Thinking about “How to start freelancing as a web developer?” In this guide, we’ll walk you through the essential steps to kickstart your freelancing career. Web development remains one of the top freelance skills, with demand for web developers increasing by 10% annually worldwide.

What is freelance developer?     

A freelance developer works with clients, businesses, or organizations on a contract or project basis. They help build apps and websites, test them, and get them online.

Most freelancers are self-employed, though some work as contractors for different brands. Along with coding, they also handle client and project management.

Some freelancers have a broad range of skills, while others focus on a specific area. One developer might build a complete mobile app from start to finish, while another specializes only in testing.

A freelance web developer focuses on building websites and web applications. There are different types, like frontend and backend developers, full-stack developers, and Salesforce developers.

How to start freelancing as a web developer in 6 easy steps

1. Learn the Essential Skills

Master HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Take online courses or read e-books to understand coding principles, object-oriented programming, and SEO basics.

2. Choose a Niche

Specialize in a specific industry or technology like Node.js, Swift, or Ruby on Rails. A niche helps you charge higher rates and attract quality clients.

3. Start Building Websites

Work on real-world projects to improve your skills and gain experience. Build e-commerce sites, dynamic websites, and optimize for speed and SEO.

4. Grow Your Personal Brand

Create a portfolio website showcasing your work. Start a blog, share free resources, and build a strong online presence through social media.

5. Organize Your Business

Use project management tools to handle clients, deadlines, and invoices. Stay structured to manage multiple roles efficiently.

6. Find High-Paying Clients

Pitch to premium clients and take on complex projects. Highlight your best work on your website and build credibility to attract bigger opportunities.

How to create a professional website without coding experience?

If you’re looking to create a professional website without coding, both WordPress and Shopify are excellent platforms that offer user-friendly options. Here’s how you can use each:

 WordPress

1. Choose the Right Platform
   • WordPress is great for blogs, business websites, portfolios, and more. It’s flexible and customizable.
2. Get a Domain and Hosting
   • Purchase a domain and hosting from providers like Bluehost, SiteGround, or WP Engine.
3. Pick a Theme
   • Choose from free or premium themes from the WordPress theme directory or third-party sites. Customize it easily with drag-and-drop builders.
4. Customize Your Website
   • Use the WordPress Customizer or the Elementor page builder for easy layout, font, and color changes.
5. Install Plugins
   • Add functionality with plugins like Yoast SEO, WPForms, and WooCommerce (for eCommerce).
6. Add Your Content
   • Add pages like Home, About, Services, and Blog. You can add posts and products using the editor.
7. Optimize for SEO and Mobile
   • Use plugins like Yoast SEO to improve search engine rankings. WordPress themes are mobile-responsive.
8. Launch and Promote
   • Publish your site and promote it through social media, email campaigns, and search engines.

Shopify

1. Choose the Right Platform
   • Shopify is best for creating online stores. It offers easy product management, payment gateways, and secure hosting.
2. Get a Domain and Hosting
   • Shopify includes hosting and a domain in its plans, so you don’t need to buy them separately.
3. Pick a Theme
   • Choose a theme from Shopify’s theme store, which is designed for eCommerce and responsive across devices.
4. Customize Your Website
   • Use the drag-and-drop editor to customize your store layout, add sections, and design pages without code.
5. Install Apps
   • Enhance your store with apps like Oberlo (for dropshipping), Klaviyo (for email marketing), and SEO Booster.
6. Add Your Content
   • Add product listings, descriptions, and images. Organize products into collections and categories.
7. Optimize for SEO and Mobile
   • Shopify themes are mobile-responsive by default. Use SEO apps to boost your site’s search engine visibility.
8. Launch and Promote
   • Launch your store and use Shopify’s built-in marketing tools like email campaigns and social media integrations to promote it.

Average salary of a WordPress developer

The national average salary of a WordPress developer is ₹24,833 per month. The exact salary can depend on your experience, location and specialisation. For example, the approximate salary of a WordPress developer in Kharar is ₹26,765 per month, which is higher than most cities. In contrast, the average salary of WordPress developers in Rajkot is ₹17,442 per month.

Please note that none of the companies mentioned in this article are affiliated with Indeed.

Salary figures reflect data listed on Indeed Salaries at time of writing. Salaries may vary depending on the hiring organisation and a candidate’s experience, academic background and location.

Freelance Web Development: Wrap-Up

Starting a career in freelance web development takes dedication, but it’s a great way to work on your own terms.

By learning essential skills, building a strong portfolio, and marketing yourself effectively, you can attract clients and grow your business.

Success in freelancing comes from delivering quality work, managing projects well, and maintaining good client relationships.

With consistency and continuous learning, you can build a profitable and sustainable freelance career in web development.
Start with us today itself.