Top Tools I Use as a Freelance Web Developer

As a freelance web developer, using the right tools has helped me stay productive, organized, and deliver better results for every client project. From designing stunning layouts to managing code and communicating with clients, every tool in my toolkit serves a purpose.

 WordPress & Essential Plugins

WordPress is the foundation of most of my projects. It’s flexible, scalable, and perfect for building everything from blogs to eCommerce stores. What truly enhances its power is a smart selection of plugins:

  • Yoast SEO – Ensures every page is optimized for search engines.
  • WP Rocket – Speeds up websites significantly with caching and performance optimization.
  • UpdraftPlus – Keeps regular, secure backups to avoid any data loss.

MemberPress or Restrict Content Pro – Ideal for creating robust membership and subscription-based websites.

 Elementor Pro

When it comes to designing WordPress sites, Elementor is my go-to page builder. It allows me to build visually stunning, fully responsive websites without writing heavy code. The Pro version unlocks advanced features like:

  • Theme Builder for custom headers and footers
  • Dynamic content integration
  • Dozens of premium widgets for full creative control

It’s a powerful tool that helps me build fast and beautiful websites clients love.

eCommerce Tools: WooCommerce + Add-Ons

For eCommerce projects, I rely on WooCommerce, the most powerful and customizable platform built for WordPress. It allows me to create fully functional online stores with ease.

I often pair WooCommerce with:

  • WooCommerce Subscriptions – For recurring payments and subscription-based products

  • Stripe & PayPal Gateways – To give customers smooth and secure payment options

  • Custom Checkout Fields – For enhancing the shopping experience

  • ShopLentor (Elementor addon) – For designing beautiful product pages using Elementor

Whether it’s a fashion store, digital downloads, or a service-based shop, WooCommerce handles it all.

Graphic Design Tools: Photopea & Canva

Visual content is key in web development, and for that, I rely on:

  • Photopea – A free, browser-based Photoshop alternative that’s perfect for quick edits and advanced image manipulation.
  • Canva – Great for designing blog images, banners, social media posts, and more. Its ease of use makes it ideal for fast turnarounds.

These tools help me deliver clean, on-brand visuals without slowing down the workflow.

 UI/UX Design with Figma

Before diving into development, I often plan the site layout using Figma. It’s a collaborative design tool that lets clients:

  • Review wireframes
  • Leave real-time comments
  • Approve mockups before development begins

It streamlines communication and ensures everyone is aligned from the start.

 Additonal Tools I work with
  • VS Code – My favorite code editor for writing custom code when needed.
  • Google PageSpeed Insights – To check and improve website performance.
  • Loom – For sending quick video walkthroughs or tutorials to clients.
  • Notion – Helps me manage projects, track tasks, and share notes with clients.

Conclusion

The right tools make all the difference in delivering high-quality websites that perform well and look stunning. Whether it’s building with Elementor, designing in Figma, or optimizing with WP Rocket, these tools help me work smarter—and provide the best experience for my clients.

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