The Ugly Truths of Being a Web Designer (And Why It’s Still Worth It)
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Starting a web design business in 2024 might sound like a dream…
The freedom, the creativity, the joy of building something that's truly yours... But if you've been hanging out on social media or diving into blog posts recently, you might be feeling a bit overwhelmed.
Trust me, I get it - those questions start creeping in:
Is it really worth it?
Isn't the market way too crowded already?
Can anyone still succeed when it feels like everyone and their cousin is a web designer?
These are totally normal concerns to have, and today, I want to help you work through them.
Because here's the thing - while starting a web design business definitely comes with its share of challenges (and we'll get real about those), it's not only possible to succeed, it's possible to do it in a way that fits beautifully into the life you've dreamed of creating for yourself.
Success in web design isn't just about making money - it's about creating a business that complements the life you want to live.
So, let's dive into the 'ugly truths' about starting a web design business in 2024 - you know, the stuff that nobody really talks about on those pretty Instagram feeds.
But don't worry! I'm not just here to dump a bunch of problems in your lap.
For every challenge we discuss, I'll share real, actionable strategies to overcome it.
By the end of this post, you'll have a clear picture of what it really takes to turn your passion for design into a thriving, fulfilling career.
The Instagram vs. Reality Check: What They Don't Show You
We've all seen them, right? Those gorgeous social media posts showing designers living their best lives:
Working from stunning home offices (or better yet, from a beach in Bali)
Sipping on perfectly frothy lattes while casually coding
Traveling the world while creating jaw-dropping websites
And honestly, who wouldn't want that life?
The idea of turning your design skills into a business that fits perfectly with your lifestyle is incredibly appealing!
I mean, being able to work when you want, where you want, bringing your creative visions to life... it's no wonder so many people are drawn to becoming web designers!
But Here's What's Really Going On
Let me tell you something that those beautifully curated Instagram posts don't show - the behind-the-scenes reality of building a web design business from scratch.
Now, don't get me wrong! Those dreamy aspects of being a web designer? They're totally possible to achieve. But there's a whole other side to the story that people aren't always upfront about.
So, are you ready to get real about what it takes to build a successful web design business? Let's dive into the first challenge - and trust me, it's one that every web designer faces at some point in their business journey!
Ugly Truth #1: The Client Chase
Let’s talk about something that might keep you up at night – finding clients.
You know how some people have a regular 9-to-5 where they know exactly where their next paycheck is coming from? Well, running a web design business doesn’t exactly work like that.
Unlike some business models – like being an Online Business Manager or social media marketer, where you might keep the same clients for months or even years – as a web designer, you’ll need to consistently bring in new clients. It’s not a one-and-done deal; it’s more of an ongoing adventure.
Now, I know what you might be thinking:
“Great, so I have to become a marketing genius on top of being a designer?”
If marketing and client acquisition aren’t your strengths yet, this might sound pretty daunting.
But Here’s the Silver Lining (Actually, There Are Several!)
First off, marketing and consistently finding clients is absolutely a skill you can develop.
Second, while some business models chain you to long-term client commitments (hello, endless revisions and constant availability), web design offers some sweet flexibility. You can:
Step away between projects when you need to 🏝️
Design your business to fit your lifestyle 🧘♀️
Choose when and how much you want to work 💅
The Real Talk on Getting Clients
In a survey I conducted with over 770 web designers, we found that 61% landed their first paying client before even officially launching their business.
How fabulous is that? It’s like getting an offer on your house before you’ve even listed it!
So, where were all these designers finding their clients? The results were pretty telling:
Referrals: This was the top method (think of it as your "friend of a friend" golden ticket). While referrals are pure gold for designers with a few projects under their belt, I get it—it’s hard to live off referrals if you’ve got exactly zero past clients to recommend you.
Social Media: A dedicated strategy on a visually-driven platform like Instagram can be a total game changer. By showcasing your designs and connecting with potential clients, you can turn your feed into a client-attraction machine.
Content Marketing: This one’s a bit of a powerhouse. Consistently creating valuable content—whether through blogging, YouTube, or podcasting—helps you build credibility and get discovered by the right clients. Plus, it works wonders for your SEO, meaning more eyes on your site and more inquiries in your inbox.
Finding Your Perfect Match (Client-Wise, That Is!) 💕
Here’s something fun—I’ve actually created a quiz to help you figure out which client-finding method suits your personality best.
It’s like a dating app, but instead of finding your soulmate, you’re finding your perfect client-attraction strategy!
Remember, client acquisition is an ongoing process, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming.
With the right approach, it’s entirely manageable. And once you master this skill, you’ll have the freedom to shape your business around your life, not the other way around.
Ugly Truth #2: Market Saturation
Let’s talk about one of the biggest worries out there—market saturation.
Yes, it’s true—there are a lot of web designers these days.
It can feel like you’re trying to build your dream home in an already overcrowded neighborhood. But here’s the thing: even in the busiest of markets, there’s always room for a home that stands out.
Take Shae McGee, for example. When she decided to become an interior designer, the industry was already packed with tens of thousands of designers all over the U.S.
And let’s not forget the household name that was already dominating the space at the time—Joanna Gaines of Magnolia fame.
Shae could have easily thought…
“Well, there’s already someone doing what I want to do,”
….and given up before she even got started.
But she didn’t.
Instead, she honed in on her unique style, found her own voice, and today? Her designs are known nationwide. She created a brand that’s unmistakably her own.
Building your web design business is a lot like designing that dream home.
Sure, other houses in the neighborhood might be stunning, but yours reflects your style, your values, and how you want to live.
By carefully selecting your materials—your niche, your design aesthetic, your business approach—you’re creating something truly yours, something that stands out in its own right.
It’s not about how many homes are already on the market; it’s about building one that feels perfect for you and the clients who are looking for exactly that.
So yes, there are plenty of web designers out there, but guess what? There are plenty of potential clients out there, too.
And by embracing what makes you you—and tailoring your services to meet the needs of a specific audience—you can stand out in a way that feels authentic and aligned with your strengths.
Ugly Truth #3: The Learning Curve
Let’s talk about the learning curve—because, yep, it’s very real.
To be a successful web designer, you need to master two completely different skill sets:
Designing incredible websites that wow your clients.
Managing the business side of things, like client management, pricing, contracts, and, of course, marketing yourself.
And let’s be honest, when you’re just starting out, juggling all of that can feel pretty overwhelming.
But here’s the good news: this learning curve? It’s something you can absolutely conquer.
Like any skill, it takes time, practice, and the right resources. And the best part is—you don’t have to figure it all out by yourself.
There are tons of resources available now—from online courses and coaching programs to thriving communities of designers who have been exactly where you are and are more than willing to share their knowledge.
Back when I was starting out, none of these existed, so trust me, you’ve already got a huge advantage compared to how tough it was just a few years ago.
In fact, remember that survey I mentioned earlier? here’s another one of its findings:
out of 770+ web designers, less than 17% came from a self-employed background, and only about 9% had worked in tech before jumping into web design.
This means the majority were just like you—starting from scratch, without a tech or business background. Most of them were self-taught or invested in online courses that helped them fast-track their way to success.
And no, I don’t mean university degrees or formal education—I'm talking about accessible online learning, the kind that’s tailored to help you succeed right now.
So yes, it’s going to take time and effort to learn the ins and outs of designing websites and running a business, but the key is to keep learning and keep going.
If you’re sitting there wondering how to price your services, which services to offer (whether that’s full site designs, redesigns, VIP days, templates, funnel building, etc.), then you’re in luck!
On day 1 of my upcoming complimentary event, the Profitable & Productive Web Designer Bootcamp, I’ll be diving into exactly how to tackle those "practical" decisions you need to make when starting out.
You can register for the bootcamp here!
Ugly Truth #4: Work-Life Balance
Let's talk about something that often gets swept under the rug - work-life balance.
When you're just starting out (and totally excited about your new web design business), it's super easy to let work take over everything. Trust me, I get it! You're passionate and motivated, and before you know it, your business is eating up your whole life.
But here's the thing:
keeping a healthy work-life balance is a lot like hosting the perfect dinner party. Think about it - you wouldn't invite more guests than you can comfortably serve, right?
So here are a few of my top tips to keep at “guest list” more manageable:
One Client at a Time, Please! Just like you'd want to give each dinner guest your full attention, work with one client at a time and really focus on them.
When you keep your guest list (aka your commitments) manageable, you can make sure every part of your life gets the attention it deserves.
No more feeling overwhelmed or like you're spreading yourself too thin!
Plan Your Packages Ahead of Time.
Having a clearly defined process and offering just one or two specific packages is like planning your dinner menu beforehand.
When you know exactly what you're "serving," everything flows so much more smoothly. You can actually enjoy running your business instead of stressing about it!
Plus, this approach is a total game-changer - it cuts down the time you spend on each project while helping you avoid burnout.
The best part? You're still earning the same (if not more), but with more time for life!
Take Real Breaks (European Style!)
Listen, it's not just okay to take breaks - it's absolutely necessary!
Do it like the Europeans do and take proper, unplugged vacations for a week or even four weeks at a time.
I've found that when I completely turn off from work for a few weeks, I come back genuinely excited to get back to my laptop and create.
Remember Your 'Why'
Always remind yourself why you started this journey in the first place.
You didn't start this business to be chained to your desk - you started it to enhance your life! Keep that front and center in your mind while making the important decisions on how your business will be run and make sure that it matches the lifestyle you want to live.
Why It’s Still Worth It
After hearing about the challenges—the client acquisition, market saturation, the learning curve, and balancing work and life—you might be wondering, “Is it really worth it?”
And the answer, without a doubt, is YES.
Here’s why:
The rewards of running a successful web design business go far beyond just making money, though the financial benefits are definitely a big part of it.
When you build a business that aligns with your passions and lifestyle, it’s incredibly fulfilling. You get to do work you love, on your own terms, for clients who truly appreciate your unique skills and perspective.
Financially, the potential is fabulous. Whether you’re aiming to replace a full-time income, build a side hustle for extra freedom, or even scale to a six-figure business, web design offers the flexibility to grow at your own pace.
And because you can work from anywhere, you get the freedom to design your life in a way that suits you best.
But beyond the financials, there’s something deeply satisfying about creating something from scratch—something that helps other people achieve their dreams too.
When you hand over a beautifully crafted website to a client and see how it impacts their business, it’s an incredibly rewarding experience.
And let’s not forget about personal growth.
Running a business pushes you to learn new skills, overcome challenges, and grow in ways you never imagined.
The confidence and resilience you build along the way are invaluable, spilling over into every other area of your life.
Personally, the confidence I’ve gained through my business growth has been one of the most unexpected and rewarding perks.
So yes, it’s worth it.
The challenges are real, but so are the rewards. With the right mindset, support, and determination, you can build a web design business that not only supports you financially but also enriches your life in ways you never expected.
If you’re ready to take that leap and start building your dream business, I’d love to help you along the way.
That’s why I’m hosting the Profitable & Productive Web Designer Bootcamp!
A free, three-day event packed with educational training, Q&A sessions, and actionable steps to get your business off the ground and running smoothly.
It’s happening live on Oct. 21st, 22nd, and 23rd. If you’re wondering…
How to price your services
Which services to offer
How to streamline your processes
We’ll cover it all in the bootcamp!
Get registered below and I can’t wait to see you there!
