How to Make Money Developing Software(updated)

Instructions
1
Assess your programming skills
in your area of expertise (for
example, developing computer,
Internet or mobile phone
software). List the programming
languages in which you are
adept, somewhat familiar with
and know little about. Find
resources at your local library
and on software development
websites to learn more about the
ones you know little about, and
keep the resources handy so
you can refer to them later to
check your work.
2
Produce a piece of software that
displays your programming
strengths. For example, if you
excel at PHP, design a small
website that relies on PHP. This
will serve as a sample for
prospective clients.
3
Apply to jobs that require
programming in your areas of
expertise. Sites like vWorker,
Elance and craigslist feature job
ads for software developers, as
may your local newspaper.
Estimate how long the job will
take you to complete and price
your time accordingly when you
apply, since software
development jobs often require
you to give a quote.
4
Accept every job offer you can
fit into your schedule. Require a
portion of your fee upfront to
guard against clients refusing to
pay once the work is complete.
5
Complete every job on time and
according to every detail the
client requested. Both are key to
maintaining a positive business
reputation, since your clients
may share their experiences. Use
your clients' tendency toward
word-of-mouth to your
advantage and ask for referrals.
Tips & Warnings
Avoid jobs based heavily on
programming techniques you
don't know well, since your
unfamiliarity will show in your
work. A poor job puts both your
paycheck and your professional
reputation at risk.