by developing a unique brand and focusing on a niche.
The freelance lifestyle can offer benefits such as increased flexibility, autonomy, and variety in work.
Building a strong portfolio and reputation is crucial for attracting clients and growing a freelance business.
Networking, using job boards, and leveraging social media can help freelancers find new clients.
Determining fair pricing policies is an important aspect of successful freelancing.

Table of Contents

1. Standing Out Is The Way In

Freelance Web Designers Are the New School and they are generally the ones to look out for because they don’t feel like doing boring the same jobs that big companies do. I always find it interesting when a lot of designers will tell you that they aren’t afraid of standing out on the different types of projects and helping to make something special.

Whether it be a website, a logo, a book cover, or some other design work that you could extremely need in your business. It helps not only by being different but also help by getting more clients which equals more money in your wallet.

2. Standing Out Means Thinking Differently

The way you think is one of the most important ways you can differentiate yourself from others. When it comes to your business, this means thinking differently about things like pricing and marketing, but it also means thinking differently about how you approach your work.

Standing out means taking risks, letting your imagination run wild, and blazing a trail for others to follow. It can be scary to step outside of what’s “normal” or expected in our industry—even if that means trying to do the same thing as everyone else but adding a little flare or personality—but I promise it pays off in the end. The more you allow yourself to get comfortable with being uncomfortable, the more capable (and confident) you will become at doing what makes you happy and differentiating yourself from others.

3. Good Work Speaks For Itself

One of the things that keep many people from pursuing their dream is the worry about standing out. They can’t see past the idea of being different, and never getting ahead in life.

Of course, it’s a legitimate concern. But if you’re worried about it, here’s a secret: Don’t be afraid to stand out! In fact, this is one of the reasons why freelance web designers are thriving.

Why? Because good work speaks for itself.

You don’t need to be pushy or self-promotional when you take pride in your craft—and on top of that, good work eventually gets recognized. You might still have to put yourself out there—but once you do, you’ll find that other people will notice your talent and spread the word for you.

One of the keys to success as a freelance web designer is to always be improving your skills. Check out our article on 22 expert tips to learn how to take your web design career to the next level.

4. Knowing Who Your Audience Is Helps You Stand Out To Them

The first step to standing out is knowing who your audience is. If you don’t know your audience, how do you expect to stand out to them? Having a clear understanding of your client’s and customers’ needs is key. You also need to understand your competition, product, customers, industry, and brand. Understanding these things helps you discover what sets you apart from everyone else in the market.

This one’s pretty simple: the more you know about who your audience is (and everyone in it), the better able you are to stand out from the crowd. For example, if you’re a wedding photographer based in Seattle, knowing that most other local photographers have a similar aesthetic means that standing out will be much easier for you than it would be if they all had wildly different looks.

5. Straddling The Line Between Love And Hate Gets You Noticed

If there’s one thing that we can all agree on, it’s this: we don’t like being told what to think.

We live in the era of the self-made brand after all. We want our voices to be heard, even if it means shouting over everyone else just to make sure that we’re heard too. We’re a generation of disruptors, each out to prove that they’re not bound by anyone else’s rules or expectations.

That said, there is something comforting about knowing exactly where we stand as consumers—or at least thinking we do. It’s easier to know whether or not we like something when it has already been established as either good or bad (beyond having an opinion ourselves). That’s why most people will choose the middle option when given three options at a restaurant—it tastes better that way!

6. Striking A Balance Between Opposites — Modern And Retro, Playful And Serious — Gets People Talking

One of the best ways to stand out is to strike a balance between opposites. For example, you could combine a retro style with elements of modern design, or blend whimsical details with more serious ones. Strive for this balance and your brand’s personality will shine through.

Is your website a little too feminine? A little too masculine? Too playful? Too serious? Don’t be afraid to make adjustments that will help you find the right balance for your brand. You may have to do some experimenting until you figure out what works best for you. It’s important not to get stuck in a rut — if something isn’t working, don’t be afraid to try something new!

Starting a freelance web design business can be intimidating, but having a solid foundation is key. Check out our article on 19 rules for starting a freelance web design business to ensure you’re set up for success.

7. Standing Out Is All About Finding Your Own Style

A good way to find your own style is to start with a blank canvas, literally. I’ve used this method for almost everything I do and it works wonderfully, especially for those of us who have trouble getting our ideas onto paper. Take a large piece of paper and simply draw lines across the page. The number of lines doesn’t matter, just make them vertical or horizontal.

Next, you are going to create something that resembles a composition book or notebook cover using those lines as guidelines. You can use any color pencils or pens you want but I recommend using something dark, like black or navy blue so you don’t get distracted by the coloring later on. Once that is done…

8. Problem-Solving Requires New Approaches And Concepts

As a freelancer, you’ll often find yourself coming up against situations where there is no clear path forward. Every problem requires a creative solution, and every piece of design needs to engage the attention of its target audience. Is there any better way to achieve this than with creativity?

Incorporating creative thinking into your work will help you to solve problems in new ways, and give you the freedom to think outside of the box when it comes to creating something that truly stands out.

The best thing about being a freelancer is that you have the freedom to learn from other fields and industries, so don’t be afraid to take inspiration from them. You can also look outside the world of web design—try looking for inspiration in other parts of your life or interests. Just remember not to get too close: while it’s good to be inspired by others’ work, you want your designs to stand out as being original and unique.

9. Letting Your Personality Shape Your Approach Enables You To Stand Out Naturally

We’re all individuals. You might think that we’re all the same in many ways, but there are things that make you stand out as an individual. Your personality and your interests are unique to you.

You should use these things to your advantage when it comes to being a freelance web designer. Letting your personality shape your approach enables you to stand out naturally.

If you have confidence in your abilities and have faith in yourself, then that will shine through no matter what happens. Of course, this can be difficult at times. We all have setbacks and need to overcome obstacles from time to time. However, it is important not to lose sight of who you are or what you do best as an individual and a freelance web designer.

Never forget that every person has their own unique set of attributes which they bring with them into any work they do or any situation they are in. Use yours! Once you can learn how to apply those skills effectively, then there’s nothing stopping you from succeeding in whatever way works for you (and your clients!). This is because each person will have their own style and methods so long as they don’t let other people’s influence impact them too much; this means taking inspiration from others while still being trueto yourself!

When starting a web design freelance business, there are many factors to consider. Check out our article on the top 17 things to consider when starting a web design freelance business to ensure you’re prepared for the journey ahead.

10. You’ve Got To Design For Yourself As Well As For Others

You don’t have to go overboard with the personality, but make sure you find ways in which your portfolio communicates who you are. Some of the best portfolios I’ve seen used subtle animations, color palettes, and typography that reflected the designer behind them.

As a freelance designer, your work is going to be seen by a lot of people. Go ahead and design for yourself as well as for others. The most important client you’ll ever serve is yourself – don’t forget it! Doing work for clients on a daily basis can become repetitive. If the design is becoming a chore for you, take some time to do something fun and creative just because it interests you or sparks an idea in your mind. This will keep things fresh and exciting for both you and your clients.

The work done on personal projects also tends to be some of the best work a designer does. For example: if I were designing a business card only based on what they asked me to do with no input from myself, it would come out looking like any old business card; but if I put my own spin on things by adding colors or textures that interest me personally in addition to my client’s needs, then it will become something original – both beautiful and unique!

11. A Good Portfolio Strikes An Inspirational Chord With Clients And Employers

A good portfolio strikes an inspirational chord with clients and employers. It is the whole point of hiring a web designer: to get your work to look awesome because people like it when things are nice looking.

The best way you can showcase your work is to make it easy for people to see it. This means creating a portfolio that’s simple to navigate, and makes each piece of work stand out by itself. A beautiful presentation of your work is more than just a big picture. It should include detailed information about each project, including what you did exactly in order to complete it, as well as links for more information on each project (if applicable).

Details about your design process, such as how you got from concept to finished product, are invaluable because they tell your potential employer whether or not you have met their requirements and expectations. Even if the company doesn’t hire you specifically for this project, having details will give them confidence that they’ve hired the right person for whatever else comes down the pipeline.

12. Be True To Yourself, But Be Prepared To Adapt, Too

Be true to yourself. One of the most important things for creative professionals to remember is that their talent and understanding of their field will keep them in business. Following what’s popular or “in” is a surefire recipe for dissatisfaction and burnout.

Embrace rejection—it’s part of the job. Rejection can be tough, but it’s not something to run away from. Every time you are rejected, you should take it as an opportunity to learn, adapt, and grow as a professional.

Don’t be afraid to adapt your brand. Your logo and colors may seem like they’re central to your identity, but they don’t have to define you forever. Don’t be afraid to evolve with changing times or client needs; if done right, rebranding can be one of the best ways for freelancers to stand out from their competition.*

As a freelance web designer, it’s important to understand industry standards and salaries. Check out our ultimate guide to freelance web designer salaries to learn more about what you can expect to earn in this field.

13. Be Bold In The Name Of Creativity

“Bold” is a vague word, but essentially it means strong, confident, and unafraid—the perfect word to describe both your personality and your web design. There are many ways to be bold with your design; whether that’s by creating a design that is simple but striking, pushing boundaries, or simply doing something no one else has done before. Being unique is a great way to stand out from the crowd!

This section will outline some of the best ways you can take on fearlessly bold designs and hopefully inspire you to create something truly spectacular for yourself. When you’re ready for action, turn up the volume on your favorite playlist, and let’s get started!

14. Don’t Be Afraid To Take Risks And Break New Ground

Don’t be afraid to take risks and break new ground.

The world is too full of people who don’t attempt anything because they don’t want to risk failure. But you only get one life, so you might as well take the chance and see what happens. If you have a great idea—go for it! You’ll never know what could’ve happened if you had chosen to let your fears control your actions.

And if you happen to fail? Then learn from that mistake and try again!

15. If You’re Not Giving 100 Percent, Then Why Bother?

At the same time, if you’re not giving 100 percent, then why bother? Putting in more effort will give you better results.

Why put in a half-assed effort when it’s just wasting your time and energy?

This strategy works well for things you’ve never done before. If you’re not willing to go all the way, then don’t even start at all.

16. Do What You Love, And Do It Well!

Making time to do what you love, whether it be hiking, playing music, or learning about a particular topic, will help you stand out in your career. Many freelancers fail because they don’t enjoy their work enough. It’s important to find a job that fulfills you so that when times are tough, and they often are for freelancers, you’ll have the motivation to persevere.

When you spend time doing what you love, it allows you to become an expert in your field as well as gain valuable experience. This is great for helping your career because it sets you apart from the competition by giving your work more meaning and value. You’ll also be able to use these skills in other areas of life such as with family members or volunteering opportunities at local schools and nonprofits!

Hiring a freelance web designer can be a game-changer for your business. Check out our article on why hiring a freelance web designer may help you to learn about the benefits of hiring a professional to take your web design to the next level.

17. Your Creative Vision Is Yours Alone; No One Can Take It Away From You

Your creative vision is yours alone; no one can take it away from you. The very act of following your passion in business means that you are going to stand out. You’re not afraid of it, because you know your work will have meaning and value.

You realize the best way to follow your passion is by being yourself, creating what you love, and working with people who share similar interests. Above all, you understand that being a web designer isn’t about just making websites look nice—it’s about taking a big idea and figuring out how to communicate it visually.

18. They Get The Job Done, No Matter What

There have been times when I’ve had to push back on clients’ requests for changes or additions to their websites. It’s not fun, but sometimes it’s necessary if I want to keep my sanity. But even if a freelancer doesn’t have the time or resources to add new features or implement design changes, he or she knows how to get the job done anyway—and that’s what matters most!

19. They Don’t Make Excuses—They Make Improvements

If you’re in business, you want to get the most bang for your buck. No one wants to waste money and get little or no results in the process. Freelance web designers are always looking for ways to improve their work and grow as professionals, which is why they don’t make excuses—they make improvements. When you’re investing in your company and want to see growth, finding someone who is willing to take risks and put forth the effort is essential.

A Piece Of Advice

There is no single way to become a successful freelancer, but there are certain practices (like standing out) that will help you succeed. If you take the steps towards excellence and build a reputation on your work, however, then you will be rewarded for it in the long run.

When you’re a designer, it’s easy to get influenced by the trends that you see in the market, media, social networks, and elsewhere. It’s even easier to follow everything else the herd is doing. If you want to be successful, make sure that you don’t do just that.

Do something radical. Be different. Take some risks. The world of web design needs more designers who are willing to stand out and fight against other designers who want everything to look like everyone else’s. Mix it up a little, try something new, and then slap a client-pleasing price tag on it!

Frequently Asked Questions

Who Would Be A Good Fit?

Independent professionals who display a lot of pride in their work, who are willing to go the extra mile for their clients, and who are comfortable taking risks are often good fits for this career.

What Are Some Of The Benefits That Come With Working As A Freelancer?

You will have more control over your own schedule, you can choose which clients you want to work with and how many people you want to hire to help you with your business.

What Makes Freelance Web Designers Stand Out?

There are many reasons why freelance web designers stand out from the rest of the crowd. The first reason is that they are not afraid to show their true colors when they create their websites. Most freelancers prefer to keep things simple by using simple layouts and templates, but when you are designing a website, you need to show that you have some creativity and flair that makes your site unique and appealing.

How Do I Get Started?

It’s easier than ever to get started as a freelance web designer! All it takes is an internet connection and some basic skills like HTML/CSS coding knowledge or graphic design experience (which can be learned online). If you don’t know where to begin, check out these resources: Wix Blog – Learn HTML & CSS Basics in 1 Hour with Wix Code Bootcamp Udemy

I’m Afraid Of Failure. What If I Try Something New, And It Doesn’t Work?

You can’t succeed unless you’re willing to fail—but failing isn’t always a bad thing. If your attempt fails, you can learn from it and try again! Or maybe.

Herman Edward

I am a content writer, and I love what I do! Writing makes me feel like the words are flowing through my fingers, and then onto the keyboard, like magic. My experience as a writer has taught me that writing makes me feel good, as well as helps others to feel better too!

Why Freelance Web Designers Aren’t Afraid to Stand Out [19 Reasons ]