Web design employment is perfect for people who have both an artistic and technical side. All companies need web design, which means that there are usually web design jobs available.

Unfortunately, competition can be pretty stiff. Of course, business owners want to get the most bang for their buck and new or foreigner designers have often been willing to take low rates for web design work. This drives prices down for everyone. Nonetheless, many boutique design firms are doing quite well and are still able to command high prices.

If you want to find web designer employment:

1. Create a portfolio that highlights your work. All companies want to see samples before they hire you for web design employment, so you need to put your best foot forward.

2. Consider creating a niche for yourself. Many designers choose to specialize in web design for a particular industry. This is a great way to get work because companies will come to you when they need freelance web design jobs done.

3. Stay up to date with current technologies. New programs come out all the time. If possible, try to take a class at least once a year to learn new techniques.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Find freelance web design employment on freelance boards

There are a couple of websites that specialize in matching freelance workers with the companies that need them. This is a great way for those starting out to find freelance web design work.

I recommend: Sign up and post your portfolio at Elance and iFreelance. When you first sign up, you will not have any "feedback" from clients, which many potential employers don't like. Some freelance workers suggest doing a few jobs for low prices so that you can build up your feedback rating. Then you can begin to charge higher prices.

Search for full-time web design employment on technical job boards

Some companies prefer to hire an in-house designer for their needs. This is great for designers that like to have a steady paycheck and additional benefits such as health care and retirement plans.

I recommend: The best way to find legitimate full-time web design positions is to search for them on tech-focused job boards suck as Dice or Computerwork. Additionally, these sites allow you to post your resume so that potential employers can find you.

Advertise your services and have clients come to you with web design job opportunities

Rather than search for jobs yourself, you can advertise your services and let people come to you when they need jobs in web design done. This is a great option for designers that have a bit more experience.

I recommend: Craigslist is probably one of the most popular places for you to advertise services. Alternatively, purchase an ad on Top Design Firms, which helps companies find web designers in their area.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  If you're going out on your own, try to offer additional services to clients, such as web development or search engine optimization. This is a great way for people to expand their web design careers and attract more customers.