Kickstart Your Web Development Career with Webflow: A Job Seeker's Handbook

Anyone who has ever ventured into a new profession, shortly after mastering the theory, realizes that they are back at the beginning. Yes we're talking about career beginnings and the most challenging moments in one's career - where to start, what's next? Although there are different paths that lead to the same goal, there are a few that will get you there a bit faster. In this story, we will reveal all the paths we have taken ourselves, how we managed, and what we recommend to you.

It is quite possible that you already have ideas about finding both jobs and clients. There are no wrong paths, only those that are more or less demanding. However, considering that we are in the 21st century and that there are countless opportunities for networking with people, the only question is: what kind of job do you want?

In that sense, we have decided to highlight 7 efficient ways to find your first job

1. Online job websites (UpWork, and others)
2. Companies that develop websites in Webflow
3. Direct applications - finding clients online
4. Friends/family/acquaintances – coaxing the need for a website (we're joking, of course; above all, we want satisfied clients!)
5. Collaboration with web design agencies
6. Networking with other freelancers
7. Social media

Online job websites (UpWork, and others)

Thanks to the internet and our entry into the new millennium, finding an employee or a client has never been more accessible. This especially eases things for beginners, as it gives them a global platform for advertising and searching. While there are already many platforms to choose from, we decided to take a brief look at UpWork.

UpWork is a platform that connects employers and freelancers worldwide. This practically means that you need to create a profile, and you've already started from somewhere. However, it's also necessary to stand out in the crowd, which in practical terms means the following:

• Create a good portfolio. If you're not skilled in design, look at how the best do it and find inspiration there. Don't copy; that's outdated, and people won't like it.
• Create additional websites using Webflow. Okay, maybe you don't have clients yet, but that doesn't mean you can't develop sites for fictional companies or even redesign and create new sites for existing ones. You never know; they might hire you.
• Dedicate yourself thoroughly to your presentation. Don't be lazy; fill out that profile completely. People really want to know more about you because they need to trust you with a job. Highlight your skills and everything relevant to the work you do.
• Apply for jobs and clients that you have thoroughly researched. Here, it's important that your first connections are used for applications with the highest chances of success: verified employers with a good business history and requirements that match your knowledge.
• Pay for your monthly subscription for premium membership. It will help you learn more about your employers and competitors.

Here is more in details article on How to Find Your First Job on Online Platforms.

Companies that develop websites in Webflow

There are many ways to find companies that develop their websites using Webflow, although your search won't be centralized. This means you'll find companies on Google, Perplexity, ChatGPT, job advertisement websites like GetOnBoard and Indeed, but also on the only website that currently gathers all Webflow agencies worldwide - flowremote.io.

What you need to know at the beginning of this type of search is that it's serious business and involves reading ads endlessly, as many advertisers post with the idea of hiring a web developer, only for you to find out after reading the entire ad that they're looking for a specialized niche like Webflow developers, Wordpress, Wix developers, etc. It's important to be thorough and read everything!

Direct applications – finding clients online

Starting your Webflow career can be demanding, but it’s a good idea, especially if you're just beginning. Even if your experience is limited to your portfolio site and a few practice websites, you should pursue clients and projects that match your skills and interests. This approach will help you grow and develop further. It's easy to get scattered here, so some research directions could be:

• Consider starting with brands and businesses in your area that still haven't developed their website (which is rare) or have developed a weak solution many years ago that is no longer up to date.
• Think about which niche you like (maybe you're a restaurant enthusiast?) and find your favorite restaurants. Does someone need a redesign or a new site? Ideal opportunity!
• Make an effort to spend about 30 minutes on your design proposal. Let this be just a Landing page, which doesn't have to be complex, but is aesthetically and functionally up to date with current trends. Design it in Figma and send it to people along with your Proposal in Email. It's very possible that people will react better to already offered solutions, especially if they are better than what they currently have.
• There are thousands of internet corners where you can find someone who could use a new website. From that moment on, it's crucial to write a good offer.

Friends/family/acquaintances

Who will support you at the very start if not the people you know?

Family, friends, or acquaintances are ideal for developing your initial projects. At this moment, it's crucial to find someone from your circle who is willing to hire you for your first website.

It doesn't have to be anything complicated, and it doesn't have to be immediately a company's website - whatever profession your friends have, they surely won't mind getting their own portfolio site. Even better if they are business owners, you'll have your first project for official companies.

This is one of the better ways to start - people around you will give you the most candid feedback, and you'll have a bit more time to respond to their requests, which is crucial at the very beginning.

Collaboration with UI/UX agencies and freelancers

The idea here is quite simple: everything your colleagues do in terms of web UI/UX will eventually need a developer. Despite the growth of the entire IT sector, many companies still primarily focus on design. These companies outsource projects for further development - such as website development. This is where you come in. Find companies or freelancers that specialize in UI/UX design and offer to take the next step for them - developing the website in Webflow. Working in Webflow will put you ahead in the eyes of agencies because it is faster and more flexible for all project participants.

Networking with other freelancers

Networking with other freelancers can significantly boost your opportunities for getting more work and jobs. By connecting with other professionals in your field, you can share leads, collaborate on larger projects, and gain referrals. Joining freelancer communities, attending industry events, and participating in online forums can help you build valuable relationships. These connections not only increase your chances of finding new gigs but also provide support, advice, and potential partnerships that can enhance your career growth.

Social media

Social media platforms are a sea of opportunities and ways to connect with your industry today. On platforms like LinkedIn, for starters, you'll find colleagues, employers, companies, and courses, as well as a thousand useful tips on what to do and what not to do. Learning from others' examples is truly the pinnacle of learning.

Additionally, you'll find groups where people share materials, experiences, and even job opportunities. Being well-informed and having the right information is imperative today. So, find colleagues, companies, and groups. Find answers to your questions on forums. Find additional material and additional networking channels.

Six Degrees of Separation – is a theory that nicely illustrates this even before modern networking trends:

"Every person in the world can connect with any other person through a chain of no more than six acquaintances."

Why not modify this theory and directly write to the people we want as clients/employers?

Finally, what you need most is patience. Some of us get a job after the first application, but this is not the rule; it's the exception. A good portion of the population has succeeded in their endeavors precisely because they DID NOT STOP. So, although we have a tendency to compare ourselves, always with the more successful, before you think about comparing, send your portfolio to 100 addresses. Do everything in your power. If something increases your chances of success, it will surely be patience and perseverance.

And in the end, I still wish everyone the best of luck!