Essential Skills Every WordPress Solopreneur Should Master
As a one-woman show, I understand the joy and challenges of working as a freelancer in web design. While mastering WordPress and being comfortable with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript is crucial, many other skills I’ve found essential along my journey. Let me share some with you today.
Understanding Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
As a web designer, my primary job is to create aesthetically pleasing and functional websites. However, what good is a beautiful site if it’s hidden in the dark depths of Google’s search results? Understanding the basics of SEO can set your design apart and bring it into the limelight. SEO can influence design decisions, from site structure to the importance of mobile responsiveness. It’s not just about using the right keywords but creating a user-friendly experience that search engines appreciate.
Mastering Basic Copywriting
Copywriting is a job for marketers or content creators, but it’s an essential skill for any web designer. While you don’t need to write the content for every page, you must understand how to write engaging headlines, CTAs, and meta descriptions. It’s also essential to know how to use text effectively in design, ensuring it’s readable, compelling and well-positioned. When clients need extensive help, having a list of trusted copywriters to refer them to is helpful for both you and the client.
Familiarizing with UX/UI Principles
Having a grasp of User Experience (UX) and User Interface (UI) principles can significantly improve the quality of the websites you create. I need to ensure my design is intuitive, navigable, and user-friendly. These principles involve understanding how users interact with websites, what they expect, and how they react to different design elements. It’s more than creating a beautiful site; it’s about designing a smooth journey for every user that visits. LinkedIn Learning has several course options.
Grasping Digital Marketing Basics
Digital marketing might seem out of the web designer’s scope, but understanding its basics has made a big difference in my work. You must know how your site fits into the client’s digital marketing strategy. How will they drive traffic to the site? Will they use paid ads, content marketing, or social media? Will they need landing pages designed for specific campaigns? The answers to these questions can substantially influence your design.
Learning Project Management
Last but certainly not least is the skill of project management. As a solopreneur, I am my own project manager. Mastering project management helps me stay organized, meet deadlines, manage resources, and satisfy my clients. From the project’s inception to its completion, a solid plan is vital for its smooth running. Understanding how to communicate effectively with clients, manage expectations, and handle feedback has also been crucial.
Make Continuing Education a Priority
Being a WordPress solopreneur is an adventure filled with continuous learning. While web design skills are critical, these additional skills – SEO, copywriting, UX/UI, digital marketing, and project management – have significantly impacted my success and growth.
It’s worth noting that you don’t need to be an expert in all these areas. However, having a solid understanding and basic proficiency in them can set you apart in the increasingly competitive world of web design.
So, keep learning, keep growing, and remember that every new skill you master is a new service you can offer to your clients.
