To become a web developer without experience, build a proof-based portfolio through targeted projects, public commits, and small paid gigs.
If you’re starting from zero, you don’t need a degree or years in tech. You need a lean plan, the right learning order, and steady output that shows skill in the open. This guide lays out a 90-day track, a portfolio recipe, and a job search playbook that turns first projects into paid work.
Skills And Learning Sequence (Start Here)
Start with the building blocks, then stack projects that prove each block. Use free, trusted sources and ship something after every topic. The table below pairs each skill with a starter resource and a proof-of-work idea you can finish in a weekend.
| Skill & Outcome | Free Starter Resource | Proof Of Work |
|---|---|---|
| HTML semantics; forms; media | MDN Learn web development | One-page profile with semantic tags, form, and alt text |
| CSS layout; responsive design | MDN layout modules | Landing page that scales cleanly from 320px to desktop |
| JavaScript basics; DOM work | MDN JS basics | Interactive to-do app with localStorage |
| Git; GitHub fluency | Git docs & short tutorials | Daily commits with clear messages; README badges |
| Accessibility basics (POUR) | WCAG 2 overview | Keyboard-navigable UI; color-contrast checks |
| HTTP basics; caching headers | MDN HTTP overview | Small app that sets Cache-Control for assets |
| API calls; fetch patterns | MDN Fetch API | Weather widget with error states and loading cues |
| Frontend libraries (one) | Official docs for a single library | Simple SPA with router and state |
| Basic backend; JSON APIs | Node or a hosted backend lesson | CRUD notes API; deploy to a free host |
| Deploy & CI | GitHub Actions quickstart | Auto-deploy on push; green status badge |
Become A Web Developer Without Experience: First 90 Days
This sprint breaks work into weekly outcomes. Keep scope small so you finish things. Shipping on a schedule matters more than perfect code. If a topic takes longer, trim features, not the deadline.
Weeks 1–2: HTML, CSS, And One Polished Page
Build a single scroll page with real semantics, a form, and responsive layout. Use CSS grid and flexbox for structure. Add link states, focus rings, and readable font sizes. Validate with a contrast checker.
Finish Line
- Public repo with README, a live link, and screenshots
- Lighthouse run showing accessible names and decent performance
- Two short issues opened on your own repo that explain trade-offs
Weeks 3–4: JavaScript And Browser APIs
Learn variables, arrays, objects, and events. Wire up a small app: a to-do list or habit tracker. Add persistence with localStorage. Set empty-state messages and input validation. Keep functions short, name them clearly, and write one doc comment for each major function.
Finish Line
- Live demo with add/edit/delete tasks and filter
- Error messages that help, not scold
- One page in README listing features and known gaps
Weeks 5–6: APIs, JSON, And Loading States
Call a public API with fetch. Show loading spinners and retry buttons. Handle rate limits and network errors. Log errors with timestamps to the console. Cache non-sensitive responses in memory and set an expiry.
Finish Line
- Search UI that debounces input
- Helpful empty-result state and clear no-network messaging
- Unit tests for small helpers like formatters
Weeks 7–8: One Frontend Library
Pick one mainstream library and stick with it for a month. Rebuild your to-do or API project with components, router, and simple state. Keep bundle size lean and strip unused code. Add lazy-loading for long lists.
Finish Line
- Component tree diagram in README
- Basic routing with a not-found page
- Form with accessible labels and help text
Weeks 9–10: Backend Basics And Deployment
Create a tiny JSON API with two endpoints. Add input checks on the server. Return helpful error bodies. Use a free database tier or a file store. Deploy and set a healthcheck route.
Finish Line
- Live API URL and sample curl commands in README
- CI that runs tests and lints before deploy
- Crash recovery note: how the server restarts on failure
Weeks 11–12: Portfolio Polish And Outreach
Turn your work into a clear story. Your site should load fast, read well, and show real, finished pieces. Add a plain contact page. Share two short posts on what you learned and one deep code note. Start applying to small gigs and entry roles.
What Employers Look For In Entry Candidates
Hiring teams scan for proof that you can ship, not classroom time. They look for readable code, feature slices that match real tasks, and the grit to debug.
- Working demos: links that open fast on phone and desktop
- Clean repos: clear commit messages; tidy file tree; a helpful README
- Tests and checks: even a few small tests help
- Accessibility care: keyboard paths, labels, and contrast
- HTTP basics: cache headers on static assets help speed; Cache-Control is your friend
Portfolio That Wins Screenshots And Interviews
Your portfolio’s job is simple: prove you can plan, build, and ship small web apps that look tidy and handle edge cases. Keep three strong projects on the home page and bury the rest. Each card needs a goal, a link, and one visual that explains the core idea at a glance.
Three Project Ideas That Map To Real Work
- Content site with search: a recipe or article site with a tag filter, pagination, and share cards
- CRUD app with auth: notes or budget app with login, lists, and an edit flow
- API mashup: a trip planner that pulls maps, weather, and place photos
Quality Bar For Each Project
- Mobile layout that fits small screens without side scroll
- Readable color pairs; focus outlines visible at all times
- Fast first paint; images compressed; proper alt text
- Error states that guide the user; form hints near inputs
- Simple analytics (page views) with privacy settings explained
Job Facts: Pay, Growth, And Roles
If you like numbers, the U.S. Occupational Outlook Handbook lists pay and growth for this field. According to the latest entry for this occupation group, the median annual wage for web developers was reported in May 2024, and growth through 2034 is projected at 7% for web developers and digital designers. See the official details in the BLS occupation page.
Project-Based Resume: What To Show And What To Skip
Skip buzzwords. Lead with shipped work. Show a short list of skills tied to real tasks. Keep the resume to one page with links to live demos and repos. Use plain language and numbers where you can: load time, page size, bug counts, or users.
Sections That Help
- Headline: “Web developer — frontend focus” or “Web developer — full-stack basics”
- Projects: three entries with task bullets
- Skills: HTML, CSS, JS, one library, Git, REST, a tiny bit of Node
- Proof: links to demos, repos, and screenshots
- Writing: two short posts on lessons learned
Outreach That Gets Replies
Cold apply, then send a short, human note. Keep it under six lines. Mention one small bug or copy fix you found on the company site and link a snippet that shows the fix. Attach a tiny patch if they host code in public. The point is to show you can help on day one.
Simple Message Template
Subject: Tiny fix for your pricing page
Hi <Name>,
I spotted a small layout issue on mobile (<700px) on /pricing.
Here’s a gist with a fix and a before/after screenshot: <link>.
I’m applying for the junior web developer role and would love to help.
Cheers,
<Your Name> — <Portfolio Link>Second Table: Portfolio Milestones And Deliverables
Use this checklist to guide your next month. Ship on a weekly cadence and track evidence for each line. Share progress on your repo and social profile so hiring teams can see momentum.
| Milestone | What To Ship | Evidence |
|---|---|---|
| Accessible landing | Home page with real headings, labels, alt text | Lighthouse scores; contrast report screenshot |
| Interactive list | List with sort, filter, and empty state | Short demo video; code comments; tests for helpers |
| API integration | Fetch data; loading and error UIs | Retry logic and logged errors with timestamps |
| Deployed app | Live URL with custom domain and SSL | CI badge; release notes with date and changes |
| Perf pass | Static assets with proper Cache-Control | Headers screenshot; size cut notes in README |
| Mini case write-up | One page about goals, choices, trade-offs | Post link; two images showing before/after |
Interview Prep Without Buzzwords
Interviews at the junior tier center on basics. Expect HTML structure, CSS layout, and simple JS logic. Keep answers tight. When you don’t know, say how you’d test or research, then write a small snippet on the whiteboard or in a sandbox.
Practice Topics
- Semantic tags and why they help screen readers
- Flex vs grid and when to use each
- Event delegation, array methods, and a small fetch call
- Why cache headers reduce load and bandwidth
- Basic URL routing and 404 pages
Common Sticking Points (And Quick Fixes)
“My Projects Look Boring”
Keep spacing generous, pick two fonts, and set a clear scale for headings and body text. Use a neutral color base with one accent. Borrow patterns from design systems and keep buttons consistent across pages.
“I’m Not Sure What To Build Next”
Clone a small part of a site you admire. Rebuild just the header, a card grid, or a detail page. Keep scope under one weekend and make it responsive. Post a short write-up on what you changed.
“My Pages Feel Slow”
Compress images, preconnect to needed origins, and set cache headers for CSS, JS, and images. Move large scripts to the end or load them after the first paint. Trim third-party embeds unless they earn their keep.
Proof Beats Permission: Your First Paid Win
You don’t need a first job to start earning. Offer a one-page site for a local shop. Quote a fixed price with clear scope: a clean home page, contact form, and map. Deliver in a week, ask for a testimonial, and add it to your portfolio.
How This Plan Was Built
The learning sequence leans on open standards and reliable sources. The MDN learning area covers HTML, CSS, JS, and HTTP concepts in depth, and the WAI pages summarize WCAG principles in clear terms. For market data and role outlook, the U.S. Occupational Outlook Handbook lists pay bands and growth for this job family. Links above go to those pages for quick checks.
Next Steps You Can Take Today
- Buy a domain name and set a simple home page with your name
- Finish one small app this week and post the link
- Write a 200-word note on one bug you fixed and how you found it
- Send two short outreach emails with a tiny fix attached
- Repeat weekly until you have three polished projects
Starter Checklist
- Three shipped projects with mobile-first layouts
- Public repos with clean commits and READMEs
- Keyboard paths and contrast checks across pages
- Cache headers for assets; small bundles
- Resume with links, not buzzwords