If you’re considering a career as a WordPress freelancer and wondering where to begin, you’re not alone. Whether you’re exploring WordPress as a whole or debating between learning block themes, page builders like Elementor, or WooCommerce for e-commerce, it’s important to take a step-by-step approach to build your skills.
In this guide, we’ll help you navigate where to start and give you the tools you need to jump into WordPress development, even if you’re just beginning to explore HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. By following a structured learning path, you can soon be on your way to earning money as a freelancer in the WordPress space.
1. Block Themes and Gutenberg: A Great Place to Start
If you’re just starting out with WordPress, block themes are a great foundation to build your knowledge. WordPress’s block-based system, known as Gutenberg, is how content is now structured on most WordPress sites. Block themes provide flexibility, allowing you to customize layouts and create dynamic content without needing third-party page builders.
- Why Block Themes?: Block themes are part of the future of WordPress, so starting with them will give you a deeper understanding of WordPress’s core. While it may take a little time to adjust to a block-based approach, it’s a valuable skill for building modern WordPress sites.
- How to Start: To begin learning block themes, start with the default themes in WordPress like Twenty Twenty-Three. Then, experiment with creating custom templates using the block editor and eventually explore advanced blocks like navigation or post loops. As you become more comfortable, you can move toward creating your own block themes from scratch.
2. Elementor: Easy to Use for Quick Website Creation
Elementor is a drag-and-drop page builder that allows you to design beautiful websites without extensive coding knowledge. If you’re looking for a faster, more visual approach to building WordPress websites, Elementor is an excellent tool to learn.
- Why Elementor?: Elementor is incredibly popular among freelancers because it lets you design custom websites quickly and efficiently. Even if you don’t have a deep understanding of HTML or CSS, Elementor helps you visually create beautiful layouts with ease.
- The Learning Curve: If you’re not already comfortable with HTML and CSS, Elementor is a good place to start because it doesn’t require much coding. Once you’re familiar with the basics, you can begin experimenting with advanced features such as custom CSS or using it in combination with block themes for maximum flexibility.
- Freelancing Potential: Learning Elementor is a great way to start your freelance journey. You can offer your services to clients who need websites built quickly, as Elementor allows you to complete projects with minimal coding. Plus, it’s beginner-friendly, so you can build your skills gradually.
3. WooCommerce: Building E-Commerce Websites
If you want to target a more specific market, learning WooCommerce for building e-commerce websites is a great next step. WooCommerce is the leading plugin for adding e-commerce functionality to WordPress, and with the right knowledge, you can start offering e-commerce website design services.
- Why WooCommerce?: WooCommerce allows you to build fully functional online stores on WordPress. It’s scalable, highly customizable, and integrates seamlessly with other plugins, making it ideal for building custom online shops. Whether your clients are selling physical products, digital downloads, or services, WooCommerce has you covered.
- How to Start: Begin by setting up a basic WooCommerce store on your WordPress site. From there, experiment with adding products, configuring payment gateways, and customizing your store’s appearance. As you learn, you can offer more customized features, such as product filters or custom shipping options.
- Freelancing with WooCommerce: WooCommerce websites are in high demand, and as a freelancer, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to build e-commerce sites for clients. Once you’ve mastered WooCommerce, you’ll be able to offer services that cater to small businesses looking to sell online.
4. Theme Building: Dive Into Pinegrow or Custom Theme Development
If you’re interested in deeper customization and creating completely unique websites, learning how to build WordPress themes could be a great path. While WordPress provides a variety of pre-made themes, custom theme development allows you to offer bespoke solutions for clients with very specific needs.
- Why Custom Theme Development?: By learning to create custom themes, you gain full control over the website’s structure, functionality, and design. It’s a valuable skill for any WordPress freelancer, especially if you want to offer premium, tailored services.
- How to Start: Tools like Pinegrow are great for visually building WordPress themes, allowing you to design the layout without writing code. If you’re comfortable with diving into the code, learning how to create custom themes using PHP, HTML, CSS, and JavaScript will help you gain greater control over theme customization.
- Freelancing with Custom Themes: As a freelancer, offering custom theme development services can set you apart from others. You’ll be able to cater to clients who need specific features or want a unique look for their website.
5. Browse Other Website Builders to Expand Your Skills
While WordPress is an excellent platform for many types of websites, it’s always a good idea to be familiar with other website builders that clients might prefer or that might work better for their needs. Platforms like UltimateWB, Webflow, Wix, and Shopify offer different approaches to web design and might be more suitable depending on the client’s specific requirements.
- Why Explore Other Builders?: Having a broad understanding of various website builders will make you more versatile as a freelancer. You’ll be able to offer recommendations based on the client’s goals, helping you stand out from other WordPress specialists. Plus, understanding the features of different platforms allows you to cater to a wider range of projects.
- Where to Start?: Visit websites like ChooseWebsiteBuilder.com to explore various website builders and understand their strengths and limitations. Familiarizing yourself with platforms like Wix, Webflow, or even Shopify will ensure you can handle a variety of client requests.
6. Combining Skills: Offering a Range of Services
If your goal is to earn between $500-$1000 per month starting as a freelancer, you’ll want to diversify your skills to meet a wide range of client needs. Here’s a roadmap to help you get started:
- Start with Elementor: Learn Elementor for fast, efficient web design and to build a portfolio of completed projects.
- Add WooCommerce: Once you’re comfortable with Elementor, expand your skill set by learning WooCommerce to offer e-commerce solutions.
- Learn Block Themes: Eventually, dive into block themes and Gutenberg to deepen your WordPress knowledge and offer advanced services.
- Explore Custom Theme Development: Once you’ve mastered the basics, explore custom theme development for fully tailored client solutions.
By offering a combination of these skills, you’ll be able to take on a variety of freelance projects, from simple blogs to full-fledged online stores, and start earning a steady income.
Final Thoughts: Set Yourself Up for Success
Starting your WordPress development journey can be overwhelming, but with patience and dedication, you can make great progress. Take things one step at a time, and don’t be afraid to experiment with different tools and techniques. Whether you choose Elementor, block themes, WooCommerce, or custom theme development, the key is to keep learning and building your portfolio. With the right skills and determination, you’ll be on your way to becoming a successful WordPress freelancer, earning a steady income while helping businesses create stunning websites.
