markupandmatcha.hashnode.devThe tech stack nobody talks about: what actually matters when you're building websites for clientsThere's a version of this post that starts with some grand take about how the industry is broken and we're all building over-engineered nonsense. I'll try not to do that, because honestly, it's more nuanced than that and also I'm 21 and probably shou...Feb 17·7 min read
markupandmatcha.hashnode.devFrom zero to fully booked: how I got my first 5 web design clients without spending a pennyFour months ago I had a portfolio, a domain name, and exactly zero paying clients. No ad budget. No connections in the industry. No established following. Just a skillset and a lot of free time. Today I'm booked out for the next six weeks. Here's how...Feb 15·6 min read
markupandmatcha.hashnode.devHow much should a website cost in 2026? A freelancer's honest breakdownYou've typed "how much does a website cost" into Google at least once this week. Probably twice. And every answer you've found is either wildly vague or trying to sell you something. So here's the thing: I'm a freelance web designer. I build websites...Feb 15·4 min read
markupandmatcha.hashnode.devI built 10 websites in 2 months. Here's what every client got wrongYou've typed "how much does a website cost" into Google at least once this week. Probably twice. And every answer you've found is either wildly vague or trying to sell you something. Actually, let me back up. That's a different article. I had a very ...Feb 15·5 min read
markupandmatcha.hashnode.dev5 things I wish someone told me before I started freelancing as a web designerI turned 21 last month, and I've been freelancing as a web designer for about a year now. Not long, I know. But long enough to have made every mistake in the book and then invented a few new ones. Here are the things I genuinely wish someone had sat ...Feb 15·3 min read