Books and Resources to Start Strong
Starting a web design business requires understanding both design principles and business fundamentals. These books will give you the knowledge to deliver work clients value and build a sustainable operation from day one.
The Design of Everyday Things by Don Norman
This book teaches you why good design matters beyond aesthetics—it’s about solving real problems for real people. Norman’s principles on usability and user psychology are foundational to web design work. You’ll learn to explain to clients why certain design decisions matter, which directly impacts your credibility and rates.
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Don’t Make Me Think by Steve Krug
Written specifically for web design and usability, this book is short, practical, and immediately applicable. Krug covers navigation, clarity, and user testing—skills that separate competent designers from great ones. Your clients will notice the difference when you apply these principles.
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The Lean Startup by Eric Ries
This book teaches you how to build a business with minimal waste and maximum learning. Since you’ll be testing different pricing, service packages, and client niches, Ries’s frameworks for iteration and validation will save you from expensive mistakes.
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Steal Like an Artist by Austin Kleon
This book reframes how you approach design inspiration and creative work. Kleon teaches you to observe great design, understand what makes it work, and develop your own style. It’s essential for building a portfolio and a unique design perspective that clients can’t get everywhere.
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Getting Real by Basecamp
Basecamp’s philosophy on building web products applies directly to web design services. This book covers setting realistic expectations, shipping work quickly, and saying no to scope creep—three things that will keep your business profitable.
Equipment You Need
Web design is software-based, so your primary investment is a reliable computer and design tools. You don’t need expensive equipment, but you need quality where it counts.
Computer
- Laptop or desktop: You need a machine capable of running design software smoothly. Most modern MacBooks or Windows laptops with at least 8GB RAM (16GB preferred) and an SSD will work. Choose based on which design software ecosystem you prefer.
- Monitor: A second monitor doubles your efficiency when designing and coding. You’ll reference design systems, code, and client feedback simultaneously. A 24-27 inch external monitor is standard.
- Keyboard and mouse: Ergonomic input devices reduce strain during long design sessions. Mechanical keyboards and quality mice are worth the investment.
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Design Software
- Adobe Creative Cloud or Figma: Adobe is the industry standard for web design. Figma is an excellent alternative that’s browser-based and great for collaboration. Most agencies expect you to know at least one. Start with whichever fits your budget and workflow.
- Prototyping tools: Tools like Figma, Adobe XD, or Webflow let you create interactive prototypes that show clients how their site will function. This reduces revision cycles and increases perceived value.
Development Tools
- Code editor: Visual Studio Code is free, widely used, and all you need to start. It has excellent extensions for HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
- Hosting and domain: You’ll need a reliable hosting provider and domain registrar to host client websites and your own portfolio. Plan for monthly or annual costs depending on your volume.
- Version control (Git/GitHub): Free. Essential for managing code and collaborating with developers if you partner with them.
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Communication and Collaboration
- Project management software: Tools like Asana, Monday.com, or Trello help you track projects and communicate with clients. Many have free tiers sufficient for starting out.
- Webcam and microphone: Quality video calls build client relationships. A decent USB webcam and external microphone cost under $100 combined but make a professional difference.
Portfolio and Presence
- Website builder or CMS: Your own portfolio website is essential. Use Webflow, WordPress, Framer, or a similar tool. Potential clients will judge your work based on your site.
- Business cards and printed materials: Professional business cards reinforce credibility during in-person meetings.
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What to Buy First vs Later
Don’t buy everything at once. Prioritize what directly enables you to take client work and generate revenue.
- First: Reliable laptop, design software, code editor, portfolio website, and basic business setup. These items directly enable you to design, develop, and show your work.
- First: Hosting and domain for client sites. You can’t launch client work without this.
- Soon after: External monitor and ergonomic peripherals. These improve your speed and reduce injury risk as you take on more projects.
- When cash flow allows: Project management software beyond free tiers, advanced prototyping tools, and professional business cards. These are quality-of-life upgrades that improve efficiency.
- Later: Upgraded design software licenses, advanced hosting plans, or additional monitors. Wait until you have client revenue to justify these expenses.
New vs Used Equipment
Your primary tool is computation, so prioritize reliability over cost savings. A used laptop that crashes mid-project costs far more in lost client time and reputation damage than buying new.
Buy new: Laptops and desktops. You need warranty coverage and predictable performance. Used laptops often have battery and hardware degradation you can’t assess. Buy used or refurbished: Monitors, keyboards, mice, and stands. These peripherals rarely fail and hold value well. Office supply stores and electronics retailers sell refurbished monitors for 30-40% less with warranty protection. Subscriptions vs ownership: Design software and hosting should be recurring subscriptions. Don’t buy one-time licenses—software updates are critical for compatibility and security. Hosting services are always subscription-based and worth the cost for reliability.
Where to Buy
- Amazon: Fast shipping, return policies, and a wide range of peripherals. Good for monitors, keyboards, mice, cables, and stands.
- B&H Photo: Excellent for cameras and video equipment if you later add video to your services. Competitive pricing and reliable shipping.
- Newegg: Competitive on laptops and desktops with good return windows. Compare prices before buying.
- Micro Center or local electronics stores: Hands-on testing for laptops and monitors. Helpful for returns if something doesn’t work for your setup.
- Direct from software vendors: Buy design software and hosting directly when possible. You’ll avoid markups and get clearer support.
- Refurbished markets (Woot, Newegg Refurbished): Good for second monitors and older model laptops at significant discounts.
- Facebook Marketplace or local classifieds: Viable for monitors, stands, and keyboards if you can verify condition. Avoid used laptops unless you’re highly technical and can assess hardware.