Freelance website designer for local businesses

Local tradies, cafes, clinics, community groups and sole traders who need a site but don't want to do it themselves.

A fixed price per website project, plus optional monthly fees for hosting, updates and small changes.

• Visual design and layout
• Using website builders or WordPress
• Clear communication with clients
• Basic writing and photo selection

• Register for an ABN and check when you need to register for GST once your turnover reaches the threshold
• Check whether professional indemnity insurance suits your work, as mistakes or downtime could cost clients money
• Use a written contract that covers scope, revisions, payment terms and who owns the finished site
• Check you have the rights to any images, fonts and plugins you use
• Check with your local council whether running a business from home needs approval

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $300 to $2,500, depending on the software, website platform subscriptions, equipment and insurance you need. Working from a home office keeps overheads low.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $500 to $5,000, depending on how many clients you take on, the size of each site and the hours you put in. You can start with around eight hours a week.

Register for an ABN and check when GST registration applies once turnover reaches the threshold. Consider professional indemnity insurance, use a written contract covering scope, revisions, payment and ownership, check image and plugin rights, and ask your council about home business approval.