# Freelance Web Development Bootbootcamp — Course Outline

## Course Overview
A hands‑on, 8‑week intensive program that equips aspiring and early‑career developers with the technical, business, and client‑management skills needed to launch and sustain a successful freelance web development career. Students will build a portfolio of real‑world projects, learn how to price, pitch, and protect themselves, and walk away with a ready‑to‑market freelance brand.

## Who This Course Is For
- Recent coding bootcamp grads or self‑taught developers who want to go solo  
- Junior developers looking to supplement a full‑time job with freelance work  
- Designers or product people who want to add front‑end development to their service offering  
- Anyone interested in building a location‑independent tech income  

## Learning Outcomes
By the end of the bootcamp you will be able to:  

1. **Technical Mastery** – Build responsive, SEO‑friendly websites using HTML5, CSS3, JavaScript (ES6+), and a modern front‑end framework (React or Vue).  
2. **Full‑Stack Basics** – Set up a Node.js/Express backend, connect to a database, and deploy full‑stack apps to cloud platforms.  
3. **Portfolio Creation** – Produce three polished client‑ready projects and present them in a professional online portfolio.  
4. **Business Foundations** – Write proposals, contracts, and invoices; set rates; manage taxes and bookkeeping.  
5. **Client Acquisition** – Identify target markets, craft outreach pitches, and close deals through platforms and networking.  
6. **Project Management** – Use agile tools (Trello, ClickUp) to scope, schedule, and deliver projects on time.  
7. **Professionalism & Growth** – Handle revisions, feedback, and difficult clients; plan for scaling or specialization.

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## Module 1 – Foundations of Freelance Web Development
| Lesson | Description | Learning Objective | Format |
|--------|-------------|--------------------|--------|
| 1.1 | The freelance landscape: myths, realities, and career paths | Identify the most viable freelance models for web development | Video + Worksheet |
| 1.2 | Setting up your development environment (VS Code, Git, CLI) | Configure a professional workspace ready for client work | Video + Hands‑on Lab |
| 1.3 | Version control best practices for freelancers | Use Git branching and pull‑request workflows to manage client code | Video + Quiz |
| 1.4 | Legal basics: business structures, contracts, and NDAs | Choose a legal structure and draft a simple freelance contract | Worksheet + Template Download |
| 1.5 | Building your personal brand (logo, tagline, elevator pitch) | Create a cohesive brand identity that attracts ideal clients | Video + Branding Worksheet |

## Module 2 – Core Front‑End Skills
| Lesson | Description | Learning Objective | Format |
|--------|-------------|--------------------|--------|
| 2.1 | HTML5 semantics & accessibility fundamentals | Write clean, accessible markup that passes WCAG AA | Video + Checklist |
| 2.2 | Modern CSS: Flexbox, Grid, and responsive design | Build layouts that adapt flawlessly across devices | Video + Interactive Exercise |
| 2.3 | JavaScript ES6+ essentials for UI interactivity | Implement dynamic features using modern JS syntax | Video + Code‑along |
| 2.4 | Intro to a front‑end framework (React or Vue) | Create a component‑based UI and manage state | Video + Mini‑project |
| 2.5 | Performance & SEO basics for freelancers | Optimize load time and on‑page SEO for client sites | Video + Quiz |

## Module 3 – Back‑End & Full‑Stack Fundamentals
| Lesson | Description | Learning Objective | Format |
|--------|-------------|--------------------|--------|
| 3.1 | Node.js & Express: setting up a server | Build a RESTful API with Express | Video + Lab |
| 3.2 | Database basics: PostgreSQL vs. MongoDB | Choose and connect to a suitable database for a project | Video + Worksheet |
| 3.3 | Authentication & security for client apps | Implement JWT‑based auth and secure routes | Video + Code‑review |
| 3.4 | Deploying full‑stack apps (Vercel, Netlify, Render) | Publish a live project with CI/CD pipelines | Video + Deployment Checklist |
| 3.5 | API integration for third‑party services (Stripe, SendGrid) | Add payment processing or email notifications to a site | Video + Mini‑project |

## Module 4 – Building a Portfolio & Signature Projects
| Lesson | Description | Learning Objective | Format |
|--------|-------------|--------------------|--------|
| 4.1 | Project selection: niche, scope, and impact | Choose three portfolio projects that showcase breadth | Worksheet |
| 4.2 | Design handoff & UI kits for freelancers | Translate design files into production‑ready code | Video + Template |
| 4.3 | Developing a responsive e‑commerce site (Project A) | Deliver a complete front‑end + checkout flow | Guided Lab |
| 4.4 | Building a SaaS landing page with lead capture (Project B) | Create a conversion‑optimized marketing site | Guided Lab |
| 4.5 | Crafting a custom web app with a back‑end (Project C) | Produce a full‑stack application from spec to deployment | Guided Lab |
| 4.6 | Portfolio website creation & SEO | Assemble a personal showcase site that ranks in Google | Video + Checklist |

## Module 5 – Pricing, Proposals & Contracts
| Lesson | Description | Learning Objective | Format |
|--------|-------------|--------------------|--------|
| 5.1 | Hourly vs. fixed‑price vs. value‑based pricing | Determine the best pricing model for each project type | Video + Calculator Worksheet |
| 5.2 | Writing winning proposals & scopes of work | Draft a clear, compelling proposal that closes deals | Video + Template |
| 5.3 | Contracts, milestones, and change orders | Structure contracts to protect both parties and manage scope creep | Video + Template |
| 5.4 | Invoicing, payments, and handling late fees | Set up automated invoicing and enforce payment terms | Video + Tool Guide |
| 5.5 | Tax basics & retirement planning for freelancers | Implement quarterly tax payments and retirement contributions | Video + Checklist |

## Module 6 – Client Acquisition & Marketing
| Lesson | Description | Learning Objective | Format |
|--------|-------------|--------------------|--------|
| 6.1 | Defining your ideal client avatar | Identify and target high‑value niches | Worksheet |
| 6.2 | Building a lead funnel (LinkedIn, Upwork, referrals) | Generate a steady stream of qualified leads | Video + Funnel Template |
| 6.3 | Crafting outreach emails & cold pitches | Write persuasive outreach that gets responses | Video + Swipe File |
| 6.4 | Conducting discovery calls & needs analysis | Run effective discovery sessions that uncover scope | Role‑play Video + Script |
| 6.5 | Managing client relationships & upsells | Turn first‑time clients into repeat business | Video + Quiz |

## Module 7 – Project Management & Delivery
| Lesson | Description | Learning Objective | Format |
|--------|-------------|--------------------|--------|
| 7.1 | Agile basics for solo freelancers | Apply Scrum/Kanban principles to individual workflows | Video + Board Template |
| 7.2 | Time tracking, estimations, and buffer planning | Produce realistic project timelines and budgets | Video + Spreadsheet |
| 7.3 | Communication tools & status reporting | Keep clients informed with professional updates | Video + Email Templates |
| 7.4 | QA, testing, and client handover checklist | Deliver bug‑free work and smooth handoffs | Video + Checklist |
| 7.5 | Collecting testimonials & case studies | Leverage satisfied clients for future sales | Video + Template |

## Module 8 – Scaling & Long‑Term Growth
| Lesson | Description | Learning Objective | Format |
|--------|-------------|--------------------|--------|
| 8.1 | When and how to subcontract or build a team | Transition from solo to agency model | Video + Decision Tree |
| 8.2 | Niche specialization vs. generalist approach | Choose a profitable specialization strategy | Worksheet |
| 8.3 | Passive income streams (templates, courses, SaaS) | Create additional revenue beyond billable hours | Video + Idea Sheet |
| 8.4 | Continuous learning & staying current | Build a personal development plan for tech trends | Video + Planner |
| 8.5 | Work‑life balance & burnout prevention | Implement habits that sustain long‑term productivity | Video + Checklist |

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## How to Deliver This Course
1. **Learning Management System (LMS)** – Host videos, worksheets, and quizzes on platforms like Teachable, Thinkific, or Kajabi for a seamless learner experience.  
2. **Video Production** – 10‑15 min high‑quality screencasts for concepts, 5‑10 min “talking head” for soft‑skill topics. Include closed captions and downloadable transcripts.  
3. **Interactive Labs** – Use Replit or Gitpod environments embedded in the LMS so students can code without local setup.  
4. **Assignments & Peer Review** – Each module ends with a deliverable (e.g., a mini‑project, proposal draft). Set up a private Discord/Slack community for peer feedback and instructor Q&A.  
5. **Assessments** – Short quizzes after theory lessons; a final capstone project (portfolio site + client contract) graded with a rubric.  
6. **Live Sessions** – Weekly 60‑minute live office hours (Zoom) for real‑time troubleshooting and networking. Record for later viewing.  
7. **Certificates** – Issue a digital badge upon successful completion, linked to the learner’s LinkedIn profile.  

By combining self‑paced content with live interaction and real‑world deliverables, this bootcamp provides a market‑ready pathway from zero to thriving freelance web developer.