Udemezue John
Introduction.
In today’s digital age, web development has become a crucial skill for anyone looking to succeed in the tech industry.
With the increasing demand for online presence, businesses and organizations are constantly in need of web developers to design and develop their websites, making it a highly lucrative career path.
Becoming a web developer may seem daunting, but with the right tools, resources, and dedication, anyone can acquire the necessary skills to build a successful career in this field.
In this guide, we will explore the steps you can take to become a web developer, from learning the necessary programming languages to building a portfolio and finding clients.
We will also discuss the various avenues through which web developers can make money, including freelancing, full-time employment, and entrepreneurship.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced programmer, this guide will provide you with the guidance and resources you need to launch your career as a web developer and start making money.
So, let’s dive in and explore the exciting world of web development!
Who is a Web Developer?
A web developer is a professional who is responsible for designing and building websites, web applications, and other digital solutions using programming languages such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
Web developers use their skills to create web pages that are visually appealing, user-friendly, and functional.
They work closely with clients or stakeholders to understand their needs and then use their technical expertise to develop a website or application that meets those requirements.
Web developers can specialize in various areas of web development, including front-end development (working on the client side of web applications), back-end development (working on the server side of web applications), or full-stack development (working on both the client and server sides of web applications).
In addition to programming skills, web developers need to be proficient in problem-solving, project management, and communication, as they often work as part of a team and interact with clients or stakeholders.
Why Should I Become a Web Developer?
In today’s digital age, the internet has become an integral part of our lives. From social media and online shopping to e-learning and remote work, the Internet has transformed the way we live and work.
As a result, the demand for web developers has skyrocketed, making it an attractive career path for many people. If you’re wondering why you should become a web developer, here are some compelling reasons:
1. High demand for web developers.
With the increasing importance of having a strong online presence, businesses and organizations of all sizes need skilled web developers to design and develop their websites and web applications.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of web developers is projected to grow 8 per cent from 2020 to 2030, which is much faster than the average for all occupations.
2. Lucrative career opportunities.
Web development is a highly lucrative career path, with web developers earning a median salary of $77,200 per year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. However, this can vary depending on your experience, location, and area of specialization.
3. Creative expression.
Web development allows you to express your creativity and build visually appealing and user-friendly websites and web applications.
As a web developer, you can combine your technical skills with your creativity to develop unique and innovative solutions.
4. Continuous learning.
Web development is a dynamic and constantly evolving field, with new technologies and trends emerging all the time.
As a web developer, you will have the opportunity to continuously learn and expand your skill set, keeping up with the latest trends and technologies.
5. Flexibility.
Web development offers a high level of flexibility, with many web developers working remotely or as freelancers.
This allows you to work from anywhere in the world and set your schedule, making it a great option for those who value work-life balance.
6. Impactful work.
As a web developer, you have the opportunity to create websites and web applications that can have a significant impact on people’s lives.
Whether it’s an e-commerce website that makes online shopping easier or an educational platform that helps students learn new skills, web development can be a rewarding career path.
7. Versatility.
Web development is a versatile field that allows you to work on various types of projects, from small websites for local businesses to complex web applications for multinational corporations.
This means that you can specialize in an area that interests you and work on projects that align with your values and goals.
8. Job satisfaction.
As a web developer, you have the satisfaction of seeing your ideas come to life and your projects being used by people all over the world. This can be incredibly rewarding and can give you a sense of pride and accomplishment.
9. Collaborative work.
Web development often involves working in a team, which can be a great way to build your interpersonal and communication skills.
Working collaboratively on a project can help you develop a sense of camaraderie and build relationships with your colleagues.
10. Entrepreneurial opportunities.
Many web developers choose to work as freelancers or start their businesses, allowing them to be their bosses and work on projects that align with their vision and goals.
How Do I Become a Web Developer?
Becoming a web developer is an excellent way to enter the fast-paced and exciting world of technology while also earning a good income.
Web developers are in high demand, and with the rise of the digital age, there is a significant need for skilled web developers who can design and build websites and web applications.
In this article, we will discuss how to become a web developer and make money.
1. Learn the basics of web development.
Before you can become a web developer, you need to have a solid foundation in the basics of web development.
You should start by learning HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, which are the fundamental programming languages used in web development. There are many online resources and courses available that can help you get started.
2. Choose a Niche and Start Learning.
There are many places to get equipped with basic programming knowledge and some of these places are going to be mentioned below.
When it comes to web development, there are various aspects involved. This makes it mandatory to focus on a particular part to make your journey easy.
On the other hand, learning every web technology and tool makes it hard for you to comprehend anything meaningful. In this section, I will be stating various aspects of web development that you could consider.
1. Frontend Web Development.
The front end of a website is the part where users communicate with. Everything that you see when you navigate the Internet, from fonts and colours to dropdown menus and sliders, is a combo of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript being dominated by your computer’s browser.
Front-end developers are responsible for a website’s user-interface code and its user experience design.
To achieve those objectives, front-end devs must be adept at three main languages: HTML, CSS, and Javascript programming.
HTML is the building block of any web page, every web page you see on the internet has a touch of HTML in it.
An example of HTML scripts is:
<html>
<head> </head>
<body> </body>
</html>
CSS stands for Cascading style sheet, and it is a markup language used in styling every web page on the internet.
CSS allows you to style your web page, those fancy colours, Fonts Icons and layouts you see on every web page are made possible by the use of CSS. After mastering HTML the next step to do is to learn and master CSS.
To officially declare yourself a front-end web developer, you must understand the fundamentals of JavaScript, which brings us to a conclusion: HTML, CSS, and JavaScript are the three most important aspects of web development.
2. Backend Web Development.
Backend web development covers the transfer and storage of data via the web. Back-end web development usually consists of a server, an application, and a database.
A back-end developer builds and maintains the technology that powers those components, which enables the user-interface side of the website to even exist in the first place.
Data is then communicated via an open protocol (REST API, SOAP API, Graph QL or XML).
To make the server, application, and database interact with each other, back-end devs use server-side languages like PHP, Ruby, Python, Java, and .Net to build an application, and tools like MySQL, Oracle, and SQL Server to store and manipulate data back to the user in front-end code.
Back-end devs use these tools to create or give web applications with clean, portable, well-documented code.
But before writing that code, they need to cooperate with business stakeholders to learn their particular needs, then translate those into technical requirements and develop a productive and efficient solution for designing that technology.
If you love manipulating data and creating business logic, then backend web development is already calling you. In addition, Backend web development is more accessible than frontend development because you must focus on a programming language.
There are so many programming languages built and designed for backend web development which include: Python, PHP, Javascript, PERL, Rust, Go lang, C, C#, C ++ and many others.
3. Full Stack Web Development.
Lastly, most people decide to stay on both sides, and if you are like me, and you like to know what is going on in every part of your application, then you should become a full-stack web developer.
Full-stack developers, like back-end devs, work on the server side of web programming, but they can also fluently speak the front-end languages that control how content looks on a user interface. They are also called Jack-of-all-trades.
Now that the market is becoming thin, and most companies do not like to hire people with a single skill, it is better to learn everything.
To become a full-stack web developer, you need to master all tools mentioned needed by a frontend and a backend web developer.
4. Mobile Development.
A Mobile Developer is also known as a mobile app developer, or an app developer is someone who designs, develops, and implements mobile applications.
They are responsible for developing these software applications in line with the appropriate mobile platforms.
Smartphones have become an integral part of every tech solution, and most people now choose to interact via an IOS or an Android phone than large screen desktops and computers.
Devices like tablets and smartphones have continued to play an essential role in our everyday life for many consumers.
A mobile developer can choose to develop for a specific platform such as Android, IOS, or Windows, or even develop for all ( cross-platform apps).
To master mobile development, you need to deviate from the usual frontend and backend tools, though you can add them to your tool belt.
To become a mobile developer, you need to master languages like Java, Kotlin, Swift, Dart and even Javascript.
3. Develop your skills.
Once you have a solid foundation in web development, you should focus on developing your skills. This can include learning more advanced programming languages, such as Python or Ruby, or developing skills in areas such as web design, user experience, or project management. The more skills you have, the more valuable you will be to potential clients or employers.
4. Build a portfolio.
As a web developer, you should build a portfolio of your work. This can include websites or web applications that you have designed and developed, as well as any other relevant projects you have worked on.
Your portfolio will showcase your skills and give potential clients or employers a better idea of your capabilities.
5. Network and market yourself.
Networking is an essential part of becoming a web developer. Attend industry events, join online communities, and connect with other professionals in the field.
This can help you stay up-to-date on the latest trends and technologies and can also lead to potential job opportunities.
You should also market yourself online by creating a website or social media profile that showcases your skills and experience.
6. Freelance or work for a company.
As a web developer, you have the option to work as a freelancer or for a company. Freelancing can be a great way to start your career as a web developer and can give you the flexibility to work on your terms.
Working for a company can provide you with stability and benefits, but it can also limit your flexibility.
7. Continuously learn and improve.
Web development is a constantly evolving field, and it’s essential to stay up-to-date on the latest trends and technologies.
Continuously learning and improving your skills can help you stay competitive and increase your earning potential.
8. Apply For an Internship.
An internship is a short-term work experience offered by companies and other organisations for people.
It is as much of a training experience as it is work. Ideally, interns work on related projects, learn about the field, make industry contacts, and improve both hard and soft skills. Internships sometimes even lead to full-time job offers.
As an intern, you can work side-by-side with proficient industry experts and get a pretty good idea of what an entry-level role might require.
You will gain real work experience and meet and learn from the pros. And you start to build your network, from your fellow interns to seasoned leaders.
9. Get Certified.
This is not usually a very important criterion as a web developer, but it only exposes you to more opportunities, getting certified as a web developer does not mean you will do better than a self-taught developer who practices more often and updates himself with the needed industry-standard skills.
There are many companies to get certified from, including Google, Microsoft, Oracle, and so many others.
1. Microsoft Certified Solutions Developer.
Microsoft usually issues this certification, and it requires the successful participation and passing of three examinations as Programming in HTML5 with JavaScript and CSS3, Developing ASP.NET MVC Web Applications, and Developing Microsoft Azure and Web Services.
2. W3SCHOOLS Certification.
W3Schools is another online organisation that offers several certification tracks in web development, such as HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and PHP.
Each certificate is designed to test the candidate’s knowledge of each professional area’s foundational principles and concepts.
To earn a certificate, candidates must participate in an Internet-based examination of over 100 questions.
3. Amazon Web Services Certified Developer.
Another excellent certification that could be acquired is the AWS Certified Developer certification. The certification is for individuals who develop and maintain applications on the Amazon Web Services platform.
Candidates need to have at least one year of experience working with AWS applications, a fundamental understanding of at least one programming language, and knowledge of creating Amazon application solutions. The test is 80 minutes running and comprises multiple-choice and many answer questions.
10. Attends Meetups and Developer Gatherings.
Now that you must have started learning, It is not so good to know all on your own, and the journey begins becoming lonely, and you might lose motivation, so at this stage, the next step would be to hook up with other developers. There are so many ways to meet up with developers in your location, and some of them include.
11. Design A Portfolio Website.
A portfolio website contains all your work and competence as a developer. It is usually a single or multi-page website that says a lot about you as a developer.
A portfolio website can be hosted on a free host and built on any technology, it is often the first criterion that would set you to prepare you for a job and even convince a recruiter that you are capable of your work.
12. Monetize Your Web Development Skills.
Now that you have been armed with these weapons, it now time to start making money. Honestly, I must tell you that picking a career in web development is not a day’s Job because the inflow of web developers is becoming massive every year.
Like the music industry, the web development industry is becoming highly competitive. This is because so many people are just waking up and calling themselves web developers, which has caused the industry to become overloaded.
Never mind that the difference between them will usually appear in their projects and knowledge. Here are ways to start making money with Your newly acquired skills.
1. Start a Blog.
So many tech people are searching for tech-related stuff online and need answers to those questions.
You can create a blog related to tech and post about your knowledge of solving web-related capabilities.
A perfect example is websites like scotch.io and many more. The most exciting part about technical writing and blogging is that you would be seen as an authority, and people would trust you.
You can even get a mentorship endorsement to mentor other upcoming developers and get paid for it. Here is an article I recommend you read to help you get started with blogging.
2. Bootstrap an Idea.
This is declining every day among present-day software developers. There is a massive inflow of software developers, but very few create products.
We have very few products with an army of software developers and this is so because we have so many people who want to become web developers or software engineers because they hated their former job and want something more flexible.
So, they carry the less productive mindset into the game. If you want to hit it big in software development, then you need to think of solving a solution for the world. Unfortunately, most people will never start their own software company because they feel they don’t have access to funds.
You can read my article on getting business grants to help you get started with getting funds.
3. Get a Job.
Getting a job has been why so many people become software developers. And I must tell you that software development jobs are exciting and sweet when working with a reputable company.
You get goodies even more than people working in the banking sector or even with the government, and this ranges from very high salaries, gym, laptop set health insurance, and even the opportunity to travel out of the country in most cases and most cases working remotely from your home for a company overseas.
Just in case you need these excellent jobs, you can get them here in Nigeria or even overseas through this platform.
1. Stackoverflow Jobs.
Stack Overflow is a question-and-answer site for professional and enthusiastic programmers, all it does is help programmers post errors that they get on their project on the platforms and get solutions from other programmers on the same platform.
See it just like a Quora, but majorly designed for software engineers this time. This is not where I would like to draw the curtain, all I would like to say is that apart from being a Question/answer platform for software engineers, Stack Overflow also features a way to connect web developers seeking jobs with prospective clients.
This can be done on the same platform but this time called Stack Overflow Jobs. Stack Overflow Jobs was created to connect software developers with potential employers worldwide.
So all you need to do as a web developer is to sign up, or better still if you already have an existing StackOverflow account, you can visit the link below, update your CV, fill out your profile and begin to apply for jobs.
TRY IT NOW – Stack Overflow jobs
4. Participate in Hacks.
Hacks are software events that allow developers to come together with the sole aim of building a project that would be eventually selected and funded.
Just like building your startup but this time you are awarded a grand prize and in most cases, you get all the support you need to become a company.
There are so many Hackathon events in the Nigerian and global space you can subscribe to my Email Newsletter to get an email when it eventually comes.
13. Stay up-to-date with the latest technologies.
Web development is a field that is constantly evolving, with new technologies and trends emerging all the time.
To stay relevant and competitive, it’s important to stay up-to-date with the latest technologies and trends in web development.
This can involve attending conferences and workshops, reading industry blogs and publications, and taking online courses.
14. Offer excellent customer service.
Whether you’re freelancing or working for a company, providing excellent customer service is crucial to building a successful career as a web developer.
This involves communicating effectively with clients, responding to their needs and concerns promptly, and providing high-quality work that meets their expectations.
15. Market yourself effectively.
In addition to networking, it’s important to market yourself effectively as a web developer. This can involve creating a professional website or portfolio, leveraging social media to showcase your work, and using online marketplaces to connect with potential clients.
By presenting yourself professionally and compellingly, you can attract more clients and increase your earning potential.
16. Be adaptable and flexible.
Finally, it’s important to be adaptable and flexible as a web developer. This can involve being open to new ideas and approaches, being willing to work on a variety of projects, and being able to adjust to changes in technology and client needs.
By being adaptable and flexible, you can stay ahead of the curve and remain competitive in the fast-paced world of web development.
How Do I Learn Web Development?
To begin your journey towards mastery of web development, you need adequate offline and online resources.
Most people prefer to use paid Bootcamps, but not all fingers are equal; most people do not even have enough money to pay for a Bootcamp.
If you fall into the category above, you need a great online resource to get you started.
1. YouTube.
This is one of the very accessible and effortless channels to get started from; personally, as a web developer, I developed myself in web development by learning from free YouTube channels such as The NewBoston, The Coding for Entrepreneurs, and so many others.
If you are broke and seek a rapid means of getting skilled, you can consult YouTube for a start. However, note that learning is at your own pace, and you don’t get certified.
TRY IT NOW- YouTube.com
2. Freecode camp.
This is another fantastic platform that allows you to develop essential coding skills, you get access to hundreds of courses for free in an interactive lesson in form of question and answer format. Moreover, you can get started with the Freecode camp for free and even certified.
TRY IT NOW- Freecodecamp.com
3. Udemy.
Udemy is another hosted online school for individuals who want to learn web development; Udemy hosts thousands of courses from thousands of professional tech experts in various subjects such as Artificial intelligence, mobile and app development, and many others. Udemy is not free, but it comes at an affordable price.
TRY IT NOW- udemy.com
4. Pluralsight.
Pluralsight is another excellent platform for getting started as a web developer; with Pluralsight, you get access to various tech-related courses such as game development, web development, etc.
With Pluralsight, you also get the opportunity to become certified by companies such as Google. In addition, you can get started for free and access premium courses at very affordable prices.
Suppose you are broke and do not have money to start Pluralsight. In that case, you can get hooked up to the Google developer scholarship on its platform that gives you access to free web development fundamentals and certifies you. This opportunity comes up every year.
You can follow up on the official Pluralsight website, it is even better to sign up for their newsletter to get notified when the opportunities are made available.
TRY IT NOW- Pluralsight.com
5. Udacity.
Udacity is an American online tech education platform created by Sebastian Thrun, David Stevens, and Mike Sokolsky to offer massive open online courses.
Udacity was founded in 2012, and ever since it has raised over $100 Million in revenue. Udacity has also connected hands with various big tech companies all over the world such as Facebook, Google and Microsoft to be able to create courses.
Udacity offers various courses in; programming and development, AI and Data Science, Web Development, Business, Autonomous systems, cloud computing and digital marketing.
Coupled with all of the courses mentioned above, you also get certified after completing any system, making you authentic.
TRY IT NOW – Udacity.com
Conclusion.
Becoming a web developer can offer a range of benefits, from high demand and lucrative opportunities to creative expression and impact.
If you have a passion for technology, problem-solving, and innovation, web development could be the perfect career path for you.
With the right skills, tools, and mindset, you can build a successful career in web development and make a positive impact on the world.
Finally, becoming a successful web developer requires a combination of technical skills, business acumen, and interpersonal abilities.
By developing your skills, staying up-to-date with the latest technologies, offering excellent customer service, and marketing yourself effectively, you can build a successful career as a web developer and make money in this exciting and dynamic field.
good wark
Thank you
Informative post. I would also like learn web development.
Thanks for reaching out, YouTube is a great place to start