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Business

Posted by Peter Feaver
Peter Feaver
5,829 Points

How do freelance web designers work when they don't know backend coding?

Hi, I have been asked to design a website for friend of a friend. The problem I have in my mind though, is that I do not know any backend coding at all. So while I might be able to design and code the visuals, the site won't actually do anything unless as backend developer gets involved. I suppose my question here is how does it work? Is there somewhere I can collaborate with someone? Or maybe the client needs to find a developer? How do most freelance designers do this?

Thanks in advance!

1 Answer

Josh Sneddon
Josh Sneddon
15,943 Points
Josh Sneddon
Josh Sneddon
15,943 Points

Hi Peter,

My advice would be to utilise a Content Management System like WordPress to provide the back-end functionality that you're referring to. In essence you'll be able to design and code the front-end and then at the end of the project you'll be able to handover the website to the client, who will be able to maintain the content themselves (edit pages, add new ones, etc.). This is super handy for a freelancer as you won't be bogged down with continuous maintenance/support requests post-build. You'll be able to focus on providing your design and development expertise instead.

All you have to do is purchase web hosting that supports PHP and MySQL, download and install WordPress and then upload a theme (either choose a WordPress one, a theme purchased elsewhere or if you're feeling ambitious create and upload your own). Any theme that you purchase or build yourself is billable to the client because it's factored into your design/dev considerations.

The benefits of WordPress are that it's open source (free), it's very popular so there's a large community, it has extensive documentation, and it provides a really flexible foundation to build your website on. Treehouse also provides two dedicated learning tracks on WordPress, which I would recommend starting right away (if I've sold you up until this point!).

Here's a link to the WordPress.org website, where you can find more detailed information on everything I've covered: https://wordpress.org/

Don't confuse with WordPress.com which is a less flexible option, mainly used to create blogs. The key difference between the two is that WordPress.com websites are hosted by WordPress so you don't have nearly as much control.

I hope this helps and good luck!

Josh