The first edition of the Codeur Awards, which was held in early 2024, saw Frédéric Muller win the trophy in the 'Clients' Favorite Coder' category.
He shares his experience today by presenting his background and how he works to satisfy his clients on a daily basis.
Codeur.com: For those who are discovering you, could you introduce your background and tell us about your core work?
Frédéric Muller : I’ll soon be 44; I’ve been working on the web since I was 18. You could say I’ve had time to see it all! After my studies, we set up a first agency with friends, something we all dreamed of doing in the web’s heyday. The company lasted eight years, then we parted ways.
After that, I went to work for large advertising networks, which gave me great experience in the fields of affiliation, creative work, and development. Some time later the company was acquired and, since we were based abroad, I returned to France and worked for major online sellers. Eventually what had to happen happened: one day I got fed up and went freelance again.
I rebuilt two companies ten years ago: one for consulting and one for development. Since then it’s been going well!
Codeur.com: In development, what are your specialties?
Frédéric M.: The bulk of our work is web-related, especially e-commerce sites. Having had the chance to work at a company focused on data, I also have a preference for building management systems. That ties in with my background in business economics and management.
I’ve always operated within that ecosystem, which is why with my clients I take a holistic view of the business rather than offering a one-off service. When a client comes and we talk, I ask them to tell me about their project: “How do you work with your suppliers?”, “How do you manage your inventory?”, “How much do you earn?”, etc. The main goal is to know them thoroughly so I can offer a solution that covers their real needs, not just build a site for the sake of it.
Codeur.com: When you went freelance again, did you already have a client portfolio, or is that why you came to Codeur.com?
Frédéric M.: I had a few. I discovered Codeur.com between 2011 and 2013. I used it periodically: I would win projects, then be a bit less active on the platform while I completed them. At first, it mostly helped me during transitional periods to clear my head and find projects different from my daily work. In the end, though, it represents a small part of my current client portfolio.
It's true that, actually, the clients I get on Codeur.com tend to stay with me for a long time. So I don't necessarily need to be present on the platform every day to get more clients. For example, one of the first clients I found there between 2011 and 2013 is still with me and I still work with him today. That's true for many others.
Codeur.com: The assignments obtained on Codeur.com aren't one-off projects, but do they lead to real long-term loyalty?
Frédéric M.: Yes, exactly. Often clients come with a preconceived idea like "I want this," but by digging into their needs together, we realize they need to be guided toward something else, and it's that relationship of trust that allows me to work with them long-term.
Codeur.com: Has the platform brought you any projects that left a lasting impression?
Frédéric M.: Not so much projects as people. I think of Serge, a client I found on the platform in my early days more than ten years ago, with whom we've done quite a lot together. It's memorable because he's the kind of client you get to know well. We did many things and eventually even ended up going to the United States together. There's a real story behind it.
Codeur.com: Do you have examples of ambitious projects carried out through Codeur.com?
Frédéric M.: Yes, I have one client who originally came for a small assignment. Today I've been working with him for six years; we've rebuilt his entire portfolio of sites. He's a client who pays me monthly, with an annual contract, and he contributes a significant portion of one company's revenue.
Codeur.com: Do you have any anecdotes about the platform to share with us?
Frédéric M.: An anecdote? Well, I once ran into the same client on Codeur.com several years later who had recreated an account. It was really by chance: he posted an ad I responded to, and while exchanging messages we realized we'd already worked together years before. When he called me, the client even realized he still had my phone number saved in his contacts (laughs).
Codeur.com: What is your approach to working with clients?
Frédéric M.: I mainly work with e-commerce clients. When I start, I tell them, "We work together. It's not 'you', it's not 'me', it's 'we'." From the moment we work together, we really work together. I want to know your company, your numbers, your margins...
I want to know everything because that's how I can tell them where things are failing, what we can do and put in place to generate revenue. The goal is to give momentum to their business.
If they prefer, I can do a one-off job, but for me it's more relevant to work long-term with an annual contract to optimize performance. I prefer to offer an "all-inclusive" service where we can evolve the e-commerce site over time rather than deliver a solution and leave them to fend for themselves.
Codeur.com: What sets you apart today?
Frédéric M.: That's the pitch. The other day I won a project on Codeur.com; the client told me, "You have the worst quote on the platform, it's only three lines." I admit I prefer action to paperwork! I asked him why he chose me then. "It's your pitch."
I also like to challenge myself to prove to my clients that I'm right. I built a personal e-commerce site where I even produce what I sell. I face the same issues as they do: I run ad campaigns on Facebook and Google Ads, I do SEO, I have logistics problems... When they have issues, I come with real solutions tested in the field: "I implemented this and it works, look at the numbers. We'll try it at your place." That reassures clients and prospects. That's what sets me apart.
Codeur.com: Do you have a message for those who want to get started?
Frédéric M.: Get started as a freelancer after gaining real professional experience. You're not a graphic designer just because you know how to use Canva, nor a community manager because you use Facebook. I can be a bit cheeky, but you wouldn't believe how many clients tell me they've worked with providers like that. You need experience to be able to advise others, not just follow online tutorials and try to apply them to clients...
Codeur.com: Moving on to the Codeur Awards, how did it feel to be nominated in several categories?
Frédéric M.: Surprised! Honestly very surprised, since it didn't exist before. Pleasantly surprised because it flatters the ego to be nominated. It's proof that what I'm doing isn't wrong. Ultimately, deep down, it means my strategy, without necessarily being the best, isn't completely wrong either.
Codeur.com: Were you in front of the live stream for the announcement of your win?
Frédéric M.: Yes, I was watching. To be frank, I don't necessarily chase awards. To be completely honest, it's almost a bit annoying because I don't have a website and now I feel obliged to make one to ride the buzz of the event (laughs). Shoemakers are always the worst shod.
Codeur.com: Will we see you again at the Codeur Awards 2025?
Frédéric M.: I think so, I think so. Or not! If I have time to respond to projects, yes. But if I don't have time to look for new projects on Codeur.com, it's because I'll be busy with work. You can't be everywhere, so if I'm not there it's because everything is going well. But I'll keep the account active for sure, and I'll always go look for a few contracts on Codeur.com.
Codeur.com: Do you have new projects for the future, new services to offer your clients or future project owners on the platform?
Frédéric M.: Yes, I'll start moving towards mobile because that's one of the relevant services to offer. But like everything else, I won't offer it until I master the subject from start to finish, so I have plenty of time to get into it. But we have to follow technology, so yes, I will offer that in the future to give my clients an even more comprehensive offering.
Build an e-commerce site with Frédéric
Do you have an e-commerce site or do you want to launch your online store? Post a project for free from Frédéric Muller's profile so they can be notified and respond to you.
Whatever your project, carry it out on Codeur.com by posting it on the platform!
