Freelance web development is an excellent way to earn while remaining independent and flexible. You choose who you work with, which projects to take, and at what pace to develop. Today, web developers have access to many tools, including not only traditional manual coding but also visual website builders. This article will help you understand how to begin your journey in freelancing, what skills are needed, and where to start as a beginner.
Preparation Before Starting
Assessing Your Skills
Before starting freelancing, it’s important to realistically assess what you already know. If you’re just beginning to study web development — you can start with simple projects, templates, and mastering basic technologies and tools.
Choosing a Specialization
It’s important for a freelancer to narrow the focus and not try to do everything at once. Key areas include:
- Frontend — creating the visual part of a website (HTML, CSS, JavaScript);
- Backend — site logic and working with databases (PHP, Python, Node.js, etc.);
- Full-stack — combining frontend and backend;
- Working with CMS — WordPress, Joomla, Shopify, etc.;
- Development using website builders — simple, fast solutions with minimal code.
Setting Goals
Ask yourself these questions:
- Do you want freelancing to be your main job or a side hustle?
- Is a stable income more important, or is freedom more valuable?
- Are you interested in remote work or career growth opportunities?
Why Start with a Website Builder
For beginners, this is the perfect start:
- No deep programming knowledge required;
- Quick portfolio creation and first orders;
- High demand among small businesses (landing pages, business cards, online stores);
- Fewer technical issues — more focus on design, structure, and customer service.
The Site.pro website builder allows you to import ready-made websites, choose from hundreds of templates, and even use AI to generate websites. This way, you can earn with minimal time investment.
Necessary Skills and Tools
Traditional Web Development: High Entry Barrier
If you plan to do frontend or backend “from scratch,” you’ll need to master:
- HTML, CSS, JavaScript — the foundation of any webpage;
- Frameworks (React, Vue, Bootstrap, etc.) — for creating modern interfaces;
- Backend languages (PHP, Python, Node.js) and databases (MySQL, MongoDB) — for logic and data storage;
- Git, command line, hosting, deployment, security — all necessary for launching a full website.
This may take months or even years. Beginners often get stuck on technical details and never reach real client work.
Working with Website Builders: Fast Start
Modern website builders allow you to start earning within days of learning. Their advantages:
- No programming required — everything is done through a visual interface;
- Ready-made templates, blocks, and elements — save hours of work;
- Easy domain connection, email setup, forms, SEO settings;
- Import ready websites — quickly migrate clients from outdated platforms.
This is especially valuable for beginner freelancers: instead of spending months studying code, you immediately solve client tasks — and get paid.
Soft Skills and Additional Tools
Regardless of your chosen approach, you’ll find useful:
- Communication — the ability to negotiate, clarify tasks, and present results;
- Time management — managing deadlines and multiple projects simultaneously;
- Self-organization — especially important in freelancing.
Also useful are tools:
- Figma or Canva — for designing layouts;
- Trello or Notion — for task planning;
- Google Drive or GitHub — for file storage and sharing.
If you want to enter the market faster and start receiving orders — a website builder gives you the shortest path. Technical knowledge will catch up over time, and experience working with clients and understanding their tasks — will begin forming from the very first project.
Portfolio
A portfolio is your face. Clients want to see real examples of your work, even if they aren’t commercial projects. Without a portfolio, it’s very difficult to convince a client to trust you, especially if you don’t yet have reviews or experience on freelance platforms.
At the beginning of your career, don’t wait for the perfect project — create sites yourself:
- Side projects — fictional tasks: a cafe website, an online course landing page, a blog, a photographer’s portfolio, etc.
- Websites for friends and acquaintances — offer to create a site for free or for a symbolic fee. This gives you real tasks, feedback, and experience working with a “real” client.
- Sites “for yourself” — a resume site, a landing page for your services, a test e-commerce store. Use Site.pro AI website builder to speed up the process.
- Use a website builder to quickly create quality sites without wasting time on code.
The more varied the projects — the better. The main thing is to show that you can solve problems and complete work.
Where to Display Your Portfolio
- GitHub — if there is code or you’re doing CMS-based projects;
- Behance or Dribbble — for presenting design and website screenshots;
- Your own website — the best option. It can be built on the same website builder and serve as an example of your abilities. Add to it: project descriptions, links, contacts, contact forms.
Profiles on Freelance Platforms
Overview of Popular Platforms
- Upwork — the most famous international platform, high competition, but good rates;
- Freelancer.com — similar to Upwork, lots of available projects;
- Fiverr — format of “turnkey” services (gigs), convenient for template tasks like “creating a landing page on a builder for $100”;
- Toptal, PeoplePerHour, Guru, and others — less mainstream, but still interesting.
How to Properly Fill Out Your Profile
- Describe in detail what you know how to do and what you work with (e.g., “I create websites on the Site.pro builder, import old websites, connect domains and email”);
- Upload a photo and provide real contact details;
- Add links to your portfolio, projects, and, if possible, a video introduction;
- State honest, but competitive pricing.
Tips for Getting First Orders
- Don’t be afraid to take cheap or small orders at the start to collect reviews and ratings;
- Respond to projects with a personalized approach — show that you’ve understood the task;
- Create clear and specific gigs (on Fiverr) — with a clear description of the service and result;
- Use keywords in descriptions: “landing page on a builder,” “site import,” “Site.pro design” — this helps people find you via search.
Finding First Clients Outside Platforms
Networking and Recommendations
Often, first clients come “through connections.” Tell your friends, family, colleagues, and in social networks that you build websites. Even one satisfied client can bring others.
If you created a website for someone for free — be sure to ask for a review and recommendation.
Social Networks and Communities
- Maintain an Instagram, Facebook, X, Telegram channel, where you publish your projects, tips, case studies.
- Participate in groups and forums for small businesses — they often look for affordable performers.
- Share helpful content: checklists, website creation advice, templates — this builds trust.
Cold Emails and Offers
- Make a list of businesses that could benefit from a website or redesign.
- Write them a letter with a specific proposal:
- “Hello! I specialize in creating websites on modern platforms. I can quickly and affordably create a landing page or online store for you. Attached are examples of my work.”
- Don’t expect instant responses — consistency yields results.
Pricing
Proper pricing is one of the key success factors in freelancing. Mistakes in this area can lead to burnout or lack of orders.
How to Estimate the Cost of Work
- Evaluate not only the volume of tasks but also the timeline, complexity, revisions, and communication needs.
- Consider your costs (time, tools, taxes).
- Compare with competitors, but don’t compete solely on price.
Hourly vs. Fixed Payment
- Hourly (especially on Upwork): convenient for long-term tasks with variable scope.
- Fixed: for a specific task — e.g., “landing page for $200.”
Mistakes Beginners Make
- Undercutting: too low a price devalues your work and attracts problematic clients.
- Working “for a review” or for free: acceptable only at the start, 1–2 times, don’t make it a habit.
- Lack of a clear price list: always state a range or final amount before starting work.
Agreements and Legal Aspects
Even without a legal entity, it’s important to protect both yourself and the client in freelancing.
Clarifying Conditions
- Always clarify the scope of work, timelines, cost, and number of revisions.
- It’s better to record all of this in writing: in correspondence, a contract, or a Google document.
Contract and Payment
- A formal contract is especially important when working with businesses or large sums.
- Use invoices, acts, screenshots of correspondence as proof of agreements.
- In many countries — simplified options for freelancers may exist (e.g., sole proprietor in the U.S., freelancer license in the UAE).
Deposit
- Always take partial or full advance payment (20–50% and more). It filters out problematic clients.
- For platforms like Upwork, money is held in escrow — protecting both parties.
Working with Clients
Freelancing is not only technical work but also communication, service, flexibility.
Communication and Expectations
- Ask questions, clarify details. The more clarity — the less misunderstanding.
- Explain things in simple language — clients don’t always understand technical details.
- Confirm tasks in writing.
Managing Revisions
- Limit the number of free revisions in your agreement. For example: “2 rounds of revisions included.”
- Try not to react emotionally — even if the revisions seem pointless.
- Justify: “This will be more convenient/faster/better for SEO.”
Conflicts and Misunderstandings
- The main thing is to act professionally.
- Often problems are solved through calm explanation and compromise.
- If a client is unreasonable — refuse the project, especially at early stages.
Organizing Your Workflow
Freelancing offers freedom but requires discipline. Without a system, you’ll quickly face chaos.
Planning
- Keep a task list (Notion, Trello, Todoist)
- Break large projects into stages: design, structure, content, testing.
- Set realistic deadlines and account for buffer time for emergencies.
Time Management
- Set working hours and stick to them.
- Use timers: Pomodoro, Toggl, Clockify.
- Don’t delay edits and approvals — they pile up.
Minimizing Burnout
- Take breaks and weekends.
- Work in a comfortable environment.
- Learn to say “no” to complex, unprofitable, and toxic clients.
Learning and Growth
A freelancer who doesn’t develop quickly loses relevance.
Continuous Improvement
- New platforms, frameworks, and approaches constantly emerge — allocate time for learning.
- Subscribe to professional blogs, YouTube channels, and courses (e.g., Udemy, Coursera).
Expanding Your Skillset
- Master one tool (e.g., website builder) to work efficiently.
- Learn basics of design, SEO, and copywriting to increase value to clients.
- Improve international language skills to access global platforms and high-paying clients.
Engagement in Community
- Connect with other freelancers through chats, forums, and meetups.
- Share experiences, ask questions, and publish case studies to attract clients and partners.
Scaling
Once you have consistent orders, stable income, and confidence, consider scaling your freelance business.
Raising Prices
- Increase rates when demand grows and you have strong case studies.
- Offer “service packages” (e.g., basic website, website + SEO, website + content).
- Specialization and expertise justify higher rates for the same tasks.
Delegation
- Delegate routine tasks (e.g., copywriting, translations, tech support) to other freelancers.
- Collaborate with designers, marketers, or developers to form a mini-team.
Personal Brand
- Build a personal brand with a website, social media, logo, and case studies.
- Run a blog and share knowledge to attract higher-paying clients.
- Launch online courses, offer consulting, or sell templates.
Transition to an Agency
- With a steady order flow and assistants, scale into a web studio.
- Automate processes using CRM, contract templates, and a freelancer database.
- Partner with hosting companies, digital agencies, or SMM specialists for subcontracting.
Common Mistakes by Beginners
Mistakes are inevitable, but learning from others’ errors can save time and effort.
Lack of Specialization
- Trying to be “everything for everyone” is a common trap.
- Focus on a niche (e.g., websites for small businesses on a builder) to simplify promotion and attract warmer leads.
Poor Communication with Clients
- Failing to ask questions, clarify details, or disappearing harms your reputation.
- Prioritize clear, calm, and polite communication for long-term relationships and recommendations.
Low Rates, Burnout, Lack of System
- Taking too many low-paying orders leads to fatigue, burnout, and mistakes.
- Poor time and financial planning causes chaos and stress.
- Prioritize 2 quality projects at a good rate over 10 cheap, exhausting ones.
Conclusion
Freelance web development is a real way to earn, grow, and control your life. Especially if you choose a modern, fast, and efficient approach — working with website builders.
You can start without deep technical knowledge, build a portfolio, find clients, and gradually move toward a stable income. Then — scale, develop your personal brand, and build a career on your own terms.
The main thing — is to start. Do projects, learn from experience, communicate with clients, and don’t be afraid to promote yourself. The world of online business is huge — and there’s definitely room for you.