When I decided to take freelancing seriously, I didn’t start with a fancy laptop or deep pockets. I started with what I had: a borrowed laptop, slow internet, and a hunger to figure things out.

I knew I wanted to work online. I knew people were making money building websites, managing content, designing pages, but the question was:
Where do I start without wasting time?

After going through all the confusion, trial and error, and finally finding my rhythm, I can confidently tell you this:

If you’re just starting your freelance journey, you should take a Web Development course and WordPress course should be your first two skills.

And I’m not just throwing buzzwords, I’ve walked this path, and I know what worked for me and for others I’ve trained and worked with.

The truth is: the world is digital, and digital needs builders. Not just designers or influencers, but people who understand how websites and content work behind the scenes.

If you’re looking for the most practical way to begin this journey, let me walk you through two key skills that changed everything for me and many others I’ve worked with:

Web Development
WordPress

But not just “what” you should learn,  why it matters, how the pieces fit together and lastly as a bonus, tell you how Odurinde.com’s training programs are built to get you going, the right way.

 

Starting From Scratch: Why Most People Stay Stuck

Before we talk about the skills, let’s address something real.

So many people are interested in tech and freelancing, but they’re held back by:

  • Not knowing where to start
  • Being overwhelmed by too many resources online
  • Thinking they need to be super tech-savvy or already experienced

But the truth is:
You don’t need to know everything to start.
You just need a clear path,  and that’s what this article gives you.

a laptop


Skill 1: Web Development — Your Digital Foundation

Let’s think of the internet like a city. Every page you visit is like a building. Some are simple kiosks, others are skyscrapers. But behind all of them, someone laid the foundation.

That “foundation” is web development, and when you understand how websites are built using HTML, CSS, JavaScript, etc., you go from being just a user to a creator.


Why Web Dev Is the Best Starting Block:

  •  You gain technical confidence. When you understand code, you’re no longer afraid of it.

  •  You understand how the web works. No more guessing what’s behind a site’s structure.

  •  You unlock higher-paying opportunities. Developers are in demand — always.

 It’s scalable. You can grow from frontend to backend to full stack or specialize in one path.

web development

Personally, learning HTML and CSS was like unlocking a new superpower. Suddenly, websites weren’t just “magic screens” anymore, I could build one. And not just for fun — for clients, too.

But… let’s be real, web dev takes time to master. So, what if you want to start earning sooner, while still learning and growing?


Skill 2: WordPress — Your Shortcut to Real Projects

Here’s where WordPress comes in. WordPress is the world’s most popular platform for building websites, and for good reason.

It’s flexible, beginner-friendly, and loved by clients.

With WordPress, you can:

  • Build and launch sites in days, not months

  • Offer services to businesses, creators, bloggers, and NGOs

  • Use themes and plugins to add functionality without coding

  • Still apply your dev skills to customize and upgrade beyond templates

My first paying client didn’t care about my JavaScript knowledge. They wanted a clean website that loaded fast and worked on phones. WordPress helped me deliver exactly that, and I got paid.

wordpress


The Real-World Value of WordPress:

  •  Quick deployment of client-ready sites
  •  Perfect for small businesses with limited budgets (a huge freelance market!)
  •  Ideal for freelancers offering maintenance, SEO, or updates
  •  Integrates well with tools like WooCommerce, Elementor, and more

But here’s the kicker: most WordPress users don’t understand web dev. And most developers undervalue WordPress.

You? You’ll understand both. That’s your edge.


Why Both Skills Work Best Together

So, what happens when you combine Web Dev and WordPress?

You become the type of freelancer who:

  • Can say yes to small WordPress projects and scale up to complex custom builds

  • Can charge more because you’re not limited to drag-and-drop

  • Can build your own projects — portfolios, blogs, even web apps

  • Has freedom — to work with agencies, start your own thing, or freelance from anywhere

You’re no longer guessing or depending on plugins alone. You understand the system, inside and out.


How Odurinde.com Training Makes This Possible

Odurinde.com built its training programs with people like you in mind,  those who want to break into tech, build real-world skills, and start earning online.

The goal? Clarity + Structure + Support
Not random tutorials, Not long-winded theory. Just the right steps in the right order.


Web Development Training — Starting May 19, 2025

  • Learn the core languages: HTML, CSS, JavaScript, React, Node.js

  • Build projects from scratch — not just “follow-along” demos

  • Understand responsive design, media queries, Flexbox, and more

  • Get personalized support and feedback


WordPress Development Training — Coming Soon

  • Set up and manage full websites using themes, plugins, and builders

  • Learn Elementor, WooCommerce, SEO basics, and security

  • Customize themes using your web dev knowledge

  • Build a service-based portfolio you can show to real clients

This combo gives you the full package. You won’t just learn, you’ll do.


Who Is This For?

This isn’t just for techies. It’s for anyone who:

  • Wants to become a freelance web designer/developer

  • Wants to run their own creative agency or online business

  • Wants to offer content, design, or SEO services with more authority

  • Is tired of watching from the sidelines and wants to take control



Final Thoughts — Build It. Own It. Earn From It.

You don’t need another motivational quote, you need a plan.

Web development gives you the understanding.
WordPress gives you the momentum.
And the odurinde.comr training gives you guidance.

Start now, and six months from now, your story could look completely different. The skills you learn today will still be valuable in 10 years. Tech is not going away.