Coinmarketvoice
Member
A career as a web developer means using technical skills to build, design and code websites or mobile applications. While the earning potential is high for in-demand roles, breaking into the field and building to a point of making a living requires effort and persistence. Developing a strong portfolio of your work, keeping skills sharp through continuous learning, setting competitive rates and promoting services effectively all contribute to opportunities and income potential.
Your digital portfolio demonstrating projects completed for clients is essential to securing new work. Include details on the scope and complexity of work as well as photos, screencasts, downloads or links to working demos. Share portfolio links on professional profiles on LinkedIn, GitHub, StackShare and your website. As your experience grows, so will the complexity and caliber of projects in your portfolio.
Tech skills evolve rapidly, so commit to constant learning. Stay up-to-date with changes in languages (JavaScript, Python, Ruby on Rails), frameworks (React, Vue.js, Angular), content management systems (WordPress, Drupal, Magento) and more. Follow industry leaders on social media, read blogs on trends in UX design, mobile-first approach and agile methodologies. While learning new skills, maintain a deep competence in frontend, backend, databases, version control, and more—the foundation of any web developer.
Average rates for web developers in your local market determine what you can charge clients. For a new developer, $25 to $75 per hour or $200 to $5,000+ per website/app is typical. Consider offering developmental work by project or hourly. Projects include simple website installs, new B2B SaaS features or ecommerce store optimization. Build pricing for consulting and audits as well as rebranding or mobile-first redesign work. Room to grow rates comes with experience and an established reputation.
Online profiles and content marketing help position you as an authority and attract potential clients. A professional website shares service offerings, technical capabilities, project examples and your ability to deliver innovative solutions. Profiles on LinkedIn, GitHub and StackShare also include your experience, skills and accomplishments. Blog on web design, programming tutorials, tech trends or business/marketing strategy. Having an audience interested in new offerings establishes you as a thought leader.
Look for work at web development firms, design agencies, freelance job boards or as an agency partner. Provide a strong resume highlighting technical skills, projects completed and qualifications. Present a blend of skill depth and versatility useful for a range of client needs. Enterprise companies needing experienced talent for complex projects offer higher salaries. Be upfront on your areas of expertise, interest in continuing education and passion for building web solutions.
Continually developing in-demand skills through paid courses or online resources expands your abilities and marketability. Stay on the cutting edge of trends shaping the web—everything from blockchain and serverless computing to augmented reality. Get involved with local meetups, user groups and tech conferences to make professional connections, share knowledge and promote your services. Build a mentor relationship with an accomplished developer for advice and guidance launching or growing your business.
In summary, the potential to earn a sustainable living as a web developer exists with effort in continually improving skills, developing a professional portfolio, offering strong services and promotion. Providing value to clients through quality work, a great experience and innovation differentiates you in an increasingly competitive market. While freelancing or bootstrapping a business can lead to independence, joining an agency or enterprise firm as an employee may be more stable, especially when first starting out. Unlimited earning potential comes with gaining experience, building a reputation for excellence and industry expertise over time. With persistence and a dedication to constant progress, entrepreneurial success as a web developer is absolutely possible.
Your digital portfolio demonstrating projects completed for clients is essential to securing new work. Include details on the scope and complexity of work as well as photos, screencasts, downloads or links to working demos. Share portfolio links on professional profiles on LinkedIn, GitHub, StackShare and your website. As your experience grows, so will the complexity and caliber of projects in your portfolio.
Tech skills evolve rapidly, so commit to constant learning. Stay up-to-date with changes in languages (JavaScript, Python, Ruby on Rails), frameworks (React, Vue.js, Angular), content management systems (WordPress, Drupal, Magento) and more. Follow industry leaders on social media, read blogs on trends in UX design, mobile-first approach and agile methodologies. While learning new skills, maintain a deep competence in frontend, backend, databases, version control, and more—the foundation of any web developer.
Average rates for web developers in your local market determine what you can charge clients. For a new developer, $25 to $75 per hour or $200 to $5,000+ per website/app is typical. Consider offering developmental work by project or hourly. Projects include simple website installs, new B2B SaaS features or ecommerce store optimization. Build pricing for consulting and audits as well as rebranding or mobile-first redesign work. Room to grow rates comes with experience and an established reputation.
Online profiles and content marketing help position you as an authority and attract potential clients. A professional website shares service offerings, technical capabilities, project examples and your ability to deliver innovative solutions. Profiles on LinkedIn, GitHub and StackShare also include your experience, skills and accomplishments. Blog on web design, programming tutorials, tech trends or business/marketing strategy. Having an audience interested in new offerings establishes you as a thought leader.
Look for work at web development firms, design agencies, freelance job boards or as an agency partner. Provide a strong resume highlighting technical skills, projects completed and qualifications. Present a blend of skill depth and versatility useful for a range of client needs. Enterprise companies needing experienced talent for complex projects offer higher salaries. Be upfront on your areas of expertise, interest in continuing education and passion for building web solutions.
Continually developing in-demand skills through paid courses or online resources expands your abilities and marketability. Stay on the cutting edge of trends shaping the web—everything from blockchain and serverless computing to augmented reality. Get involved with local meetups, user groups and tech conferences to make professional connections, share knowledge and promote your services. Build a mentor relationship with an accomplished developer for advice and guidance launching or growing your business.
In summary, the potential to earn a sustainable living as a web developer exists with effort in continually improving skills, developing a professional portfolio, offering strong services and promotion. Providing value to clients through quality work, a great experience and innovation differentiates you in an increasingly competitive market. While freelancing or bootstrapping a business can lead to independence, joining an agency or enterprise firm as an employee may be more stable, especially when first starting out. Unlimited earning potential comes with gaining experience, building a reputation for excellence and industry expertise over time. With persistence and a dedication to constant progress, entrepreneurial success as a web developer is absolutely possible.
