Web design is the most in-demand skill on the internet right now. It has always been so in North America and Europe. But the rest of the world has woken up. When Covid-19 hit, the need for businesses of all kinds to have a web presence beyond social media became more evident.

Every serious business needs a website, now!

Unfortunately, worldwide, there are apparently less than 10 million web designers, according to one estimate. The world is 8 billion people strong. Do the math, there's an abysmal shortage of web designers, especially good ones!

Check out Fiverr, Upwork and the other skills marketplaces online, you'll understand the demand for web designers.

And that's where you come in. If you know how to "press phone", you should learn web design.

Make no mistake, straight 8 to 5 jobs are fast disappearing. The gig economy is in full swing. And who says you can't hold a full-time job and do web design as a side business?

How much do web designers earn? It depends. But a quick googling will reveal an average of $50/hour. It is definitely lower if you're servicing only customers in Nigeria.

The sweet part of web design is that once you acquire a sizable portfolio of high-quality websites, you can command high sums! The same website an upcoming freelancer would make for 50k, you'd be begged to make for 500k! That's how the industry works.

How do you start a web design business?

Step 1.
Learn web design.
This one is obvious. You want to get a firm grip on the skill you're getting paid for.

What to learn to start:
Html and WordPress.

Extras:
Learn CSS, Javascript and UX/UI design.

Click for a free introductory video course on WordPress.

Step 2.
Build a portfolio.
No it doesnt have to be "real clients". Just build something stunning. Check online for websites of big business, especially in a niche you'd like to specialize. It can health, travel or fashion. Then clone the design. Do so for at least 3 websites.

Don't just leave them on your laptop. Host the websites online, if possible with different domain names. You can get domain names from $1.

Step 3
Now find a real Client.
Don't look to far. There's got to a family member or friend, or associates of associates, that has a business. Build them a website for free. Make sure your website would immediately benefit that business.

How would you convince them you could build websites? Check Step 2, above!

If you can afford it, repeat Step 3 three times. Now you've got 3 real clients! And real world experience, along the way.

Step 4
Ask your real clients for Referrals.
When your real clients refer someone to you, do the job well, no matter how little they're going to pay

No one knows tomorrow.

Keep rolling like this and you're getting super popular.

Step 5
Get on Fiverr.
Acceptance on Fiverr is automatic.
While waiting for fiverr customers, you can ask your next non-fiverr clients to buy your gig on fiverr. That way they can leave good reviews for you.

Fiverr is a review game. The more positive reviews you get, the more jobs come your way.

Step 6
Fine tune your Processes
Build a real company. Ensure you're registered, if you're not at this point. Fix your branding. Sprinkle some bureaucracy.

Like have different departments, even if it's still a solo company. At least have different emails for customer support, billing and general inquiries.

Ensure you sign contracts with every client or at least a document that states your deliverables- to avoid stories that touch!

You're preparing for when you go big!

Step 7
Keep learning.
Add more skills. SEO, SEM, Paid Marketing etc.

Are you overwhelmed? Don't be! It's not easy. It takes time. But you'll get there, If you don't give up!

Step 8
Nothing. You can Google everything and get things done.

Or you can find someone already in the industry to guide you. No, it might not be free. But the value would far outweigh the cost.

In any case, I hope you'd start a web design business and enjoy the freedom of working remotely, getting paid in dollars, and actually helping people grow their businesses!

P.S: Here's a free resource that answers the most common questions about web design. Check it out!

I'm a Level 2 seller Fiverr and an Upwork freelancer. I also habe a YouTube channel where I share tips on freelancing on Fiverr and Upwork and making money on these international freelancing platforms.

If you are looking to launch your freelancing career and you want to understand how Fiverr and Upwork works, I got you covered.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jwzsAmj9N14