Play freelance web dev: portfolio over credentials
Builders who can ship and sell. Closest cash path for coders outside W2.
First dollar: Weeks with a clear offer (landing pages, Next.js apps, Webflow).
Exact steps. Ship the smallest unit of paid value before you gold-plate.
e.g. marketing sites in Next.js or Webflow for local services.
Deployed, with outcomes if possible.
Agencies and local businesses. Fixed packages beat open bids early.
Written SOW, change orders, deposits.
Productized builds, retainers, or your own SaaS.
Related decks if this one is working or if you need a stronger wincon.
What you do on paper: Build sites and web apps for clients as a solo dev or tiny studio. Distinct from productized no-code and full-time SWE.
Frequency: Huge freelance dev market globally