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HTML Introduction to HTML and CSS (2016) Getting Familiar with HTML and CSS HTML, CSS, and Web Development

Dhruv Kapoor
Dhruv Kapoor
2,902 Points

I want to start a web development business, should I learn both frontend and backend languages

So I know basics of javascript, HTML, CSS, Java, C and C++. I have also developed websites using wordpress. But now, I want to learn hardcore coding, so that I can develop my own websites using a text editor only or maybe some IDE. I want to know, since I want to start a business in web development, so do I need to know both the languages.

5 Answers

Ash Scott
Ash Scott
435 Points

Hi dhruv kapoor,

I'm in the process of starting my own web design agency in the UK. I've been building websites for 4 years. Although this seems like nothing at all, that's 4 years in the industry. I started learning at 13. I'm now 21 :)

I am a front end dev, with a strong knowledge of WordPress, Web Hosting, SEO, Ecommerce and RWD. This is enough to get me going. I have a number of clients, and have just yesterday taken on another for SEO work. A portfolio is important, and for that you need your own site. You need to make your site eye catching, and salesy.

There's also the legal side of things like accounting, business registration etc.

I do offer bespoke services, and I outsource an old colleague for it.

There's a lot to it, so if you have any questions, feel free to ask.

Kind regards, Ash

Aurelian Spodarec
Aurelian Spodarec
10,801 Points

Interesting that you're 21. I'm 19.5. Do you have any tips on learning and what to do etc.. ? : p Writing? communication?

Ash Scott
Ash Scott
435 Points

Hey James Bond 007,

I've been learning for years and spend every second I have learning more and more. It's the only way to stay up to date :) Don't stop learning, always try new things (Languages, methods, plugins etc) and see what happens. You will learn from everything you do, even if it's a small thing.

Ask people how something works, go to networking events, watch youtube videos, and invest in yourself. Time, money whatever it is, you are your greatest asset.

Get some promotional stuff done (I've recently got new flyers done to go in proposals, and on noticeboards) and send it out. Get your name out there, offer things at a competitive rate, and do an awesome job. No form of advertising beats word of mouth :)

Good luck! Ash

Hi there Ash,

My name is Kane. I am slowly in the process of learning front end / back end website development with the intention of one day doing free lance work.

Just curious how things have turned out for you almost 4 years later? Do you have any tips for something just beginning in the field.

Hope this message finds you well!

Larry Lim
Larry Lim
7,773 Points

Web development will require both front-end and back-end knowledge which enables you to be a complete web-service shop. Basically, what is key is the ability to leverage development skills and experiences to convert a customer's unique needs into a viable online site experience. This may require designing an information site (blogs, forums, etc.), or building some type of on-line store (selling goods, digital media, etc.). What are you able to and not able to build?

One of the best analogies I can mention is when you build a website- think of it as a painting and will you create something that resembles a stick figure, or end up looking like the 'Mona Lisa'? This entails you will know manage your time figuring out how to classify costs involved for paying the services needed based on discovering what a potential customer wants or needs. Most importantly you need how to make sure you do not do a lot of work for little pay- am sure you would like to make a living instead of doing charity work.

I would recommend what you should know is more a question about your level of understanding for these specialty areas. If you feel you can do a full-stack work on your own then I think you have a lot to offer. Otherwise, as I saw here, consider teaming up with specialists who are very good at what they do. You'll never know everything, but you have to know what you are able to offer for creating a web service business. It's competitive out there so the more you know the longer you'll be in staying in business, or find an employer who will pay you for your knowledge. Technology changes often so you need to always keep on learning.

If youre going to make web dev your business I'd imagine you'd want to know everything there is to know and know it well. Or get someone who knows and you just handle the business side

Dhruv Kapoor
Dhruv Kapoor
2,902 Points

Thankyou everyone for reply.

So Ash tell me onething you have done some work on ecommerce, what do you prefer Woocommerce, Magento or Drupal. I know it totally depends upon the number of listings and traffic. Since you have already done ecommerce and I am just starting it, may be you can guide me. By the way if its allowed here, you can share your website link I would like to see your work or you can mail it to me.

Ash Scott
Ash Scott
435 Points

I use WooCommerce, purely because I'm a WP developer at heart. If the client has a specific need for another Ecommerce platform such as OpenCart, Magento etc, I will still take on the project, with their knowledge that it isn't something I use regularly. Most clients are happy for WooCommerce but one has asked for Magento and I picked it up pretty quickly. That was a couple of years ago though, I would need to spend a couple of days re-learning the current version :)

My site is on my profile. There's only a few things on the portfolio as I'm rebuilding the portfolio section at the moment, to a more dynamic page with everything on. In the next month or so it should be ready so check back then lol!

Good luck! Ash

Aurelian Spodarec
Aurelian Spodarec
10,801 Points

Disclamer: I don't own, nor I owned a business. You need to be expert at it. You need to know all, yes, if you are in the webstuff, then you need to know the font-end and back end. Bare in mind that knowing technical stuff is one little fraction of business.

You need to set up your business, copyright, make it lega, you need to get customers, hire people at some point maybe?

You need to speak well.

If you don't then dont worry if you don't, and you don't have family don't worry lol just go out there and learn i suppose.

You could hire someone that brings clients on say 20% commision or whatever.

There is a lot ot it, not just setting up a website and i will have Bill Gates as my client.

Go look out in the web, google this stuff.