How to Get Started as a Web Developer - With a Busy Schedule

Taylor The Creator Web Designer
Aug 21
3 min read

Updated: Aug 25

If you’ve been thinking about breaking into tech but aren’t sure where to start - especially as a woman balancing work, family, or both - you’re not alone. The world of web development can seem overwhelming from the outside, but here’s the truth: you don’t need a tech degree, 8 hours a day, or thousands of dollars to get started.

In fact, you can begin your journey to becoming a web developer right now, on your own terms.

Here’s how to get started - step by step.

👩🏽‍💻 Step 1: Understand What Web Developers Actually Do

There are two main sides of web development:

Front-end: What users see and interact with (buttons, layouts, colors, etc.)
Back-end: What makes the site work behind the scenes (databases, servers, logic)

You don’t have to choose one right away - but understanding the roles helps you pick your path.

🔎 Pro tip: Start with front-end if you’re a creative thinker or visual learner - it’s beginner-friendly and lets you see your results quickly.

📚 Step 2: Learn the Essentials (No Degree Needed)

Start with these core skills:

HTML (structure)
CSS (styling)
JavaScript (interactivity)

💡 Great (and free!) platforms:

✨ Busy? Just 30 minutes a day adds up. Use your lunch break, early mornings, or wind-down time at night.

🧪 Step 3: Practice by Building

You don’t have to wait until you’re “ready.” Practice by creating:

A personal website or portfolio
A landing page for your side hustle
A simple blog layout

Not only does this build your skills - it builds your confidence.

💼 Step 4: Create a Simple Portfolio

Once you’ve got a few small projects, put them together in a portfolio site. Employers and clients love to see what you can do, and this helps you stand out.

You can build it yourself or use a free platform like:

Wix (beginner-friendly)
Netlify
GitHub Pages

🌱 Step 5: Find Community & Support

Tech can be isolating - but you don’t have to go it alone. Look for online spaces that are built for women and minorities in tech:

Black Girls Code
Latinas in Tech
Women Who Code
Tech Ladies

Surrounding yourself with people who look like you and share your values matters.

💪🏽 Final Words of Encouragement

You don’t need to have it all figured out on day one.

✅ You can learn this.

✅ You do belong in tech.

✅ Your story, your perspective, your presence is needed.

Take one small step today - that’s all it takes to start a powerful journey.

🛠 Tools to Help You Show Up Online with Purpose

📺 Want design and strategy tips in real time?

Subscribe to Taylor The Creator Studio on YouTube — where I share tutorials, audits, and strategy sessions to help you grow with confidence.

📘 Free & Premium Digital Resources to Support Your Growth:

✨ The Launch Roadmap – A step-by-step guide to starting your brand or website project with clarity
🧠 Branding Mini-Guide – Define your visual identity and connect with your ideal audience
🔧 Website Maintenance Checklist – Keep your site updated, secure, and running smooth
💼 Business Marketing Homework – Build a real marketing plan, not just to-do lists
💬 Digital Marketing 101 Course (Free Sample) – Get the basics of intentional digital marketing
📎 The Agency Pamphlet – Learn what it’s like to work with TTC on a full-service project