How 19-year-old Ishmam built a thriving web development business

At just 17, Md Tanim-Ul Bari Ishmam, a college student at Dhaka Residential Model College, found himself staring at a blank laptop screen. He had been tasked with building a website for the DRMC Math Club, where he led the Olympiad department. The website was meant to showcase the club's culture, promote events, and spark a love for math among students.

One problem was that he had no idea how to create a website. For most, this might have been a dealbreaker. But for Ishmam, it was the beginning of something much bigger.

"I had no experience, no coding skills, and no business background," says Ishmam. "But I knew I had to figure it out." And he did so. After long nights of research, trial and error, and countless YouTube tutorials— Ishmam completed the website. The result? Not only did the Math Club love it, but the college principal also praised his work. 

That spark ignited Ishmam's journey into web development and entrepreneurship, ultimately leading to the launch of Megane Coders, a business that today partners with over 20 companies and has completed more than 100 projects for clients worldwide.

With only a laptop and an internet connection, he built a thriving business. And you can, too.

Identifying opportunities

"Opportunities are everywhere," Ishmam says with confidence. "You just need to look for them." Starting a web development business might feel overwhelming, especially with so many big players already in the field. But Ishmam's advice is refreshingly simple: don't let that scare you.

"The market is huge, and there's always room for more," he assures. His secret? Focus on offering affordable, high-quality services that appeal to clients seeking results without breaking the bank. This approach not only helped Ishmam gain real-world experience but also allowed him to build a strong portfolio and grow his business—all without needing a big upfront investment.

When starting, speed is everything. Instead of getting bogged down with complicated coding or advanced technologies, focus on the basics: how to build, deploy, and manage websites. 

The quicker you master these skills, the faster you can start working with clients and expand your business.

Build websites fast and free

WordPress can be your best friend. As Ishmam explains, "It's easy to use, flexible and free." 

Other platforms like Shopify, Webflow, Wix, and Squarespace tend to be more expensive, making it harder to sell to clients, and they offer fewer features. Skip coding for now— focus on building websites first. 

Coding takes time and dedication, which isn't ideal for quick, efficient progress. As Ishmam puts it, "Building websites should be the primary goal."

"The market is huge, and there's always room for more. The key to standing out is offering affordable, quality services that attract clients looking for results without paying premium prices."

Whether you're building a personal portfolio or an e-commerce site, WordPress offers everything you need to get started without the need for advanced coding skills.

Start by using tools like Elementor, a page builder that allows you to design professional websites quickly, without writing a single line of code. You can practice for free on platforms like WordPress.com or Local, and when you're ready, move to a self-hosted version of WordPress for more control and customisation. 

Oh, note that "WordPress.org and WordPress.com are not the same."

WordPress.org is a self-hosted, open-source platform offering full control, while WordPress.com is a hosted service with limited customisation unless you pay for premium plans.

Deploying websites: Free and paid options

Once you've built your website, you'll need to deploy it. 

To deploy a website, you'll need two main components: a domain (the website address) and a hosting plan (where files are stored), which usually come with a cost. Free alternatives exist, such as Local, Carrd, Canva, WordPress.com, GitHub Pages, and ProFreeHost. 

However, these free options often require using a subdomain, like mysite.wordpress.com, therefore, "free hosting looks unprofessional," he warns. 

"And you'll face limitations in terms of customisation and functionality." Instead, he recommends having clients pay for their domain and hosting, so you don't incur any costs. Hosting providers like Hostinger and Cloudflare offer affordable plans that allow you to scale your business without breaking the bank.

From zero to one

"The most important thing is to start," Ishmam emphasizes. "Don't wait for the perfect moment." When he began, he had no network, no mentors, and no experience. Yet, he committed to reaching out to 20 people daily through Facebook groups and direct messages, offering his services for free.

"You have to put yourself out there," he explains. "One real project is worth more than 100 practice projects."

Ishmam suggests starting with friends and family. Offer your services for free in exchange for testimonials and pieces for your portfolio. "It's okay to be upfront about where you're at," he says. "People appreciate honesty and real-life projects teach you so much more than theoretical ones."

From freelancer to entrepreneur

Once you've landed a few clients, it's time to take your business to the next level. "Create a brand. It doesn't need to be perfect, but it needs to be clear," Ishmam says. Starting a business, rather than just freelancing, opens up more opportunities for higher-paying clients and growth. 

"Make sure your brand reflects what you do—offering only web development services and avoiding the jack-of-all-trades approach," he added.

Next, set up a portfolio website that showcases your best work. Even if you don't get much business from it initially, it builds credibility and helps with outreach efforts. "Most of my clients came from referrals, but having a portfolio website gave them confidence that I knew what I was doing," says Ishmam.

Hiring and managing a team

Ishmam has a team of six core members and four others temporarily work with them at times. Once you've established your business and secured clients, expanding your team becomes the next step. 

"For those just starting out, hiring freelancers through platforms like Upwork or Fiverr is a smart option," Ishmam recommends. It reduces the complexity of managing a team, such as tracking deadlines, though it may lower your profit margins. As your team grows, tools like Trello, ClickUp, and Google Sheets can help you manage projects and deadlines. 

"Hiring the right people is crucial," says Ishmam. "Because you want to build a team that's just as committed as you are."

Core principles for success

With determination and the right mindset, anyone can start a successful web development business before 18. Here are his core principles:

1. Make an irresistible offer: In the beginning, offer your services for free in exchange for testimonials and case studies. This builds credibility and helps you secure paying clients faster.

2. Perfection is the enemy: Don't wait for everything to be perfect before launching. Take action and learn from your mistakes.

3. Never say never: Challenges will come your way, but don't be afraid to take them on. As Ishmam says, "Whenever a client asked for something I didn't know how to do, I promised I'd figure it out. And I always did."

4. Clear communication: Transparency with clients builds trust. Make sure they understand the project scope, timelines, and expectations.

Receiving payments

In countries like Bangladesh, receiving payments from international clients can be tricky. Platforms like PayPal and Stripe aren't available, and setting up accounts with international banks requires navigating bureaucratic hurdles. 

Ishmam's advice for young entrepreneurs in similar situations: "Start with freelancing platforms like Fiverr or Upwork. They handle payments, and you don't need a complicated setup to get started."

For freelancers in Bangladesh, opening a student account at banks like City Bank or Brac Bank is a good option, as they offer low fees and easy access to international transactions. "But always be cautious— avoid using third-party services for financial transactions, as they can pose significant risks," Ishmam warns.

There are services like Xoom and Remitly. These payment processors aren't known by most beginners but they are one of the easiest ways to receive payments as you don't even need a bank account. 

You can receive payments directly to bKash from international clients.

"A big business starts small," Ishmam quotes Richard Branson, summing up his journey. "If I can do it, anyone can." 

Whether you're still in high school or about to graduate, the web development business is a path that anyone with determination and a laptop can pursue. 

Your first $1000 might be closer than you think.