Web design can be a practical and rewarding way to make extra money online. In this article, I’ll share my personal experience and tips for launching your web design side hustle, even if you’re starting fresh. You’ll see what’s possible, how to get started, and how to find your rhythm in this field.
The Earning Potential of a Web Design Side Hustle
If you charge $500 per website and can build two websites each month, here’s what you might earn:
- 24 websites per year (2 per month)
- $500 per website
- $12,000 in extra income per year (24 × $500 = $12,000)
These numbers are based on my own experience and rates commonly found in the freelance market. As you build up your skills and get faster, you might be able to finish more websites or charge higher rates. That means your income can grow over time.
This side hustle fits nicely with full-time work or studies. And if you really get into it, you can eventually make it your main source of income by working more hours or offering advanced services at higher rates. It puts you in control of your schedule and your earnings.
Example Web Design Project: Modern Local Bakery Site
To make things clearer, let me give you a real-life project example. I worked with a local bakery that wanted to attract more customers with a fresh website. Here’s how the process went:
- Discovery and Planning: Met with the owner to talk through the goals. She wanted a website to show off the menu, store hours, and allow online orders.
- Design and Build: I used WordPress and picked a bakery theme that matched the shop’s vibe. Customizing it with their brand colors and logo, I set it up for mobile devices and added a simple contact form.
- Handoff and Support: I created quick tutorial videos so the staff could update their menu and photos. For a small monthly fee, I also offered ongoing help for updates and questions.
This entire job was wrapped up in about 12 hours and paid $600. The shop owner was so pleased that she told other local businesses about my services. Word of mouth can really help your client base grow over time in web design.
Getting Started with Your Web Design Side Hustle
If you’re looking to get into website building for clients, you don’t need to start big. Begin as simply as you like and build up your skills—and your income—step by step. Here’s my game plan:
Pick a Platform
For newcomers, WordPress and Wix are userfriendly and frequently requested by clients. If you have a little design experience, tools such as Webflow or Squarespace give extra creative control.
Learn Core Skills
Basic HTML and CSS knowledge is essential to customize sites and troubleshoot. Free tutorials on W3Schools or Codecademy are great resources to get up to speed.
Create a Portfolio
Your portfolio is your personal showcase online. Build two or three simple websites for fictional businesses, or help out friends and community groups. Even unpaid work can help you score paying clients down the road. When you have real sites to present, people trust you more quickly.
How to Find Your First Clients
Getting your first clients often starts in your own neighborhood and network, and can also come from online platforms. Here’s where to focus:
- Local Businesses: Small stores, restaurants, and service providers often need better websites. Dropping in for a friendly chat or sending a simple email can be effective. Let them know how a quality site can help attract more customers.
- Freelance Platforms: Websites like Upwork and Fiverr make it easy to connect with people seeking affordable websites. Having a clear profile and a couple of sample sites helps you stand out from the crowd.
- Friends and Family: Your personal network can be a gold mine for first projects. My first gig was for a family member’s side project, which led to several word-of-mouth referrals.
Always explain what’s included, how much it costs, and exactly what the client will receive. Being transparent helps avoid confusion and builds long-term trust.
Helpful Skills That Make a Difference
Adding more skills to your set makes you more attractive to clients. Here are the skills that made a big impact for me:
- Responsive Design: Making sure sites look great on phones and tablets widens your client’s reach. Most modern themes are mobile-ready, but knowing how to fine-tune layouts and images is a bonus.
- SEO Basics: Helping your clients appear on Google is a huge plus. Learn basic search engine optimization: use descriptive titles, meta descriptions, and ensure websites load fast.
- Copywriting: Short, clear, and helpful text makes a website better. Clients love it when I can fill in copy gaps, write new pages, or tweak headlines to make their message shine.
- Communication: Simple, honest communication saves time and keeps clients happy. Ask questions, provide updates, and check in regularly for feedback. Even simple tools like Trello boards or shared Google Docs can keep everyone in sync.
Ways to Make Money Beyond Website Builds
Building sites isn’t the only way to make money with web design. Here are some bonus opportunities I use:
- Monthly Site Updates: Many clients want someone to handle regular changes—like software updates or blog posts. For fees ranging from $30 to $100 a month per site, these little tasks boost your yearly income.
- Hosting and Domains: Help clients pick hosting or purchase domain names. Using providers like Bluehost or Namecheap gives you referral bonuses when clients sign up through your links, and clients appreciate the service.
- Addons: Adding booking forms, small online stores, event calendars, or photo galleries can increase your earnings. Set your prices and explain the benefits so clients know what they’re getting.
Each addon is a chance to help clients grow their businesses while increasing your own income stream.
Common Questions I Get About Web Design Side Hustles
Do I need a degree to start?
No, you don’t. Potential clients want to see examples of your work rather than a diploma. A self-taught portfolio often works just as well.
Can I do this part-time?
Absolutely. I started out with just a couple of evenings during the week and part of the weekend. Flexible hours mean you can fit projects around your work or school schedule.
How do I keep up with updates in web design?
I subscribe to key web design blogs and sign up for newsletters from major platforms like WordPress and Webflow. Each week, I play around with new tools and features to make sure I’m not falling behind.
How do I avoid unpaid extra work?
I always list out what’s included in my project price (like page count or specific features) and confirm with the client before starting. If they want to expand the project, I explain the new cost upfront.
Start Building Your Web Design Side Hustle
Ready to kickstart your web design side hustle? Choose your platform and build your first sample project this week. For more guidance, you might want to check out Udemy courses or freeCodeCamp. These resources helped me land my first real clients and will keep you learning as you grow.
Stick with your first few projects, and you’ll likely see both your skills and confidence improve quickly. Businesses of all kinds are searching for simple, reliable websites—and you can help them get online while earning solid extra income.
Got a question about starting your own web design side hustle? Or maybe you want to share a story about building your first site? Drop your thoughts below to help others learn from your wins and struggles. Sometimes, the community’s advice is just the boost you need to hit your web design goals!
