Website design and development are competitive yet profitable niches in the freelancing world. Becoming a freelance web site designer is easy. You just have to put in your efforts and stay consistent. Thanks to the internet and thousands of resources available online. We can learn anything from any level. In this article, You’ll understand a complete process that will take you from a beginner level to a fully established business.
What Freelance Web Designer does?
A freelance web designer is a self-employed Professional working from anywhere in the world to design interactive frontends of the website with their creative and coding skills. Unlike a non-self-employed web site designer. A freelance web designer can work any time of the day and from anywhere in the world. They provide services in Freelance marketplaces, local markets, social media etc.
Web design and Development. What’s the difference?
Web designers focus on the Layout and interactivity of the website. What elements should look like when presented to the user on the internet. Modern web designers follow the responsive design standard to make sure each element of the website is properly placed on every device.
Web Developers on the other hand focus on the functionality of the website, and the working of the backend behind the scene. Moreover, web development involves coding work which requires years of experience and practice to master. However, Web designing can be done using modern web designing tools.
Related: Become a Freelance web developer
UX Design: What is the Difference between UX Design and Web Design
User Experience design is specifically focused on the Look, feel, and usability of the website. There are Several UX design tools available that we can use to design the UX of a website or web app. Figma and Adobe XD are the most popular. Furthermore, The duty of a UX designer is to deliver a prototype and wireframes that help frontend developers and backend developers in the development process.
Learning how to Web design
To master web site design. Firstly, You need to understand the basics of web design concepts such as typography, design principles, colors, layouts, etc. You can learn these basics by doing some research or watching tutorials on YouTube.
Selecting Best Web Design Tools
As a beginner, I would suggest you choose one tool and master it before moving on to other software. This way, you’ll be able to sell your skills better because you’ve at least expertise in one tool. Some tools like Figma and Adobe XD offer features specifically for designing and delivering prototypes, while there is some web-based software with features of Content management and frontend designing. The deliverable of this software is fully functional websites ready to deploy. That means You’ll not just be creating web design, but a fully functional website.
Figma
Figma is one of the most popular designing tools these days due to its capabilities. It allows a team to work together on a design. Figma is specifically created for working on Wireframing, prototyping, and other design purposes. The designers can collaborate with each other in real-time while checking and correcting each other work in real-time.
Figma is a web-based application. However, it also has downloadable software to install and work offline
Moreover, Figma offers a lot of free and paid plugins to boost the productivity of users. For Instance, There are some plugins that allow converting Figma design into HTML, CSS or ReactJS.
Adobe XD
Another great tool for designing UI UX for websites and mobile applications with wireframe, animation, prototypes, and collaboration. Moreover, It is not that great as compared to Figma but many designers are still using it for their daily tasks.
Webflow
Webflow is the new designing and development tool that solved the problem of design and development by combining both of them. This allows a designer to create web design that is fully functional with HTML, CSS and JS code. After finalizing the design, the User can host their website without any extra effort and save development. Webflow comes with a lot of in Built features allowing SEO, Ecommerce functionalities, and other stuff that are requirements of modern websites. Furthermore, Webflow has a thousand templates available for users to kickstart their work. If you want to become a freelance website designer, I would definitely recommend you
WordPress
Similar to Webflow, WordPress is another website builder tools with thousands of themes and plugins available in the market. Unlike Webflow, WordPress offers complete control over the system without any cost. There are a lot of web builder plugins that we can use on WordPress to design websites as per our requirements. Furthermore, WordPress can be used to develop any type of website whether it’s a simple landing page or a full-fledged multi vendor marketplace.
Choose your Niche
If you want to master your field and want to be known as someone who’s an expert specifically in web design. I would recommend you choose a micro-niche. For example, the Landing page.
If you focus particularly on landing pages, their types, layouts, and purposes., You can be an expert landing page designer. Choose your niche, learn and practice becoming a web site designer.
Create a portfolio
I’ve always emphasized creating a portfolio because a portfolio is the only thing that gave a boost to my freelance sales on fiverr, upwork and social media. If you don’t have proof of what you can do for your client, They will not work with you. I’ve written a few words about the importance of a Portfolio in the article How to Start Freelance Graphic Design Business
You can create a portfolio on free platforms like Dribble or Behance. However, If you afford to get your own website, you should go for it. Nothing works better than a website.
I developed my own website Developios and I started getting clients before I hired any team members.
Find Freelance Web Designing Job
Your next step in this journey will be to find to join freelance marketplaces and find jobs. Moreover, you’ll build a social media presence. On facebook, twitter and LinkedIn, a lot of jobs are posted every day. Polish your communication skills and begin reaching clients who need web design services.
Branding and Advertising
Become a brand, after working on freelance websites and local jobs. You’ll be confident enough to start your own business. You can Either hire people on salary or hire freelancers to get jobs done for you. When you have a team, you can do marketing to reach people who need your services. Investing in brand awareness will be a good idea.
Conclusion
Becoming a freelance web site designer is a great choice. Start learning today and stay consistent. Follow the process and You’ll reach your destination.
