Mobile App Development Jobs on Peopleperhour: Bangladesh ...

Getting Started with Mobile App Development on PeoplePerHour

When I first ventured into freelancing back in 2018, I was overwhelmed with choices. However, my passion for technology and mobile app development led me to explore platforms like PeoplePerHour. I remember sitting in my small apartment in Dhaka, scrolling through countless job postings, thinking about how to stand out in a sea of talented freelancers. Today, I want to share my insights on how you can secure mobile app development jobs on PeoplePerHour, particularly from Bangladesh.

PeoplePerHour has become one of my go-to platforms for finding clients. With its user-friendly interface and a large pool of international clients, it’s an excellent choice for freelancers in Bangladesh, especially for those of us who specialize in app development. Here’s how I navigated through the platform and how you can too.

Creating an Attractive Profile

Your profile is your digital business card on PeoplePerHour. It’s crucial to make a positive first impression. Here’s how to craft a compelling profile:

• Profile Picture: Use a professional photo. I used a clear, friendly image of myself, which helped clients feel more connected.
• Title and Overview: Be specific. Instead of just "App Developer," I listed "Mobile App Developer (iOS/Android) with 5+ Years of Experience." This helped me attract the right attention.
• Portfolio: Showcase your work. I included screenshots and links to apps I developed. A well-developed portfolio can increase your chances of getting hired by up to 50%!
• Skills: List relevant skills like programming languages (Swift, Java, Dart) and frameworks (Flutter, React Native). This helps in matching your profile with client needs.

Finding and Bidding on Jobs

Once your profile is set up, the next step is to find jobs that match your skills. Here’s how I approached this:

• Search Function: Use keywords related to mobile app development. For instance, search for terms like "iOS app development" or "Android app developer." This will filter the jobs that are most relevant to you.
• Bid Wisely: When I first started, I bid low to secure my first few projects. I would often price my services around $15 (1,500 BDT) per hour to attract clients. Once I built my reputation, I gradually increased my rates.
• Craft Custom Proposals: Personalizing each proposal is key. I would mention specific features I could build for the client’s app, demonstrating my understanding of their needs. This approach helped me secure jobs around 30% of the time.
• Follow Up: If you don’t hear back, consider sending a polite follow-up message. I’ve found that a gentle nudge can often revive interest.

Payment Methods and Financial Considerations

One of the most crucial aspects of freelancing is getting paid. In Bangladesh, PayPal doesn’t work, which can be a hurdle for many freelancers. However, I found Payoneer to be an excellent alternative. Here’s how it works:

• Setting Up Payoneer: Create your Payoneer account and link it with PeoplePerHour. You’ll receive payments directly into your Payoneer account, which can then be transferred to local Bangladeshi banks like DBBL, MCB, or UBL.
• Fees and Withdrawals: Payoneer charges a fee for withdrawals, typically around 1% when transferring to your local bank. This is significantly lower than many other payment methods, making it cost-effective.
• Currency Conversion: Payoneer also offers competitive exchange rates, which is a plus when converting USD to BDT. For instance, if I received $1,000 (approximately 100,000 BDT), Payoneer might take around 1,000 BDT in fees, which is reasonable compared to the alternatives.

My Experience

Reflecting on my journey, I faced numerous challenges. In the early days, I struggled to find clients and often felt discouraged. I remember one particular instance where I applied for over 20 jobs in a week, only to receive rejections. It was disheartening, but I didn’t give up.

I took the time to revise my proposals and improve my portfolio. Slowly, I started receiving positive feedback and repeat clients. By 2020, I had earned over $50,000 from mobile app development projects alone.

One project that stands out was developing a fitness app for a client in the UK. The client was so impressed with my work that they referred me to two other clients. This word-of-mouth helped me expand my network significantly.

Practical Tips for Success

As you embark on your freelancing journey on PeoplePerHour, here are some actionable tips that I learned along the way:

• Stay Updated: Technology is ever-evolving. Keep learning new programming languages and frameworks. Platforms like Udemy and Coursera offer courses that can help you enhance your skills.
• Network: Join freelancing communities on Facebook or LinkedIn. Engaging with other freelancers can provide valuable insights and job leads.
• Manage Your Time: Freelancing requires discipline. I set daily goals and used tools like Trello to track my projects. This helped me stay organized and meet deadlines.
• Tax Considerations: As a BASIS registered freelancer, I recommend keeping detailed records of your earnings for NBR tax purposes. It’s important to understand your tax obligations to avoid any issues later.

Next Steps

If you’re ready to dive into mobile app development on PeoplePerHour, here’s what you can do next:

1. Create or Update Your Profile: Make sure it’s polished and showcases your strengths.
2. Start Bidding: Begin applying for jobs, even if they seem slightly outside your comfort zone.
3. Set Up Payoneer: If you haven’t already, get your Payoneer account set up for smooth transactions.
4. Join Freelancing Communities: Connect with others for support and job leads.

Conclusion

Freelancing in mobile app development on PeoplePerHour can be a rewarding experience if approached strategically. With the right profile, a proactive bidding strategy, and the ability to adapt to challenges, you can thrive in this dynamic field. Remember, just like my journey, your journey will have ups and downs, but persistence is key. Embrace the process, keep honing your skills, and financial freedom will be within your reach.