Working as a Freelance Web Developer in Birmingham during lockdown - Watkins Web Design

Over the past decade as a web designer in Birmingham, I’ve been lucky enough to collaborate with passionate project managers, creative business owners, and driven entrepreneurs. While my career has always revolved around digital workspaces, I’ve seen first-hand how even established “remote” workflows were disrupted and reshaped by the COVID-19 pandemic. I wanted to share a few thoughts on how our ways of working changed—even for those of us already used to working from home.

Working From Home: The New Normal?

Ironically, when the pandemic hit, my actual day-to-day production workflow as a web designer barely changed. I continued building websites and managing online properties for clients much as before. But while my desk and screen stayed the same, I noticed a subtle but significant shift in client priorities and pressure. Suddenly, with almost all external advertising channels rendered ineffective or shut down, websites became the single most important tool for generating leads and sales—especially for non-essential businesses. For many clients, the website wasn’t just an asset; it was their lifeline.

Project Flow Disrupted

The wider business world, though, was thrown into chaos. With so many employees furloughed or working from home, the usual company structures and project management processes were interrupted. Several web design projects I was involved with ended up paused indefinitely because key decision-makers weren’t available, or project meetings couldn’t happen as planned. Even projects that stayed active often moved at a much slower pace, simply because the normal rhythms of communication and teamwork were so out of sync.
The Challenge of Consulting in Person

One challenge that stood out was the loss of face-to-face client consultations. Many clients—especially those less familiar or comfortable with digital tools—struggled to feel truly engaged or understood without being able to sit down together, review designs, and sketch out ideas on the spot. During the strictest months of lockdown, this kind of hands-on collaboration was impossible, and even after restrictions eased, social distancing made one-on-one meetings awkward and less effective. It really underlined just how valuable in-person time can be for building trust and rapport, especially when discussing creative and conceptual work.

In-Person Training: Adaptation Under Pressure

A major project I worked on during the pandemic required face-to-face training for website operations. As soon as it was allowed, I arranged a training session for a small group, with everyone masked and spaced apart. The experience was a real lesson in adaptability: trying to convey technical concepts to people who already found technology intimidating was challenging enough, but doing so through masks and at a distance made it harder to connect. What saved the day was thorough written documentation and the ability to follow up with remote support, which reinforced the importance of clear, accessible resources no matter the circumstances.

The Rise of Online Meetings

If there’s one thing that united almost everyone during the pandemic, it was the sudden ubiquity of video conferencing. Tools like Zoom quickly became a daily fixture for teams, clients, and freelancers alike. At times, it felt as though the software was struggling to keep up with demand. Virtually overnight, everyone—from seasoned techies to complete beginners—had to get to grips with screen sharing, breakout rooms, and remote collaboration. The shared learning curve actually helped break down some barriers, as everyone was “figuring it out” together.

Looking Ahead

While the pandemic presented huge challenges, it also forced a lot of positive changes: increased digital literacy, more flexible approaches to collaboration, and a deeper appreciation for clear communication and documentation. Even as we return to some sense of normality, these lessons continue to shape the way I work—and how I support my clients.

Over the past decade as a web designer in Birmingham, I’ve been lucky enough to collaborate with passionate project managers, creative business owners, and driven entrepreneurs. While my career has always revolved around digital workspaces, I’ve seen first-hand how even established “remote” workflows were disrupted and reshaped by the COVID-19 pandemic. I wanted to share a few thoughts on how our ways of working changed—even for those of us already used to working from home.