Hey everyone! I'm kicking around the idea of starting a web development company that would offer three main services: websites, web apps, and automations. My main question is whether websites can really be a solid income source? I think I could manage to create about 3-4 simple ones each week, but I'm curious if there's actually a market for that. Are there any others out there in a similar position, or anyone who's found success in this field? Also, how do you think AI is affecting the landscape for website creation?
5 Answers
Simple sites tend to pay less than you might hope. When it comes down to it, you might need to scale your business and focus on marketing instead of just development. Providing more complex services tends to lead to better pay since those clients are more invested in their sites.
There’s still a solid market for web development, especially if you provide more than just basic sites. I started freelancing during the pandemic when everyone said it was too saturated, yet I've still seen growth. Many businesses are looking to improve their online presence, whether it’s through websites, social media, or online applications. Just remember, having a small number of good clients is better than a ton of low-paying ones! Focus on understanding your clients' needs first before pitching your services.
Exactly! It’s sometimes easy to overlook quality. Plus, those big clients can get messy with their demands, making the small jobs seem less of a hassle.
Honestly, cranking out 3-4 sites a week seems pretty ambitious. If they’re just basic static pages then that makes sense, but if they’re more complex, it’s likely tough to maintain that pace and quality. Plus, you have to consider if you're really adding value beyond what someone could build themselves with a web builder.
That’s right! If they're just basic layouts with no backend, anyone can set that up quickly. Quality over quantity is key here.
It is definitely viable if you figure out a way to charge for ongoing services like hosting and website maintenance. Clients appreciate that support, and it adds to your income stream. Pricing can vary, but where I am, basic website projects start at around $350, often including a year or two of hosting.
I see where you're coming from, but with AI tools now, a lot of clients might opt to build their own sites if they feel confident enough. Just gotta have good marketing to stand out.
I actually pivoted my focus from web dev projects to making widgets, and it’s been a better fit for me. If you pursue web development, consider paid advertising to attract clients actively looking for web services. It's all about finding those who need help with building their sites.
Thanks for the tip! I’ll definitely consider looking into that niche.
Agreed! I’ve found that it’s often more worth it to work on robust projects that contribute significantly to a client's business.