Freelancing Tips, Degree vs Self-taught, Future of No-Code

https://open.spotify.com/episode/74eZQz5s8NIHhl9aizDA3U

What is HTML All The Things

HTML All The Things is a web development podcast and discord community which was started by Matt and Mike, developers based in Ontario, Canada.

The podcast speaks to web development topics as well as running a small business, self-employment, and time management. You can join them for both their successes and their struggles as they try to manage to expand their Web Development business without stretching themselves too thin.

What's This One About?

In this episode, Matt and Mike discuss a series of questions submitted by none other than you - the listeners. We answer questions including, but not limited to: how to freelance, working in agencies, whether you need traditional education to be in web development, and what the future of no-code looks like. Beyond that, the duo also answers some questions about the podcast's intro and the importance of having professional intros when you're starting out podcasting.

Show Notes

2:30 - What is expected of me after creating a client's website to their specification in terms of publishing and maintaining the website?

9:05 - Recently graduated with a BS in CS. Working currently with a company that does mostly WordPress with Builders. Built a plan to build a proper workflow for WP with Github. They are considering it but have no guarantees to get pushed which will put me in a position to not be able to build custom themes for clients as well. My question is I don’t want to get left behind and let my skill set be in only WP. How do I navigate this and as well be able to grow as a developer? Side projects? Also, I’m the most knowledgeable dev here.

25:40 - How did you start freelancing? Did you start doing it on the side while working another industry job? And if so, when did you decide to go full-on freelance and work for yourself? & Best tips to start freelancing, and how to handle clients?

36:13 - Is there a need for a university degree to become a programmer?

41:10 - Are there any skills teens should learn in advance of them becoming a programmer?

44:26 - Where do you think the future of website builders like Webflow fit in? Do the more complicated solutions like Webflow trump simple ones like Wix or Squarespace or do they all continue to thrive alongside each other? Is the market big enough for all the no-code vendors?

55:45 - Are there any new technologies in the web development space that you're excited about?

59:28 - Any advice for someone from IT and studied CS(no degree thought), ended up in laborer job but needs a foot into developer industry, pref. Entry-level?

Key Takeaways

Make sure to set a maintenance contract with your clients if you plan on maintaining the site. This should NOT be a free service.
When you're freelancing, remember you're working together with the client to make a better product, you're not just working for them.
Still plenty of room for no-code tools to grow