How
to Make Money from Web Design in (2024)
In the last year, you're likely
visiting multiple websites daily, from social media platforms like Facebook,
Twitter, and Instagram to favorite retailers like Amazon or eBay. The internet
has seen a significant increase in use over the past decade, creating a vast
opportunity for content creators and online businesses.
You might think you need to be a web
development expert to start, but that's not the case with today's technology.
In this article, we'll explore how to make money from web design, how to build
a website from scratch, and ways to attract clients to boost your earnings.
Let's dive in!
Why Building Websites is a Great Way to Earn Money Online
Creating websites is an excellent side
hustle for many reasons. If you're looking for a way to make money online, web
design might be the perfect fit for you.
Low Startup Costs
Starting a web development business
has minimal entry costs, making it a great option for those who don't want to
deplete their savings to get started. All you need is a computer and an
internet connection to begin creating websites and earning money.
Remote Work
Capability
One of the best aspects of earning
money through web design is its remote potential. Whether you choose to work
from a beach or at home, you enjoy a high level of flexibility.
Independent Work
If you're an introvert at heart, web
design could be the perfect side hustle for you! Interaction with others is
relatively limited, depending on the projects and clients you work with.
High Earnings
Whether you're a freelance developer
or working full-time, the pay is substantial. Hourly rates for web developers
are among the highest in freelance work, potentially earning you thousands of
dollars each month.
Scalability
Starting a web design business allows
you to grow at your own pace. If you have a productive week or more time to
dedicate to your side hustle, you can easily scale your business to attract new
clients.
Flexible Payment
Methods
Unlike many jobs that offer bi-weekly
paychecks, running your own business or freelancing gives you access to various
payment types and schedules. For example, you might get paid through PayPal or
Venmo, or choose to receive half upfront and the remainder upon project
completion.
Downsides of Making Money from Web Design
While there are many benefits to
starting a web development side hustle, there are also some drawbacks,
including:
- Stressful work environment
- Steep learning curve for new web developers
- Constantly evolving industry
- Managing multiple projects simultaneously
Although you don't need to be an
expert web designer to start, a basic understanding of web design practices is
crucial for success.
How to Build
Websites from Scratch
To start making money from web design,
you first need to understand what it takes to create a successful website.
Knowing common web development languages like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript can
fast-track your progress, but they aren't mandatory.
There are three main approaches to
building websites, depending on your project:
1.
Create a Website Using a CMS Like
WordPress with a Purchased Theme
2.
Build a Website Using a Page Builder
Like Elementor
3.
Develop a Website from Custom Code
(Yuck!)
There's no single right way to build
websites. You'll need to analyze your client's needs to choose the best option
for their goals and requirements.
Step-by-Step Guide to Creating a Website Using WordPress
One of the easiest ways to start
making money from web design is to use a CMS like WordPress and purchase a
theme.
What is a Theme? A theme is
essentially the "look" of a website, dictating its appearance and
layout. Most themes are highly customizable, allowing you to change colors,
images, and layouts within the WordPress dashboard without any coding
knowledge.
Installing WordPress Installing
WordPress on your site or blog is often straightforward, with many hosting
companies offering free installation services.
Using a Page Builder
Like Elementor
If you want more customization, using
a page builder like Elementor is an excellent option. You can create custom
pages without coding knowledge by installing the Elementor plugin on a
WordPress site. However, note that page builders often come with a cost and may
have limitations in functionality.
Developing a Website
from Custom Code
In some cases, creating a website with
custom code might be your only (or best) option. This approach requires
extensive knowledge of web development languages like HTML, CSS, JavaScript,
and PHP.
Understanding How the Internet Works To build a
custom-coded website, you must understand how the internet and websites
function. For example, when you type a URL, the browser connects to the domain
and URL to find the web files. If there's code on the page (HTML), it gets
displayed.
Creating custom-coded websites
involves creating an HTML file for each webpage, which can be time-consuming.
This is why many websites opt for a CMS like WordPress.
By following these steps, you can
start building websites and earning money from web design, taking advantage of
low startup costs, remote work opportunities, and flexible payment methods.