Tips to Start a Freelance Web Design Business While Working a Full-Time Job

Starting a freelance web design business while working a full-time job can feel overwhelming, but it’s entirely possible, especially with no-code and low-code tools at your disposal. Platforms like Webflow and Framer make it easier than ever to get started without needing an in-depth coding background. In this guide, I'll walk you through some of the steps I took when I started my journey, and share practical tips to help you make the most of your time and resources.

Choosing Your Design Platform

One of the first decisions to make is choosing the right platform to build your websites on. For those starting out, Webflow and Framer are both powerful options, and which one you choose depends largely on your preferences and priorities.

Webflow is slightly more technical, with a steeper learning curve, but it offers greater flexibility for creating highly customised websites. It provides almost limitless creative freedom, which can be particularly valuable if you want to develop unique and complex front-end experiences. On the other hand, Framer offers an experience that feels similar to Figma. If you enjoy using Figma for design work, Framer might feel like a natural progression. Personally, I use Webflow as it's what I’ve used in my freelance web design business, Eight Pixel, and full-time roles for years. I feel very comfortable in the Webflow ecosystem now, but Framer is also an excellent option for those starting out.

Learning the Tools

Once you’ve chosen your platform, it’s time to learn the ins and outs of it. I highly recommend keeping this part as affordable as possible. YouTube tutorials are a fantastic resource, and there are plenty of high-quality videos available for free. In addition to YouTube, I found Skillshare courses really useful, as they tend to go more in-depth and cover the entire design and build process. For me, the most valuable part of these courses was seeing how designers break down and translate their designs into a fully functioning website. By watching these processes, you start to identify patterns and understand when to use certain techniques.

Practising Before Client Work

The best way to grow your confidence is through practice. Before diving into client work, I spent a lot of time browsing design inspiration sites like Awwwards, Lapa, and Land-book. I used the GoFullPage Chrome extension to take screenshots of any websites, pages, or sections I liked, then saved them all in a Figma file for future reference. This not only served as a library of inspiration but also provided me with challenges to build on my skills. I’d try recreating certain pages or sections in Webflow to see if I could match the designs. It’s a valuable exercise that helps you realise that building high-quality websites is achievable, and it really boosts your confidence as you progress.

Planning and Preparing for Client Work

Once you’re ready to take on client projects, make sure you’ve established a clear process for managing projects from start to finish. There’s a lot of planning and preparation that goes into web design, so having a solid process in place can help avoid any surprises along the way. Make sure you’ve outlined how each stage will go—from gathering client requirements to delivering the final product—so both you and your client know what to expect.

Finding Your First Clients

Taking the plunge into client work can be intimidating. One of the best ways to ease into it is to start with people you know. Offer to help friends, family, or even friends of friends who need a website. You could also put a post out on social media to let people know you’re offering web design services. Starting small is a great way to build your confidence and gain some experience before taking on larger projects.

Passive Income with Templates

Another excellent way to generate income is to become a template designer. Both Webflow and Framer make it straightforward for users to create and sell templates on their marketplaces. I’ve created a handful of Webflow templates, and even though I only have six, they still provide me with a regular stream of income. The beauty of templates is that, once they’re created, they require minimal ongoing work beyond occasional support. If you’re looking for a way to earn some passive income alongside your full-time job, template design can be a great option.

Establishing Your Online Presence

Creating your own website is crucial for showcasing your skills and building credibility. If you’re just starting out, focus on achievable goals when it comes to SEO. Getting your website set up on Google My Business and Google Search Console is a good first step. Local SEO is also a key opportunity to bring in leads. Consider creating landing pages for nearby towns or areas with less competition than major cities—these pages should be tailored to each location and include specific information about your services. Regularly updating your Google My Business account with posts and asking for reviews can help grow your presence over time and bring in work steadily.

Start Creating Content

Making content is an effective way to boost your visibility, both on Google and within your network. Start creating video content on YouTube or writing blog posts to share what you know. It doesn’t have to be overly polished or perfect. The goal is to get your name out there and to help potential clients form a connection with you. This kind of content can be a powerful way to establish credibility, especially when you don’t have a big budget to spend on marketing.

Staying Focused

When you’re balancing freelance work with a full-time job, it’s important to avoid taking on too much at once. Focus on the steps outlined above and work on growing your business at a pace that’s manageable for you. Gradual growth is key to avoiding burnout and ensuring that freelancing remains enjoyable. The journey may take time, but if you stick with it, you’ll see progress.

Conclusion

Starting a freelance web design business alongside a full-time job is a rewarding way to gain experience, build skills, and eventually grow a successful side business. Choose the right platform, learn the tools, practise building websites, and get your processes in place. Find your first clients, look into passive income opportunities like templates, and establish an online presence that highlights your skills. Focus on manageable growth, keep creating content, and, most importantly, enjoy the process. With consistency and determination, you can make freelancing a fulfilling part of your career.