I’ve worked in web design for a long time. I never worried too much about the future. The industry was a new phenomenon when I started. It felt rock solid for every year since.
I have much more concern these days. Artificial intelligence isn’t good enough to replace us. However, that doesn’t mean companies won’t try anyway. It wouldn’t be the first time someone fell for a shiny sales pitch. Meanwhile, I’m trying to balance AI’s usefulness and its potential for harm.
There’s also a great deal of political and economic uncertainty. The United States economy no longer feels like a sure thing. Not for tech or any other industry. The chaotic leadership leaves me unsure if I’m coming or going.
Not to mention the impending changes to health care costs. That has given me a sleepless night or 10.
The web, and web design, still provide opportunities. There’s been a seismic shift in how we work and client expectations, though. The business model I (and many other web professionals) have relied on is changing.
For instance, website maintenance is now a bigger piece of the overall pie. I wrote about it earlier this year over at The WP Minute. Those lucrative new site-building projects aren’t as abundant.
Now, it’s about capturing recurring revenue in smaller chunks. It also requires a different mindset. It’s not ideal, but not the end of the world, either.
Wondering Where Web Design Content Is Headed
There’s also uncertainty for writers. I’ve covered web design and freelancing for over a decade. However, it seems like publications and product makers are less willing or able to invest in content.
Perhaps they’re not seeing enough return on their investments? The slowdown may also be tied to the economic issues I alluded to earlier. Regardless, the landscape for content creators has changed.
In addition, it’s hard not to think of AI’s impact in this area. I don’t believe AI-generated content is sufficient for companies that care about their reputation. The allure of cheap or free blog posts is real, though.
Video content is also having a moment in the sun. I’m dabbling in that medium, but I still believe in the power of the written word. In other words, I have no desire to focus on a video-only approach. I’m still a better writer than speaker. 😅
Standing at a Crossroads
I’ve enjoyed having the freedom to split my time between web design and writing. I feel like they both help me improve and grow.
It’s also a way to diversify my income. I always have something to fall back on if an opportunity doesn’t work out. At least, that’s how things have worked so far.
Lately, it seems that both career paths are at a crossroads. To quote EELS:
“I’ll be sitting here, waiting for the other shoe to drop.”
I don’t know how things will turn out. I’ll continue to weather the changes and adapt, though.