Q: Is it really possible to make a living building websites for small businesses?
Absolutely! Tons of freelancers and small studios make a good living doing just that. Small businesses always need a strong online presence, and modern tools make it easier than ever to offer affordable, functional solutions that meet their needs.

Q: Why is website building such a great niche for small businesses?
There are so many reasons! Here are just a few:

1. There’s a huge demand: Small and local businesses want to stand out online, and having a website is a must.
2. It’s affordable: These days, you can create high-quality websites without massive budgets, which is great for businesses that are just starting out.
3. Clients come in all shapes and sizes: From bloggers and startups to local shops and e-commerce stores, everyone needs a website.
4. Recurring income opportunities: Beyond building websites, you can offer maintenance, updates, and even digital marketing services to keep that revenue flowing.

Q: What about website builders like Wix or Squarespace? Aren’t they competition?
They are, but they’re not for everyone. While platforms like Wix or Squarespace are great for quick, do-it-yourself setups, they come with limitations:

• Flexibility issues: If a client needs unique features, these builders can’t always deliver.
• Long-term costs: Subscription fees can add up and end up costing more than investing in a custom-built website.
• Control problems: Many users eventually move to custom solutions because they want more control over their site.

So, while website builders have their audience, custom websites created by developers are still very much in demand—especially when clients have more specific needs.

Q: Do you have any personal tips for someone starting out as a freelancer?
Oh, absolutely! I’ll be honest: finding clients is tough at first. I used to joke that my marketing strategy was just sitting in my home office, hoping someone would knock on the door and ask if I could make them a website.

Eventually, I realized I needed to treat freelancing like running a business. I stopped thinking of myself as “just a developer” and started seeing myself as a solo entrepreneur who happens to build websites.

Once I made that mindset shift, I started dedicating up to 20 hours a week to networking, building relationships, and finding clients. These days, I only spend about 10 hours a week on those things because I’ve built up a solid client base. But if I went back to 20 hours, I know I’d land even more projects.

Q: Should freelancers specialize in something, or is it better to be a generalist?
Specializing is a game-changer. Saying “I build websites” is like saying, “I fix cars.” It’s too broad. Clients are looking for experts in specific areas.

For example, I specialize in restoring and fixing websites. I have friends who focus on e-commerce, building brand-new sites, or even developing custom plugins. Most of my clients are non-technical and come to me through referrals, but I regularly collaborate with other specialists when the need arises. Finding your niche not only helps you stand out but also makes your work more enjoyable.

Q: What’s the most important part of succeeding as a web development freelancer?
Two things stand out:

1. Networking: This is key! Attend events, meet people, and build genuine relationships. Your network will become your biggest source of work.
2. Finding your niche: Don’t try to be everything to everyone. Figure out what you love doing (and what you’re great at) and focus on delivering outstanding results in that area.

Q: Do you have any advice for someone who’s just getting started?
For sure! Here’s what I’d recommend:

• Build a portfolio: Even if it’s just a few projects, showcase your best work so clients know what you can do.
• Create an online presence: Have your own website, set up a LinkedIn profile, and stay active on social media to get noticed.
• Do great work: Happy clients will recommend you to others, and word-of-mouth is priceless.
• Keep learning: Stay on top of trends, tools, and new technologies. Clients appreciate developers who bring fresh ideas to the table.
• Know your worth: Set your prices based on the value you bring and don’t undersell yourself.

Q: Any final words for those considering this path?
Web development is an amazing career path if you’re willing to put in the effort. Focus on building great relationships, finding your niche, and consistently delivering quality work. With patience and persistence, you can absolutely turn freelancing into a thriving business.