by Mark | Jan 3, 2025 | Web Design, Web Design Trends, Web Professional Trends
The 2024 Industry Report – Web Design and Development is proudly presented by Web Professionals Global and its Advisory Council. This comprehensive analysis reflects our commitment to Community, Education and Certification, serving as a guiding resource for web professionals, educators, and workforce development leaders worldwide. As the web continues to weave itself into every aspect of industry and trade, this report offers a thorough exploration of trends, statistics, and the evolving needs of the web design and development field. Today, it can be argued that everyone, regardless of career path, is in one way or another a web professional.
Executive Summary
The web design and development industry has seen tremendous growth over the past five years, with new trends redefining its trajectory. In 2024, the web is more integrated into the global economy than ever before, spanning traditional tech roles and trade professions alike. This report explores key developments such as the rise of AI, the necessity of industry-based certifications, and the increasing demand for leadership training and workforce adaptability. It also provides actionable insights and recommendations to ensure professionals stay competitive in an evolving landscape.
Key highlights include:
- Steady growth in web-related employment and salaries across the US and internationally
- Critical role of mobile-first design as mobile users dominate internet access
- AI’s transformative impact across all workplace sectors
- Continued impact and growth of industry-based certifications
- Future-proofing today’s professional
- New courseware and certifications
- Importance of early career pathways to build the next generation of web design and development leaders
Growth of the Industry
The web design and development industry has grown exponentially over the past five years, driven by technological advances and increased internet penetration worldwide. Employment opportunities have expanded, with an estimated 8% annual growth in job postings globally. Salaries for web professionals have risen correspondingly, with US-based developers earning a median salary of $85,000, while international averages vary between $40,000 and $70,000 depending on region.
Market research shows the global web design and development market will reach approximately $123.2 billion by 2032, with an expected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.5% from 2024 to 2031. In the United States, employment for web developers is expected to increase by 16% from 2022 to 2032, significantly outpacing the average growth rate for all occupations. This expansion is anticipated to result in approximately 34,700 new web developer positions annually.
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, careers in digital and web-related fields will be among the most in-demand in 2025. Roles such as Animation Designer, Frontend Web Developer, UX/UI Designer, and Digital/Web Designer are expected to see continued growth as businesses prioritize enhancing user experience, creating engaging visual content, and maintaining a strong online presence. These professions are critical in shaping the digital landscape, with increasing reliance on innovative design and development to meet evolving consumer expectations and technological advancements. This demand underscores the importance of equipping professionals with cutting-edge skills and training to thrive in these dynamic career pathways.
The web design and development job market in Europe reflects a growing demand for digitally skilled professionals, with a significant talent gap persisting across the region. Frontend developers, who bridge the gap between code and stunning visual designs, are particularly vital in this landscape.
Ireland exemplifies this trend, facing a critical shortage of IT professionals. A 2023 survey by Expleo revealed that 94% of Irish businesses struggled to find suitable candidates for IT roles, and 74% of business leaders acknowledged challenges in attracting top talent. This shortage underscores the need for increased training and education in digital skills to meet industry demands and maintain Europe’s competitiveness in a rapidly evolving digital economy.
The demand for web designers and developers in South America is experiencing significant growth, driven by the region’s expanding digital economy and the global shift towards online platforms. Latin American developers, including web designers and developers , are increasingly sought after due to their high level of technical training, soft skills, and proficiency in English. Countries like Brazil and Argentina have become prominent tech hubs, with cities such as São Paulo and Buenos Aires hosting vibrant tech ecosystems. The rise of remote work has further opened opportunities for South American web designers and developers to engage with international clients, enhancing their employment prospects.
The global impact of web design and development is evident as industries increasingly rely on web technologies to enhance operations and customer engagement. E-commerce, education, healthcare, and even traditional trades like construction and manufacturing have integrated web-based solutions to remain competitive.
Web Usage and Statistics
The number of active websites worldwide surpassed 1.2 billion in 2024, reflecting steady growth in online activity. Of these, over 60% are optimized for mobile devices, showcasing the dominance of mobile-first strategies. Key statistics include:
- Browser usage: Google Chrome remains the top browser with a 65% market share, followed by Safari at 18%.
- Mobile growth: Over 60% of global web traffic now originates from mobile devices.
- E-commerce influence: Online retail sales accounted for 22% of total global retail sales in 2024, compared to just 15% five years ago.
These figures highlight the growing need for adaptive web design and development practices.
Key Turning Points for the Global Web Design and Development Landscape
The past five years have been marked by significant changes in web design and development. These include:
- The AI revolution: Tools like ChatGPT, Claude, CoPilot, Grok, LLaMA, and Gemini are reshaping content creation and web experiences. AI has become indispensable for tasks ranging from personalized user experiences to predictive analytics. Platforms such as Adobe, Canva, Designs.ai, and many others, including integrated development environments (IDEs), are incorporating AI, seamlessly converging design technologies with artificial intelligence.
- Cross-industry reliance: Trades such as automotive mechanics and electricians increasingly use web-based tools for diagnostics, scheduling, and customer interactions.
- Responsive and accessible design: A universal emphasis on inclusivity has made accessibility a standard rather than a bonus feature.
In 2024, the rapid and ongoing integration of web tools across industries highlights the critical need for a digitally fluent workforce across all career pathways.
Future-proofing Web Designers and Developers for Tomorrow’s Challenges
The evolving landscape of web design and development demands continuous growth and adaptability from professionals. Rapid advancements in technology and changing user expectations require web designers and developers to adopt a proactive approach to skill development and maintain high standards of professionalism. Future-proofing in this dynamic industry hinges on a combination of technical expertise, soft skills, and a commitment to lifelong learning.
Key competencies essential for staying ahead include:
- Proficiency in AI tools and foundational AI skills: Artificial intelligence is revolutionizing how websites are designed, optimized, and managed. Web designers and developers who leverage AI for automation, user behavior analysis, and creative enhancements will be better positioned to lead in the field.
- Inclusive design and accessibility principles: Prioritizing inclusivity and accessibility is both a moral and practical obligation. Designers who create user experiences that accommodate diverse needs contribute to broader audience engagement while complying with legal and business standards.
- Mastery of data privacy regulations and security protocols: Growing concerns over data privacy and cybersecurity make it critical for web professionals to understand and implement robust measures that protect user information and uphold global standards.
- Commitment to lifelong learning, training, and certifications: The fast pace of technological advancement necessitates continuous education and skill validation. Certifications not only confirm expertise but also signal a dedication to professional growth, a quality highly valued by employers and clients.
- Soft skills, leadership, problem-solving, and project management: These attributes remain vital for effective collaboration, team management, and addressing complex challenges in a competitive environment.
Flexibility is another key attribute for web professionals, enabling them to adapt to economic uncertainties and shifting client demands in a digital-first economy.
By embracing lifelong learning and maintaining professionalism, web designers and developers enhance their capabilities, future-proof their careers, and contribute meaningfully to the advancement of the industry. Web Professionals Global supports these efforts by providing resources, certifications, and advocacy to ensure web professionals remain competitive and prepared for the challenges of tomorrow.
Importance of Industry-Based Certifications
Industry-based certifications have emerged as a key differentiator for web professionals. These credentials validate expertise and signal to employers a commitment to quality and continuous learning. Certifications in areas such as UX/UI design, front-end development, front-end design, cybersecurity, and AI have seen a 20% increase in demand over the past year.
Employers use industry-based certifications as part of the hiring process to assess candidates’ skills, qualifications, and readiness for specific roles. These certifications serve as standardized benchmarks of competence and knowledge in various fields, making them valuable tools for streamlining recruitment. Prospective employees with certifications from accredited organizations or professional associations can distinguish themselves from those without certifications giving them the edge to get hired.
Employees with certifications are more likely to get promoted, while freelancers with relevant certifications instill confidence in clients regarding their abilities and the professionalism they bring to their work.
Organizations like Web Professionals Global play a pivotal role in fostering technical and soft skills development through recognized education and certification programs.
The Value of Competition in Strengthening the Workforce
Competition continues to be seen as a powerful tool for improving the pool of workforce professionals, not only in Web Design and Development but across all industry sectors. Events like the SkillsUSA State and National Web Design and Development competitions provide a vital platform for developing professionals to test their skills, benchmark their abilities against peers, and refine their craft in a dynamic, high-stakes environment.
These competitions simulate real-world challenges, requiring participants to perform under pressure while solving complex problems with creativity and precision. Such experiences prepare individuals for the demands of professional environments, equipping them with the resilience and adaptability needed to excel in their careers.
Beyond the competitive framework, these events also offer access to valuable training sessions and seminars led by seasoned professionals. Participants gain cutting-edge insights into industry trends, tools, and best practices, fostering continuous learning and professional growth.
Leadership development is another cornerstone of these initiatives. Competitions encourage participants to cultivate critical skills such as teamwork, communication, and decision-making—attributes that are essential for advancing careers and driving innovation within the industry.
Moreover, competitions inspire a pursuit of excellence and provide unparalleled networking opportunities. Engaging with peers, mentors, and industry leaders allows competitors to build connections that can shape their professional journeys and open doors to future opportunities.
By investing in competitive events, industries ensure a steady pipeline of skilled, confident, and innovative professionals who are well-prepared to meet the evolving demands of the workforce. For Web Design and Development, these platforms are instrumental in fostering the next generation of talent while driving the industry toward higher standards of excellence.
Essential Recommendations for Web Design and Development Professionals
While these recommendations for web design and development professionals remain largely unchanged each year, emerging technologies and trends like AI and AR/VR continually shape and update this essential and evolving list.
- Stay updated on emerging technologies like AI and AR/VR
- Pursue certifications to validate and expand skillsets
- Prioritize accessibility and inclusive design in all projects
- Embrace lifelong learning through workshops and online courses
- Engage in industry events and competitions for exposure
- Join a professional association and network with professionals to exchange ideas and best practices
- Focus on mobile-first and responsive design principles
- Keep security and data privacy at the forefront of web development
- Mentor young professionals to contribute to the next generation of leaders
- Be adaptable to shifting client needs, market demands and new technologies
Author’s Note: If you examine the essentials above, you’ll notice that, aside from a few technical specifics, this list aligns closely with what any professional should consider, regardless of their career pathway.
Creating the Next Generation of Web Design and Development Professionals
Every year, the need for relevant workforce training and secondary and post-secondary curricula aligned with industry-based certifications continues to grow. Developing the future leaders of web design and development begins with engaging students early through dynamic curriculum and extracurricular activities. By integrating career pathways programs and mentorship initiatives, learners are equipped to make informed decisions about their education and professional goals. Participation in events like SkillsUSA further builds confidence, creativity, and a competitive edge, fostering the skills needed to thrive in this fast-evolving field.
Web Professionals Global plays a pivotal role in this mission. Dedicated to advancing the web design and development industry through education, community, and certification, we empower professionals at all stages of their careers with invaluable resources and growth opportunities.
Training Tomorrow’s Professionals Through Online Integrated Courseware
To meet the growing demand for a digitally fluent workforce, schools and organizations now have access to online integrated courseware designed to upskill individuals across various career pathways. These programs focus on equipping learners with essential digital skills, technical expertise, and adaptability to succeed in modern industries.
One of the latest innovations is the AI for the Workplace course and microcredential. This program provides learners with foundational AI skills, enabling them to utilize AI as a tool to enhance productivity, improve accuracy, and work more efficiently. By mastering these capabilities, participants gain a competitive advantage, future-proofing their careers and positioning themselves as indispensable professionals in an increasingly AI-driven world.
Whether in web design and developmentor other fields, these training tools help bridge skill gaps, empower learners, and ensure that the workforce remains agile, skilled, and ready to tackle the challenges of the future.
What is Web Professionals Global?
We are a trusted advocate for the web design and development industry since 1997, supporting professionals at all stages of their careers. With a mission to advance the industry through education, certification, and community engagement, we provide essential resources and opportunities to help individuals and organizations thrive in this dynamic field.
Over two decades ago, we partnered with SkillsUSA to establish the national Web Design and Development competitive event, fostering talent and innovation among students across the United States. As a proud partner with the U.S. Department of Labor’s O*NET program, we contribute to defining professional standards and resources for web developers and other web-related roles.
We are also a vocal advocate for ethical practices in the industry, promoting the Web Professionals Global Code of Ethics to ensure integrity and professionalism. Guided by an international Advisory Board, we maintain a global perspective on industry trends, challenges, and opportunities, ensuring our initiatives are forward-looking and inclusive of diverse viewpoints.
Conclusion and Future Outlook
The web design and development industry stands at the crossroads of innovation and opportunity. With the continued integration of AI, the rise of mobile-first approaches, and the emphasis on certifications and leadership, the future is promising yet challenging. Over the next five years, we anticipate a further blurring of lines between industries and the web, necessitating a robust, adaptable, and skilled workforce.
Education, community, and certification remain the pillars of success in this dynamic field, ensuring professionals are equipped to shape the future of the web.
For more information about how we support web professionals and the industry at large, please browse our entire website and reach out to us today.
by Mark | Dec 18, 2023 | Industry News, State of the Web, Web Pro News, Web Professional Trends
As we look back at the digital landscape of 2023, the world of web design and development continues to evolve at a rapid pace, ushering in a new era of innovation and creativity. The team at Web Professionals Global has been fortunate enough to see many of these changes up close. This year, designers and developers have pushed boundaries and redefined user experiences. In this article, we’ll explore the trends that have dominated the web design and development scene in 2023.
As a member, you have access to specific links with all thee articles (providing much more detail). Members should view this linked page for access to all those details. If you are not a member, you will be directed to the join page (members should login first).
Immersive and Interactive Experiences
Web designers are increasingly focusing on creating immersive and interactive experiences to captivate users. With advancements in WebGL and 3D graphics, websites are now offering dynamic and engaging content. From interactive storytelling to product showcases, the web is becoming a more interactive and visually stunning space.
Augmented Reality (AR) Integration
The integration of augmented reality into web design has gained momentum in 2023. AR elements enhance user engagement by overlaying digital information onto the real world. From virtual try-on experiences for e-commerce to interactive educational content, AR is reshaping how users interact with websites.
Dark Mode Dominance
Dark mode has transcended from a trend to a design standard. Offering a sleek and modern aesthetic, dark mode not only reduces eye strain but also conserves device battery life. Major websites and applications are embracing dark mode as a default or optional theme, providing users with a more personalized browsing experience.
Voice User Interface (VUI) Implementation
Voice technology has become more sophisticated, leading to the integration of voice user interfaces in web design. Websites are adopting voice search, commands, and navigation, making it more convenient for users to interact with content hands-free. This trend reflects the growing importance of accessibility and user-friendly interfaces.
Minimalistic and Functional Design
Minimalism continues to be a key design philosophy, with a focus on simplicity and functionality. Clean layouts, ample white space, and intuitive navigation are essential components of modern web design. Striking the right balance between aesthetics and usability, designers are creating seamless and clutter-free digital experiences.
AI-Powered Personalization
Artificial intelligence is playing a pivotal role in web development by enabling personalized user experiences. AI algorithms analyze user behavior and preferences to deliver tailored content, recommendations, and even dynamic website layouts. This level of personalization enhances user engagement and satisfaction.
Blockchain Integration for Security
With an increasing emphasis on cybersecurity, blockchain technology is making its mark in web development. Blockchain provides enhanced security and transparency, making it a valuable addition to websites dealing with sensitive data. This trend is particularly prevalent in e-commerce, finance, and healthcare sectors.
Progressive Web Apps (PWAs)
Progressive Web Apps continue to gain popularity due to their ability to provide a seamless user experience across devices. Combining the best of web and mobile applications, PWAs offer faster load times, offline functionality, and push notifications, enhancing user engagement and retention.
Wrap-Up
In the ever-evolving landscape of web design and development, 2023 has been a year marked by innovation, user-centric experiences, and the integration of advanced technologies. From immersive designs and augmented reality to the widespread adoption of dark mode and AI-driven personalization, these trends collectively shape the digital experiences of users worldwide. At Web Professionals Global,we are excited to continue supporting web professionals around the world and see where the industry goes in 2024. Reach out to us today to find out more about our mission of “Community, Education, Certification.”
If you want more details about any of the above information, please view this linked page (members only – be sure to login first).
by Mark | Mar 27, 2023 | AI and Machine Learning, CSS3, Web Accessibility, Web Professional Trends
March has been a most interesting month in terms of new advancements in web design and development. Here are just a few articles we found interesting this month. Perhaps a bit of a directed stream of our thoughts supported by articles. Admittedly, some were published prior to March and we just encountered them. We encourage you to review these articles and follow along with the stream as we focus on:
- AI (and accessibility) – yes, they go together in many ways,
- CSS,
- JavaScript, and
- Website sustainability.
AI (and accessibility)
First, let’s examine a recent post by Brad Frost concerning “design systems in the time of ai.” As mentioned at the end of the article “…AI makes it crystal-clear we need to be focusing on why we create things vs what/how we create.” In a nutshell, AI can be used to improve efficiency in what is created. We can be leveraging the power of AI to reduce the mundane tasks and focus on what is important.
So, what does AI have to do with accessibility? It can help tremendously. Last year, Accessibility.com published a great overview of “How Artificial Intelligence is Improving Accessibility.” This is a rapidly evolving landscape, and we can think in terms of AI-supported voice assistants helping those with visual impairments, AI driven transcribing can help with those experiencing hearing impairment. Likewise AI tools can help with speech impairments (think in terms of Parkinson’s or brain injuries)as well as mobility impairments. We encourage you to read the linked article to learn more.
Accessibility
Focusing solely on accessibility, we found the Guide to Accessible Form Validation by Sandrina Pereira to be most informative. She correctly asserts that when we build form validations from scratch we often overlook accessibility. Sandrina focuses on both usability and accessibility. We found this article to be a solid introduction and encourage aspiring web professionals to develop such an approach in all their work.
We also encountered this solid article dealing with color contrast. Yes, this is something everyone finds very annoying. We liked the subtitle – “Web Accessibility for Text & UI Design.” Good thesis – always make your UI components easy to identify.
CSS
Getting started with style queries by Una Kravets is a solid read also. The ability to query a parent object’s inline size along with container query unit values has achieved stable support in modern browser engines. Una covers the fundamentals of working with these and provides useful examples (including code snippets). Of course, this technology continues to expand and you should be come familiar with these approaches whether you are a practicing web professional or an aspiring one.
JavaScript
Sandworm audit is a command line tool to identify vulnerabilities, malicious scripts, license, and metadata issues. It is free and open source and works with any JavaScript package manager. Have you tried it out? What are your thoughts?
For those who like a bit of spice with their JavaScript, we encountered Jared White’s “Great gaslighting of the JavaScript Era” article. This article represents a cogent view of many of the internal discussions we have been holding for several years. The web is built on standards and protocols. Your site is based on HTML, but can be served from any operating system on any hardware any place on our planet. You do not need a JavaScript framework to build a simple website. We seem to have forgotten that. Yes, I have personally seen sites relying on large JS libraries to display what could be done in a few lines of HTML (and stuled with a bit of CSS). Good article (and we agree with you Jared). This article is also a great segue to the issue of website sustainability (see below).
Website Sustainability
Alexander Dawson published an interesting article on the carbon impact of web standards in January, 2023 (yes, we just encountered this one and it is worth reading). Given that the Internet is a major source of carbon pollution, it is important to think in terms of sustainable web design. Yes, Greenpeace recently reported that if the Internet were a country, it would be in the top 10 carbon emitters. The BBC published an overview of the extent of the problem a few years ago. Yes, the WWW is highly dependent on electricity (and the source of much of that electricity is not carbon neutral). Alexander focused on HTML and CSS and how much energy was required to render a basic boilerplate. He relied on different browsers, different hosting providers, different equipment and different locations (among other variables).
His test suite consisted of nearly 300 HTML elements and attributes, over 500 CSS rule, selector, and property tests, and over 50 media and other specification tests. He noted that embedding interactive content caused the use of a significant amount of CPU, GPU, RAM, and data usage. Non-standard code triggered rendering issues as well. with respect to CSS, animation (specifically keyframe animation) and the use of custom fonts caused a dramatic impact. For media formats, SVG is the best. We thought his conclusion (below) summarized that major changes are needed.
Existing evidence shows that websites are getting more bloated [54], sites remain largely inaccessible [55], and with JavaScript taking higher importance than basic semantics in tooling practices, the backbone of the web (HTML & CSS) have become clogged with un-performant code. The existing web needs a firm shake-up if it is to meet it’s commitments to become sustainable (and user-friendly).
Your thoughts?
Yes, that was a lot to examine this month. We are keen to learn what you liked and what areas you would like us to examine in greater detail. We look forward to your comments.
by Mark | Jun 1, 2021 | Industry News, Web Professional Trends
As we begin another month, here are my thoughts regarding what is happening in our industry.
This month, my thoughts center around longevity. Hope you find this information useful. In case you are curious, I built my first web page in 1992 (yes, 29 years ago). It no longer exists, nor does the company where I built it at.
I am already looking forward to your comments.
Ageism
My colleague and friend, Tom Green, recently posted an article on LinkedIn.com about this last acceptable prejudice.After you review the article, let’s start a discussion in our Slack #general channel about this topic. What are your experiences? Does Tom’s article resonate with you? Why or why not?
CSS
Eric Meyer reflects on 25 years of CSS. Has it really been that long? If you have a moment, please post a comment reflecting on your first use of CSS. Consider a discussion in our Slack channel as well. What are your thoughts on the past 25 years of CSS.
WordPress
Speaking of longevity, WordPress turned 18 in May. Isobel Weston has a great overview article at NameCheap. From a simple blogging platform to a technology which powers nearly 41% of the WWW these days. And it only took 18 years to get to this point. Makes me wonder what the next 18 years hold for this technology.
Annual Web Competition with SkillsUSA
Speaking of longevity, this year marks the 19th year for our national web competition held in conjunction with SkillsUSA. Our first year (2004) was a demonstration contest. This year will mark our first large scale virtual competition. We did a smaller competition in 2020 as the pandemic raged. This year, we have over 20 teams competing at secondary and post-secondary levels. Winners will be announced near the end of June at the above site.
I am curious – now that you have read this far, what information would you like to see next month? Please tell us via the comments.
by Mark | May 1, 2021 | Industry News, State of the Web, Web Accessibility, Web Content, Web Professional Trends
Note from Mark. I plan to periodically provide article summaries and insights. I am hoping this will happen once each month. Hope is the operative word. Here are my thoughts as we begin May, 2021. I welcome your comments about additional topics you would find helpful as well as your thoughts about these articles. I found them most interesting/ thought provoking.
Accessibility
Using Modern CSS to Improve Accessibility. This article by Stephanie Eckles provides a quick overview of what it means to have an accessible website. Stephanie then covers using some of the newer CSS to enhance accessibility. This includes use of outline-offset to position the outline away from the element. The focus-visible pseudo-class will display an outline only when the user agent determines it needs to be visible. There is so much more in this article, I encourage you to set aside time to read it in its entirety and digest how these CSS features can be used to solve real world accessibility issues.
A.I.
GPT-3 is a language supermodel which is quietly ushering in the A.I. revolution. This article by Luke Dormehl explains why this text generating algorithm makes a difference. The main difference with prior algorithms is that limited training is required. In the past, significant input was required for A.I. to “learn.” This no longer seems to be needed. Think. About. That. Here is a key quote from the article (it certainly resonated with me).
“Machine learning has been transformative in all sorts of ways over the past couple of decades. But machine learning requires a large number of training examples to be able to output correct answers. GPT-3, on the other hand, has a “few shot ability” that allows it to be taught to do something with only a small handful of examples.”
Ok, Mark, what does all this A.I. have to do with Web design and development? One example mentioned in the article is a layout generator which”renders a functional layout by generating JavaScript code from a simple text description.” Another example is a GPT-3 based search engine. I think you will find this article most interesting and informative. Our industry is changing and A.I. is going to have a major impact. Plan accordingly.
FLoC
Federated Learning of Cohorts is Google’s replacement for tracking cookies. Our advisory board member, Deborah Edwards-Orono, has a great article about this effort and her concerns. Simply put, FLoc is included by default in the new version of the Chrome browser [see our recent post on the popularity of this browser] and collects your recent browser activity. It takes that activity and labels it then shares the “cohort” with other websites and advertisers. The main concern with this approach is privacy. She also discusses a new WordPress plugin Disable FLoC which is easy to install and has no configuration settings, it just does what it claims to do. If you would like to learn more about the implications of FLoC, the Electronic Frontier Foundation has a solid overview as well.
For those not using WordPress, Marko Saric has an overview article at Plausible which also includes the snippet of code you can add to your .htaccess file to disable FLoC as well.
Future of the WWW
Professor Sir Tim Berners’Lee (inventor ot the WWW) thinks his creation is out of control. In this interview, he explains his plans to save it.The big issue these days is privacy. He proposes Solid (a new system to decentralize the Web). His core idea is PODS (Personal Online Data Stores) which each person has control over. The fundamental change is that anyone wanting to use your information must ask for your permission. After you review the interview, I would be keen to learn your thoughts about this approach. Comments are open.
Hardware
Gizmodo recently discussed the fact that Verizon is recalling 2.5 million of its hotspots because they are literally too hot. There have been 15 reports of the devices overheating (6 instances of fire damage). Review the article to see if you have one of these hotspots (various models sold between April, 2017 and March, 2021).
WordPress
Easy WP Guide has been released for WordPress 5.7 (most current version). No discussion of PHP or the technical details, just a comprehensive guide to help you edit the content of your site. This is a free download. Web Professionals who build sites using this technology may wish to share this document with their clients (if you haven’t already). You can purchase the guide which allows you to brand it as you wish.
For those developers using Elementor as part of their WordPress installations, you may wish to review the recent Wordfence post discussing recent vulnerabilities with Elementor. For those who are not aware, Elementor is installed on over 3.5 million WordPress sites. The Wordfence team found over 100 vulnerable endpoints.
Final thoughts
Hopefully, you found these articles and insights helpful. What else would you like to see in future articles? What did you think about these? I look forward to reading your comments.
Best always,
Mark DuBois, Executive Director
Web Professionals (a.k.a. World Organization of Webmasters)
by Steve Waddell | Aug 3, 2020 | Web Design, Web Development, Web Pro Education, Web Professional Trends
By Steve Waddell, Director of Education and Training
Traditional retail was already taking a big hit before the days of COVID-19. But the worldwide pandemic has accelerated the shifts we began to see in retail over the last 5 years and accelerated the closing of many retail operations, both big and small. Essentially, the hope for most businesses is to become COVID-proof, meaning serving customers as easily online as in the store. For retailers this means finding a way to take that great customer experience of the store and move it to a strong web presence.
This means an opportunity is opening up—a new and growing demand for web designers, developers, content writers, and retail experts to help small and large operations convert what they used to do on the sales floor to making the magic happen online. Hard-working and talented retail staff who once walked the sales floors are well suited to take their retail knowledge and sales skills into the cloud to help retailers build success on the web.
Before the COVID-19 crisis, web design and web development were already high-growth career paths. Now with companies scrambling to reach customers on the web, every business needs to have their web capacity to reach existing and new customers. To do this, retailers must have skilled web designers who can help bring the retail sales narrative to the business’s website. Selling on the web is a little different than selling in person, but retail skills still translate very well to web design and development.
Web design and development is a fast-growing STEM career path that offers flexible and fun careers to those who don’t want to report to an office every day. The median salary for the industry is $73K and ranges up to $150K. Let’s take a look at how the retail experience aligns with web design and development.
What Do Web Designers and Developers Do?
Broadly speaking, web designers and developers work with clients to market products and services online. Designers utilize text, images and video to create websites and reach intended audiences. Developers write the code that provides the technical foundation of these websites.
Most web designers and developers keep a foot in both the design and coding worlds. The beauty of this career is that you can weave elegant design with rock-solid code to create a compelling website for your client and site visitors. By merging visual and technical solutions, web designers and developers help their clients succeed and meet business goals.
How Does Retail Experience Relate to a Career in Web Design and Development?
Retail workers looking to reskill have excellent qualities including working under pressure, talking through problems, taking on new responsibilities, managing time, taking initiative, and serving each and every customer with empathy and respect. Retail helps you learn how to focus on what you can control and not worry so much about the “overly concerned customer in aisle 3.”
In retail, you help people figure out what service or product is right for them. Guess what? Much of that is at the core of what a web designer does—except instead of standing in a store, designers and developers figure out how to reach people through a web presence. Web designers and developers take client ideas, products and services, helping to sell them to targeted audiences.
Benefits of a Career in Web Design and Development
According to research, 30 percent of the U.S. working population currently freelances in some capacity, and that will grow to 51 percent by 2020. Many web designers and developers freelance and/or work remotely, and that has only increased in the age of COVID-19. Surveys of freelancers show that they are happier and earn more than in previous office jobs. This isn’t a surprise: when the most recent recession hit, companies began to seek ways to cut costs. They began to hire contractors who could work from home, saving on rent, insurance, and utility costs, and allowing freelancers more flexibility over when and where they could work. Web design and development is one of the growing STEM careers that offers unparalleled flexibility and opportunities to work on impactful projects.
How Can I Get Started?
One of the wonderful things about the coding industry is that you don’t need a four-year degree (or even a two-year degree) to become a trained professional. To get started, you will need to gain technical skills, whether it be through online resources, books, or more organized courses. The easiest way to learn web design and development is to use media-rich courses that utilize images and video to engage you. All you need is a browser and text editor – you want to avoid courses that teach specific applications like Adobe Dreamweaver. Focus on basic skills first like HTML5, CSS3 and JavaScript.
As you learn, you will build a career-ready portfolio of your work including real-world projects, a digital resume and a portfolio website that will showcase your story to potential employers. This is important to demonstrate your technical aptitude and ability to successfully develop and guide a project from beginning to end. You can also achieve in-demand industry certifications to prove to companies you have a comprehensive skill set and are ready to produce for them on day one.
WebProfessionals.org offers an engaging web design and development online course featuring over 200 engaging videos that will tutor you step by step, perfect for visual learners. The course also prepares you to sit for an International Industry-Recognized Certification (IIRC). Try to avoid courses that only offer a course completion certificate. Anybody can issue you a piece of paper saying you completed their course, and the industry knows this. An IIRC will help open more doors for you faster and get you career going quicker. So, take the time as you look around for training to be sure you know what you are getting for your educational investment.
Reskilling in the Age of COVID-19
Although it can be a scary time, don’t panic. There are numerous opportunities out there for transitioning from retail to a new career. Why not web design and development? The federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) offers services for laid-off workers, dislocated workers and those transitioning to new jobs. This helps provide job training to people looking for a new challenge and growing career path.
The Web Professionals Organization has reskilling courses available for workforce programs, vocational schools, universities, job centers and community colleges. Not sure where to go? Contact the Web Professionals Organization for more information today.
