Start a freelance web development: the real numbers
Sites and apps for small businesses. Below is what it actually costs, how long before money arrives,
and the part most guides leave out.
Startup capital
€200–€1,200
Hours / week
8–40
First income
~3 wks
Net margin
92%
Saturation
high
Realistic ceiling
€1,800–€7,000
What nobody usually tells you
The best capital-to-revenue ratio here. The obstacle isn't technical, it's finding clients without cold calls — which is why agencies beat a portfolio.
The route, in five steps
Register with three agencies: they come looking for you
Publish three case studies, your own projects count
Set a day rate, not an hourly one
Take the first job even underpaid, for the reference
Raise 20% every three jobs until someone says no
What you'll need to buy
These are the categories every freelance web development pays for in the first month.
We break down what each one actually costs at this size on the
tools page.
domain and hostingagency profilesaccountant
Does it hold up for you?
These numbers are the average case. Whether this business clears your target depends on
your capital, your hours and how long you can wait — put them in and see.