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Business

Aaron Graham
Aaron Graham
18,033 Points
Posted by Aaron Graham
Aaron Graham
18,033 Points

Freelance Branding

I am giving some strong consideration to trying my hand at freelancing. I will probably form an LLC, but I am wondering what the best way to brand myself would be. When doing freelance work, is it best to just work under your own name, or would it be better to come up with a company name to work under? Any thoughts would be appreciated.

4 Answers

Dustin Matlock
Dustin Matlock
33,856 Points

Here's an article that touches on this some. I feel it's how you present things but what a lot of people will do is start with a name and then form a company.

Dustin Matlock
Dustin Matlock
33,856 Points
Dustin Matlock
Dustin Matlock
33,856 Points

I came across a blog a few weeks ago that regularly writes articles about freelancing. It seems to be geared towards graphic design but I think it also applies to web design. I haven't read much from the website but you might check it out.

Aaron Graham
Aaron Graham
18,033 Points
Aaron Graham
Aaron Graham
18,033 Points

Thanks for the resources. This blog looks like a goldmine of information. I will have to dig into it a little more when I have some time.

Bruno Calheira
Bruno Calheira
12,625 Points
Bruno Calheira
Bruno Calheira
12,625 Points

I started working with my own name, but then created a brand and started to use it. I realized that for customers who already knew my work, it did not make much difference, but new customers perceive my work in a more professional manner.

Aaron Graham
Aaron Graham
18,033 Points
Aaron Graham
Aaron Graham
18,033 Points

Thanks for the input. Have you noticed a difference in the types of clients you get since creating your brand?

Bruno Calheira
Bruno Calheira
12,625 Points
Bruno Calheira
Bruno Calheira
12,625 Points

Before creating a brand, I was more general, "threw on all sides" as we say here in Brazil. I sought every opportunity possible work: creating websites for NGOs, restaurants, writers, food distributors. But I realized that I was losing a lot of time when working on such diverse projects. Could not do much code reuse. So I decided to create specific projects, such as websites for architects, or websites for restaurants. That way, I could specify what my target audience and make more targeted advertising. And I could also reuse a lot of code, just customizing the appearance of each site according to the needs of each client. Before I sought opportunities just next to my closest contacts, so it was enough to introduce me as an individual. But when I specified my public targets, I would contact people who had never heard of me. Then I realized that creating a brand would help broaden the dissemination of my work and give more credibility to my business. I have tested it recently, about three months ago, but the results are positive.

Don Chedele
Don Chedele
7,676 Points
Don Chedele
Don Chedele
7,676 Points

Dustin Matlock has the best answer imho, but I also agree with Bruno. You don't need an LLC to be a freelancer, just print out some contract forms so you don't get screwed over and taken advantage of. I just created a construction website and the guy just broke up with his wife. I can't get the money because he's in a psychological breakdown, and most likely won't pay me for a long time or never.

https://www.rocketlawyer.com/legal-forms-business.rl (Contract Forms)

Aaron Graham
Aaron Graham
18,033 Points
Aaron Graham
Aaron Graham
18,033 Points

Thanks for the input. The main reason for thinking about an LLC is the possible liability issues when dealing with customer data. I could probably draw up a contract that would keep me out of trouble, but there is still always a chance of having to defend said contract in court, and lawyers aren't cheep. There is probably a small chance of that actually happening, but in my state, it's around $100 to file an LLC. It just seems like pretty cheep insurance.

Sucks about the website you built. Hope you get paid!

Don Chedele
Don Chedele
7,676 Points

Depends on your state, I know on LegalZoom.com it's $100 but not including state filing which is like $180 in Wisconsin, so it's more like ~$300.

Still cheaper than being sued however haha!

And yeah I might have to report him to Ripoff Report, Better Business Bureau, and some other places, than take down the site I created if he chooses not to pay me. But I might also keep it up so I have something to show other people, and just take down all the review sites I put him on. Still deciding on what's going to happen, and giving him a week to come thru on his part.