We recently connected with Daniel Bereza and have shared our conversation below.
Daniel, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to hear the story of how you went from this being just an idea to making it into something real.
When I first embarked on the journey to start my freelance WordPress web development business, it wasn’t a spur-of-the-moment decision—it was the result of years of curiosity, countless experiments, and a deepening passion for web design.
It all began during the monotony of a typical 9-to-5 job. I had always been intrigued by technology and design, but as the days passed, I found myself increasingly drawn to the world of web development. In the quiet hours after work, I would sit at my computer, tinkering with HTML, CSS, and WordPress, like an artist sketching in the margins of a notebook. What started as a hobby, a way to unwind, slowly transformed into an obsession. Each new line of code, each small website I built, felt like a puzzle piece clicking into place, revealing a bigger picture I hadn’t yet fully seen.
The real spark came when a friend approached me with a request that would change everything—redesigning their small business website. It was my first real project, and it was exhilarating. I dove headfirst into research, scouring the web for best practices, learning new techniques, and experimenting with ways to bring my friend’s vision to life. The hours melted away as I worked, completely immersed in the process. And when the project was finally complete, the sense of accomplishment was overwhelming. That’s when it dawned on me—I could turn this passion into something more than just a pastime.
But turning an idea into a business wasn’t without its challenges. One of the biggest hurdles was figuring out how to price my services. I didn’t want to sell myself short, but I also needed to be competitive in a crowded market. I spent countless hours reading articles, watching tutorials, and reaching out to other freelancers to understand what was fair and sustainable. Eventually, I crafted a pricing structure that felt right, a balance between valuing my work and attracting clients.
With my portfolio polished and my business basics in place, I began the daunting task of reaching out to potential clients. Those early months were a rollercoaster—there were days of radio silence, and moments of self-doubt crept in. But I knew I couldn’t give up. I refined my pitch, honed my skills, and slowly, the projects started to trickle in. What began as small gigs soon blossomed into larger opportunities, each one teaching me something new.
As my business grew, I realized the importance of continual learning. I invested in courses to deepen my knowledge of WordPress, PHP, and other technologies. This wasn’t just about keeping up with the industry—it was about pushing myself to offer more, to be better for my clients.
Looking back, the journey from idea to execution was a labyrinth of late nights, constant learning, and plenty of trial and error. Each challenge was an opportunity to grow, each setback a lesson in resilience. Today, I’m proud to see my freelance business thriving, knowing it all started with a spark of curiosity and the determination to turn a simple idea into reality.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
I specialize in creating customized, high-quality websites tailored to meet the unique needs of each client. My services range from designing and developing WordPress sites to implementing complex functionalities like custom post types, taxonomies, and dynamic AJAX interactions. I pride myself on crafting responsive, user-friendly websites that not only look great but also perform seamlessly across all devices.
The core problem I solve for my clients is turning their vision into a functional, visually appealing online presence. Whether it’s a small business looking to enhance their web footprint or a larger enterprise needing a more sophisticated platform, I work closely with each client to understand their goals and deliver solutions that align with their objectives. My focus on raw SQL queries and AJAX functionality allows me to handle complex data interactions and provide dynamic, tailored user experiences.
What sets me apart is my dedication to blending technical expertise with creative solutions. I don’t just build websites; I build digital experiences that resonate with users and drive results. My approach combines a deep understanding of WordPress with a keen eye for design and functionality, ensuring that every project is executed with precision and creativity.
I’m particularly proud of the diverse range of projects I’ve completed, from simple blogs to complex e-commerce platforms. Each project represents a unique challenge and an opportunity to push the boundaries of what’s possible with WordPress.
For potential clients, followers, or fans, I want you to know that my commitment to excellence and passion for web development are at the heart of everything I do. I’m always eager to take on new challenges and collaborate with others to create innovative, effective web solutions. If you’re looking for a dedicated professional who can bring your digital ideas to life, I’d love to connect and discuss how we can work together to achieve your goals.
Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?
Reflecting on my creative journey, there are a few key resources I wish I had discovered earlier that would have significantly improved my development process and skill set. Advanced tutorials and structured online courses from platforms like Udemy, Coursera, and LinkedIn Learning would have accelerated my learning and provided deeper insights into complex techniques and industry best practices.
Additionally, engaging with developer communities and forums such as Stack Overflow, GitHub, and specialized WordPress groups could have offered quicker solutions to technical problems and broadened my perspective on various challenges. Networking through professional groups and attending events like WordCamp would have provided valuable connections, insights, and updates on industry trends, enriching my experience and expanding my professional network.
I also realize that following influential design and development blogs, such as Smashing Magazine and WP Tavern, would have kept me informed about the latest trends, tools, and techniques, offering inspiration and practical knowledge. Incorporating project management tools like Trello, Asana, or Monday.com earlier on would have streamlined my workflow, enhanced task management, and improved client communication.
Lastly, gaining a solid understanding of SEO best practices and performance optimization from the outset would have significantly boosted the quality and visibility of the websites I built. Resources like Moz, Google’s Webmasters Guide, and PageSpeed Insights offer crucial guidance on creating faster, more search-engine-friendly sites. Discovering these resources sooner would have provided a stronger foundation for my work, helping me navigate the complexities of the industry and refine both my technical skills and creative vision.
How do you keep in touch with clients and foster brand loyalty?
Maintaining strong relationships with clients and fostering brand loyalty are crucial for the success of my freelance web development business. I prioritize clear and consistent communication, setting expectations about response times and keeping clients informed about project progress. This approach helps clients feel involved and reassured throughout the development process.
I also focus on a personalized approach by taking the time to understand each client’s unique needs, preferences, and business goals. This ensures that my services are tailored to their specific requirements and shows that I genuinely care about their success. Beyond the completion of a project, I strive to provide additional value by offering useful tips, sharing industry insights, and supporting minor adjustments, which helps to reinforce my role as a trusted partner.
Feedback is another key component of fostering client relationships. I actively seek feedback upon project completion, using it to improve my services and demonstrating that client opinions are valued. Periodic check-ins after a project helps me stay connected, offering the opportunity to address any ongoing needs and maintain engagement.
For returning clients, I offer special deals or loyalty programs to show appreciation for their continued business. This can include discounts on future projects or exclusive access to new services, which helps to build a sense of loyalty. Additionally, I leverage social media and newsletters to stay connected, sharing updates about my work, valuable content, and industry insights to keep clients engaged with my brand.
Contact Info:
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/danielbereza
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-bereza/