It’s easy to see why you would want to learn how to be a web developer from home. Designing websites is fascinating and relevant work, and since all you need to do it is a computer and an internet connection, it allows for a highly-flexible lifestyle that makes it easier to build the life you want to live.
And as if that weren’t enough, work is aplenty for good web developers. Thanks to the growth in eCommerce — online shopping – competition on the web remains exceptionally high, meaning there are always new projects, and quality work is appreciated and well-compensated. Of course, if you’re just starting out, it may take some time for you to get to a point where you can enjoy all the benefits this career path has to offer. But every journey has a first step.
How To Be a Web Developer from Home – Factors
If you want to learn how to be a web developer from home, here’s everything you need to know:
Get the Right Setup
Although it’s the shoddy craftsman who blames his tools, the reality is that if you don’t have the right equipment from the beginning of your journey, it’s going to be much more difficult and unpleasant, likely leading to frustration and quitting. And we don’t want that.
The Computer
Make sure the device you’re using has a fast processor, (Intel i5 and above or equivalent will usually do the trick), and plenty of RAM (8GB is probably enough but more certainly won’t hurt).
You may also want to think about a dedicated graphics and/or video card to help with more advanced work, and getting a Solid State Drive (SSD) will also help speed up your computer considerably. Of course, you don’t need to go out and spend $1,500 on a new computer tomorrow, but if your current device is currently way below these standards, definitely consider upgrading it or modifying it to enhance its performance.
How to Be a Web Developer From Home – The Connection
The next thing you’ll want to do is make sure your internet connection is up to the task. To be on the safe side, you’ll want to make sure you have an internet connection of at least 50 Mbps. Getting this requires you to closely compare the different plans offered by the various ISPs in your area, something you can do with an ISP search tool. These tools allow you to search, say, “best internet in Dallas, TX,” and from there you can find all the options available to you and choose the best deal.
Using a subpar internet connection can make working as a web developer maddening. If you’re worried about the expense, know that you can claim some of the cost of these bills as business expenses since you are using these services to work and conduct business.
The Workstation
In addition, you’ll want to be sure to get yourself a larger monitor, possibly two, and a good desk and chair that allow you to create a working posture that protects your back, neck, and eyes. Strain from poor ergonomics can make it difficult to work, which will hold your progress back and potentially produce health problems down the line.
Start Learning
If you’re brand new to web development, it’s time to hit the books. To start, dive into a few titles about the world of web development, as this will help lay a good theoretical foundation to your learning and also introduce you to the different areas of the field in which you might be interested in specializing.
But, while this book knowledge is definitely important, it’s much better to learn how to be a web developer from home through practice. There are loads of online tutorials and course materials, often being offered for free, that will teach you everything you need to know about web development.
There are also courses at colleges and technical schools that will provide you with a much more structured program, albeit one you need to pay a fee to access. Which route you take depends on your personal learning style, needs, budget, and schedule.
How To Be a Web Developer From Home – Work on a Portfolio
It’s absolutely never too early to begin working on your portfolio as this snapshot of your work is ultimately what’s going to win over clients. Your credentials and qualifications matter, but you need your work to do the talking for you.
One good thing to do is to immediately start a side project. Launch a website — you can do so for free — about anything you want and use it to experiment with what you’re learning.
Maybe start up a few. No matter what, as you learn and practice, these sites will turn into something good, which you can show to clients and win contracts.
Be Open to Any Jobs
One of the best parts about working in a field such as this is the ability to pick and choose your clients. However, when you’re first starting out, this isn’t really something you can do because the reality is that you’re still unproven.
As a result, you need to cast a wide net and be willing to do pretty much any job, no matter how big or small, that comes your way. Sites like UpWork and Fiverr are great places to find your first jobs, the ones that will give you the experience that you need.
Over time, this will help you build an even better portfolio, and when you’ve proven your work is exceptional, you will have too many offers than you can accept and will be able to select only the projects you want to work on.
How To Be a Web Developer From Home – Advocate for Yourself
Lastly, part of learning how to be a web developer from home is learning how to run a business. After all, what you’re selling is your time and services. This just means that as your career progresses, you need to take charge and advocate for a higher rate or other things you think you deserve. When working for yourself, no one is going to call you to their office to offer you a raise. You need to do that yourself, and the earlier you learn this skill, the more successful your career will be.