In a world dominated by digital experiences, the demand for well-designed, mobile-first websites is exploding. But here’s the truth: not all industries are keeping up. Many are desperately in need of skilled web designers to elevate their online presence and connect with their audiences.

If you’re a student, stay-at-home parent, or aspiring solopreneur/entrepreneur looking to supplement your income, this is your golden opportunity. By focusing on industries with high demand, you can start a lucrative and flexible side hustle in web design, creating mobile-first websites that deliver real results.

Why Now Is the Best Time to Be a Website Designer

Gone are the days when businesses could rely on generic templates or clunky desktop-focused designs. Today, mobile-first websites are non-negotiable, and industries that fall behind risk losing customers, sales, and relevance. The good news? These industries are ready to invest in skilled web designers who can transform their online presence.

Let’s dive into the top five industries that need website designers now.

1. eCommerce

Why This Industry Needs You:

Online shopping is booming, and customers expect seamless experiences across all devices. Yet, many eCommerce businesses lack optimized mobile-first websites, leading to slow load times, poor navigation, and lost sales.

The Opportunity:

By designing responsive, mobile-first websites for eCommerce brands, you can help them increase sales, improve customer retention, and dominate their market. Plus, the potential for recurring clients (think: updates and seasonal redesigns) makes this a highly profitable niche.

Proof:

Studies show that 79% of smartphone users have made a purchase online using their mobile device in the last six months. Yet nearly 50% of small eCommerce businesses still struggle with poor mobile optimization.

2. Health and Wellness

Why This Industry Needs You:

From fitness coaches to mental health counselors, the health and wellness industry thrives on trust and accessibility. However, many professionals in this field still rely on outdated or hard-to-navigate websites that frustrate potential clients. If you’ve ever been on those types of website, you know what I mean.

The Opportunity:

Designing clean, mobile-first websites for health and wellness businesses can help them reach more clients, streamline bookings, and establish credibility in a crowded market.

Proof:

A survey found that 60% of people searching for healthcare services use their mobile phones to find providers. If a website isn’t mobile first, or a least mobile-friendly, they’re likely to move on to a competitor.

3. Education and Online Learning

Why This Industry Needs You:

The online learning sector has exploded in recent years, but many platforms are not optimized for mobile devices. This makes it harder for users to access courses, leading to lower engagement and high drop-off rates.

The Opportunity:

By creating mobile-first websites for educators, coaches, and eLearning platforms, you can help them improve user retention and accessibility. This is an ideal niche if you’re passionate about education and technology.

Proof:

Mobile learning is expected to grow at a rate of 20% annually, yet a significant percentage of educators don’t have websites designed with mobile users in mind.

4. Local Businesses

Why This Industry Needs You:

Small, local businesses like restaurants, salons, and repair shops rely on their websites to attract customers. But many still have clunky, outdated sites that don’t work well on mobile devices which, for me, is frustrating and annoying. I’m sure I’m not the only one who feels that way.

The Opportunity:

By helping local businesses create polished, mobile-first websites, you can increase their visibility and bring in more customers. This is an untapped market with plenty of potential for repeat business.

Proof:

More than 80% of consumers use their phones to find local businesses, yet 46% of small businesses don’t have a mobile-optimized site.

5. Nonprofits and Community Organizations

Why This Industry Needs You:

Nonprofits rely on their websites to raise awareness, attract donors, and connect with volunteers. Unfortunately, many nonprofits struggle to create user-friendly, mobile-optimized websites due to limited budgets and resources. Most nonprofits don’t realize that one of the criteria funders look at to determine who gets funded is the website.

The Opportunity:

By offering affordable, professional web design services, you can make a meaningful impact while building a steady stream of clients.

Proof:

A study found that 57% of donors visit a nonprofit’s website before making a contribution. A poorly designed site can result in missed donations.

Next Steps:

Focus on creating user-friendly designs that highlight services, include easy scheduling tools, and emphasize professionalism. You can build client portals and integrate features like virtual consultations effortlessly.

Use WOWE Mobile First Pro’s WOWE Factor Academy to design eLearning sites with interactive elements, progress tracking, and compatibility across all devices. Highlight features like video playback and downloadable resources for an optimal learning experience.

Focus on designing websites that highlight essential information like menus, contact details, and booking options.

Conclusion: Take the First Step Toward a Profitable Side Hustle

The demand for mobile-first websites is skyrocketing, and industries like eCommerce, health and wellness, education, local businesses, and nonprofits are ready to invest in skilled designers. With WOWE Mobile First Pro, you can turn this demand into a profitable side hustle with no advanced tech skills or massive time investment required.

WOWE Mobile First Pro make it easy to design donation-friendly sites with clear calls to action, mobile-responsive layouts, and compelling storytelling elements. With its AI tools, you can even add interactive features like maps and appointment schedulers.