Secrets of Becoming a Freelance Web Designer

The freelance web design industry is a lucrative one, and it can be very rewarding. Starting your own freelancing career as a web designer may seem like a daunting task, but it’s actually not that difficult. In this article, we will explore the steps to take to become a freelance web designer from scratch.

What is a freelance web designer?

A freelance web designer is a professional graphic artist responsible for making a website appear attractive. They are generally concerned with the website’s visual appeal, as well as its user-friendliness. The main duty of Web Designers is to improve the look and overall feel of a website by using programs like Corel Draw, Photoshop, and others to add attractiveness to it.

A freelancer is someone who works independently without being employed by a company or person, usually in exchange for payment on a per-project basis.

Most people become freelance web designers because they either don’t want to work under the constraints of an employer’s set schedule and tasks or are simply tired of working at their current job that doesn’t fully utilize their skills and talents. Freelancing is definitely not for everyone, however, as it does come with its own set of challenges and benefits.

Types of web designers

Web designers can be categorized into three. UI, UX, and visual designer.

User Interface (UI) designer

A UI designer is responsible for the look and feel of a website’s user interface. They focus on making sure that all interactive elements are easy to use and navigate.

User Experience (UX) designer

A UX designer, on the other hand, is more concerned with how users interact with a website. They work to make sure that every interaction between the user and website flows smoothly.

Visual designer

A visual designer is responsible for making a site look attractive through graphics, images, colors etc. They are concerned with both design aesthetics as well as how users interact with it visually.

How much do web designers make?

Beginner web designers can earn up to $500 depending on their skill level and niche. Experienced designers can earn upwards of $5,000 for a single web design project.

Freelance web design is a competitive niche that also pays well. While some might consider it flooded since anyone who has learned basic CSS and HTML refers to themselves as web designers, it’s still lucrative. Some micro niches you can focus on to make a kill include designing product pages and landing pages for businesses.

How to become a freelance web designer for beginners?

We’ve looked at different types of web designers and how much one can make as a freelance web designer. But the question is, how do you get started as a beginner web designer?

Steps to becoming a successful web designer

Step 1: Find your niche

The first step is to find your niche. What are you good at? What do you enjoy designing the most? Once you’ve found that, focus all of your energy on becoming an expert in that field.

“You Don’t Have To Be Great To Start, But You Have To Start To Be Great.” — Zig Ziglar

Step 2: Learn the basics

To become a freelance web designer, you’ll need to have some basic skills. This includes being proficient in at least one design software, as well as being able to code in HTML and CSS. You can learn these basics by taking online courses or attending bootcamps. Remember, to be a good web designer, you need to tap into your creative side.

Step 3: Know that there are no shortcuts

Maybe this should have come in at number 1. As a beginner web designer, one thing you need to remember is, there are no shortcuts to success. You’ll need to put in the work in order to realize the results. There’s no overnight success when it comes to freelancing. If you are in need of quick money, this may not be for you.

Step 4: Learn some graphic design

While you don’t have to be a graphic designer to be a great web designer, it definitely helps. Learning some basic concepts in graphic design will give you an edge over other designers who may not know how to create beautiful designs that also look great when coded into a website.

As a freelance web designer, you may encounter a client who needs a logo or some illustrations for their website. Having the skills to compliment your work is an added advantage.

Step 5: Learn about web hosting, domains, and servers

This is a little more technical than what you’ll need to know as a beginner web designer, but it’s still good to have some knowledge in this area. As a freelance web designer, you may be required to set up and manage the website hosting, domain name, and server for your clients.

Step 6: Start building your portfolio

Your portfolio is the most important tool you have as a freelance web designer. This is what will show potential clients that you’re good at what you do.

When building your portfolio, make sure that it represents the work you’ve done as a freelancer and is easy to navigate. You can use one of those online portfolio tools like PortfolioBox or Crevado. Behance is another great option to showcase your portfolio as a web designer.

Step 7: Price your services accordingly

As a beginner web designer, it’s important to know how much you should charge for your services. How do you calculate this? Well, one way is by estimating the time required to complete a project and multiplying that with an hourly rate of approximately $20-$30 depending on where in the world you live. You can then add more to that price to account for your overhead expenses like office space or equipment.

Another option is to contact your competitors and find out what they are charging for that particular service.

Step 8: Find your first web design project

Now that you know how much you should charge, it’s time to reach out and start pitching yourself as a freelance web designer on job boards like Upwork. Once you get some clients on board, make sure they are happy with the work you’ve done and leave good reviews. This will help you attract more clients in the future.

Final Thoughts

Becoming a freelance web designer is an exciting opportunity, but it’s not without its challenges. As with any business venture, you’ll need to put in the work and do your research before jumping into this endeavor. Fortunately for beginners like yourself, we’ve outlined all of these steps so that you can get started right away!