As a freelance website designer, there are countless opportunities to expand your income. Whether you’re just starting or have years of experience, making extra money doesn’t have to be a challenge. Here’s a detailed guide on how to leverage your skills and creativity to boost your earnings.
Top 10 Ways to Make Extra Money as a Freelance Website Designer
1. Offer Website Maintenance Services
Website maintenance is a valuable, ongoing service that many businesses need but don’t always have time to do themselves. By offering website maintenance packages, you can generate a steady stream of income without constantly searching for new projects. Services like updating content, fixing bugs, improving website security, and optimizing for speed are in high demand.
How to do it:
- Offer clients a monthly or quarterly maintenance plan.
- Provide clear outlines of the services you offer as part of the maintenance contract.
2. Specialize in Niche Industries
One of the best ways to increase your earnings as a freelance website designer is to specialize in a specific niche. When you target a niche, such as eCommerce, healthcare, or real estate, you can position yourself as an expert in that field. Niche markets often have higher demand for specialized services, and clients are willing to pay more for designers with specific experience.
How to do it:
- Research industries you are passionate about or have knowledge of.
- Build a portfolio showcasing your work in that particular niche.
- Optimize your website and services to target that niche with specific messaging.
3. Upsell Additional Services
Upselling is a smart way to increase your income from existing clients. Many businesses need more than just a basic website, including services such as SEO (Search Engine Optimization), copywriting, digital marketing, and branding. By offering these services, you provide additional value to your clients and increase your earnings per project.
How to do it:
- Pitch additional services during the design process.
- Create service packages with bundled offerings, like web design plus SEO.
4. Sell Website Templates and Themes
If you have a flair for design, creating and selling website templates or themes can be a lucrative side hustle. Many small businesses and individuals are looking for affordable yet professional designs that they can easily implement. Selling templates on platforms like ThemeForest, Creative Market, or even your website can provide a passive income stream.
How to do it:
- Design high-quality, responsive templates for popular platforms like WordPress or Shopify.
- Upload your designs to template-selling websites or your personal online shop.
- Market your templates to reach a wider audience.
5. Offer Web Design Training or Courses
If you have extensive experience in web design, you can share your knowledge by creating and selling online courses. Platforms like Udemy, Teachable, or Skillshare allow you to create video tutorials and lessons that help others learn how to design websites. This is a great way to generate extra income while giving back to the web design community.
How to do it:
- Plan and outline the course based on the topics you excel at, such as coding, design principles, or specific platforms like WordPress.
- Record video lessons and create helpful resources, like templates or checklists.
- Promote the course on your social media or website to attract potential students.
6. Build and Sell Websites
If you have the skill set to create complete websites, you can build and sell them as pre-designed, ready-to-launch products. Some clients prefer purchasing a website that is already set up and just needs minor tweaks to fit their business. By creating multiple website templates, you can sell them at a markup to individuals and businesses looking for a quick website solution.
How to do it:
- Design and build websites for specific industries or target audiences.
- Advertise your websites for sale on platforms like Flippa or through your own website.
7. Affiliate Marketing for Web Design Products
Affiliate marketing is a way to earn extra money by recommending products or services you use and trust. Many web design-related tools, such as web hosting services, domain providers, or plugins, offer affiliate programs. By incorporating affiliate links into your blog, tutorials, or website design services, you can earn a commission whenever someone purchases through your link.
How to do it:
- Join affiliate programs for web-related services you already use, such as hosting, themes, or page builders.
- Write reviews or create tutorial content around these products and include affiliate links.
8. Create a Freelance Website Design Blog
Blogging is an excellent way to establish yourself as a thought leader in the web design community. By offering valuable insights, design tutorials, or tips for freelancers, you can attract a significant online following. Monetize your blog by offering sponsored content, placing affiliate links, or selling your design services.
How to do it:
- Choose a blogging platform like WordPress and focus on providing value to your readers.
- Create blog posts that help other freelancers or small business owners.
- Monetize with ads, affiliate marketing, or selling your services.
9. Offer Custom Branding & Graphic Design Services
Many businesses look for a full branding package alongside their website design. This includes logo design, color schemes, typography, and more. By offering custom branding services in addition to website design, you open the door to higher-paying projects and long-term clients.
How to do it:
- Promote your design expertise beyond websites, emphasizing your ability to create a complete visual identity.
- Include a portfolio of branding projects to showcase your versatility.
10. Join Online Freelance Platforms
Freelance platforms like Hayanow are great places to find clients, especially when you’re just starting out or looking for extra work. By creating a compelling profile and offering competitive pricing, you can attract clients who need one-off or ongoing web design projects. These platforms can also be a source of passive income, as you can set your availability for when you need extra work.
How to do it:
- Sign up for freelance platforms and complete your profile with a portfolio and services.
- Start with competitive pricing to gain positive reviews and build trust.
- Use platforms like Hayanow to connect with potential clients in need of website design services.
READ THIS: How to Become a Successful Freelance Website Designer in the UK: A Step-by-Step Guide
Maximize Your Earnings as a Freelance Website Designer
Freelance website designers have a wealth of opportunities to make extra money. Whether you specialize in specific industries, offer additional services, or create passive income through selling templates or courses, there are plenty of ways to grow your earnings. By diversifying your income streams and continuously improving your skills, you can not only build a successful freelance business but also ensure long-term financial stability. Don’t forget to leverage platforms like Hayanow, which connect freelancers with clients looking for your web design expertise, helping you earn even more with less effort.
