Freelance software development offers more than freedom—it gives you the chance to design a life on your terms. If you’re stepping away from a full-time role or scaling your side hustle, finding steady, flexible work is the first step toward building your own business.
With the right platforms, you can land high-quality freelance software developer jobs—and with Besolo, you can structure your business the right way from day one. Our tools help you form an LLC or S corp, manage back-office tasks, and stay compliant as you grow your freelance software development career.
How to get your first fractional software development clients
Breaking into freelance software development means finding those first few clients who believe in your skills. It’s not about luck—it’s about visibility, clarity, and trust. You don’t need a massive following or a viral post to start strong. What you need is a strategy. These approaches help you build momentum, attract high-value projects, and lay the foundation for a sustainable freelance career.
Engage your network (privately)
Start with the people who already know and trust your work. Reach out one-on-one to former colleagues, classmates, managers, and friends in adjacent industries. Let them know you’ve gone freelance and are available for short- or long-term projects.
Tips for private outreach:
- Personalize your message—mention past projects or shared experiences
- Be specific about what kind of work you’re taking on
- Include a portfolio link or project samples
- Ask if they know anyone who might need your services
- Keep it short, confident, and professional
Engage your network (publicly)
After private conversations, post a public announcement. LinkedIn and Twitter are ideal for professional updates. Share that you’re available for freelance development work and invite your network to refer or connect.
Make your value clear—highlight your skills (e.g., full-stack, front-end, Python) and share a link to your portfolio or contact form. Add a personal touch so the post feels authentic, not sales-oriented.
Continue to post regularly
Stay visible by sharing content that reflects your expertise. Showcase recent projects, post tutorials, or write about development trends. This proves your credibility and keeps you top-of-mind.
Ideas to post:
- Project walkthroughs
- Code snippets or demos
- Tech stack explorations
- Freelance client testimonials
- Lessons learned from recent builds
Join online communities
Communities are where referrals and jobs are shared long before they hit job boards. Engage in places where developers gather, especially freelancer-focused spaces.
Examples:
- Indie Hackers
- r/freelance and r/webdev on Reddit
- Dev.to and Hashnode
- Discord groups for specific tech stacks
- Local Slack groups for freelancers or devs
Share advice, answer questions, and build trust. Visibility comes from showing up and helping others.
Set up referrals
Ask satisfied clients and peers to refer you. Make it easy for them by explaining what type of projects you’re best suited for. Create a referral incentive if you like—such as a small fee or a discount on future work.
A referral doesn’t have to be formal to be powerful. A LinkedIn comment or email intro can open big doors.
Talent marketplaces
Freelance platforms and fractional job boards connect you directly with clients.
Before jumping in, get your portfolio and profile in order. Highlight the languages, tools, and frameworks you specialize in. Add past project links or GitHub repos. Treat your marketplace presence like a landing page for your business.
8 best talent marketplaces to find freelance software developer jobs
Ready to dive into fractional software development? These top platforms can connect you with the right opportunities, from building APIs, designing scalable systems, and supporting startup MVPs. These marketplaces make it easier to find clients who will pay for your skills.
1. Fractional Jobs
Fractional Jobs connects developers with part-time and project-based roles. It’s ideal if you want flexibility without losing momentum. Many listings are from high-growth startups, nonprofits, or solopreneurs looking for on-demand development expertise.
2. Go Fractional
Go Fractional lets you create a searchable public profile and connect directly with companies hiring fractional talent. It works exceptionally well for full-stack and product-minded developers who can plug into teams fast and drive early wins.
3. Hire A Fractional
Hire A Fractional curates talent for businesses that need vetted freelancers. If you’re a developer with strong past results and client-facing experience, the platform helps you skip the cold outreach and talk to decision-makers from day one.
4. Toptal
Toptal is a premium platform for elite developers. After a screening process, you’ll get access to Fortune 500 clients and funded startups with long-term needs. Great for devs with a strong portfolio and a focus on enterprise-grade code quality.
5. Intch
Intch uses AI to match you with freelance leads from your extended network. It’s a newer tool, but it’s ideal if you want to unlock hidden opportunities from warm referrals. Startups in AI, blockchain, and fintech actively hire freelance developers through this platform to accelerate growth.
6. MarketerHire
MarketerHire typically focuses on marketers, but they frequently bring in devs for campaigns needing front-end support, site optimization, or analytics implementation. If you speak both code and conversion, it’s a great place to shine.
7. Upwork
Upwork remains a powerful option for developers who know how to niche down. While entry-level gigs are common, there’s a strong demand for specialists in WordPress, Shopify, JavaScript frameworks, and automation scripting. It’s a great fit if you’re ready to pitch and scale fast.
8. Serial Marketers
Serial Marketers is a Slack-based community known for referrals, collaborative gigs, and ongoing contract work. While it leans toward marketing, tech freelancers often find high-quality leads for projects like landing pages, website builds, or interactive campaigns.
Build your freelance development business with confidence
Freelance software developer jobs give you the freedom to choose projects, work from anywhere, and build a career on your terms. But once you’ve landed your first few clients, it’s time to think bigger. Running your freelance practice like a real business—complete with the right legal structure, tax strategy, and benefits—sets you up for long-term success.
Besolo helps you form an LLC or S corp, automate compliance, and streamline back-office tasks with ease. You don’t need to figure it out alone. Log in to Besolo’s self-employment OS supports freelancers with tax tools, benefits, and back-office automation.
