The State of Web Design in 2026 (Real Talk)

Okay, real talk. Last year was weird for a lot of web designers. And not just the newbies who are still figuring things out. I’m talking about designers who have been doing this since 2017 and 2018. Established. Experienced. Still felt it.

I’ve been running Rebekah Read Creative since 2018 and 2025 was hands-down one of the most interesting years I’ve had in business. Not all bad. But definitely a plot twist.

Here’s my honest take on the state of web design right now, what I changed, and what’s actually working as we head deeper into 2026.

Did Web Design Slow Down for Everyone Last Year?

In short: yes, for a lot of people it really did.

I personally know multiple Squarespace and Showit designers who got a part-time job in 2025 after running their businesses solo since 2017 or 2018. That’s not a fluke. That’s a pattern.

My own inquiries dropped off noticeably after the 2024 election. The ones that did reach out took way longer to decide. I thought it would be a 3 month dip, but it ended up lasting a YEAR.

It felt like people put life on pause, sat with the uncertainty for a while, and then realized the world wasn’t going to wait for them. So they finally got off the fence.

My theory? It was economic hesitation after the election. Regardless of what side of the political divide you’re on, a lot of business owners did not know what to expect. And when people are unsure, they wait. That’s just human nature.

The good news? The inquiries came back. And for most of the designers I know, 2026 has felt like a real reset in the best way.

What I Did When Business Got Slow (That Actually Helped)

When things slowed down last year, I made a decision I did NOT expect to make: I got a part-time job.

Partially because I was genuinely doubting myself, if I’m being honest. But also because I was so tired of the Instagram grind. Posting constantly, chasing engagement, feeling like I was starting from scratch every single week. I wanted consistent work. I wanted to feel like part of a team again.

So I started working with The KS Agency, doing design work for 10-15 hours a week. And it has been one of the best things I’ve done for my business.

Here’s why:

1. It took the scarcity out of my decision-making. When I don’t need every client to say yes, I can actually be selective. I take the projects I want. I pass on the ones that aren’t a good fit. That shift alone changed how I show up for my work.

2. It made me a better designer. I’ve leveled up on Kajabi, refreshed my WordPress skills, and really dug deep into sales page design. That is a completely different beast than a standard website build, by the way, and I’m obsessed with how much it’s sharpened my eye.

>> Want my FREE Showit Sales Page? Get it here.

3. I somehow get more done in less time. I know that sounds counterintuitive. But having a schedule forces focus. I’m not floating around wondering what to work on. I know exactly when I’m in design mode and I use it.

The biggest challenge? Childcare. Right when I started the new role, my family moved across the country. We lived with my in-laws for 4 months (shoutout to them, seriously). Now we’re settled in Iowa and my kids are in childcare 12 hours a week, plus I get nap/ quiet time to work every day. It took a while to get here but the balance feels really, really good right now.

Is Blogging Still Worth It in 2026?

YES. A hundred times yes.

I have been blogging and posting YouTube videos as my primary marketing strategy since 2018. Some people will tell you blogging is dead. It is not. My domain authority and credibility score are significantly higher than many of my competitors, and I attribute a huge chunk of that to consistent long-form content over the years.

85% of my clients find me through SEO and Google. Not Instagram. Not reels. Not a podcast tour. Google.

If you’re a web designer or any service provider who is tired of the social media hustle, blogging is the long game that actually pays off. It does not happen overnight. But it builds something that compounds over time, and that is the kind of marketing I am here for.

Want to understand how to make your content actually rank? Check out my Free SEO Challenge and Checklist. It’s the starting point I wish I had back in 2018.

What’s Changed in the Web Design Industry

A few things I’m noticing heading into 2026:

The bar for design quality has gone up. Clients have seen enough polished websites that a basic template with a few tweaks is not going to cut it anymore. They want something that actually feels like them and converts visitors into leads.

Sales page design is having a moment. I’ve been deep in this world through my agency work and it is genuinely different than building a service-based website. The strategy behind a high-converting sales page is its own skill set, and designers who understand it can charge significantly more.

AI is everywhere but clients still want a human. Yes, people are using AI to draft copy and generate ideas. But the designers who understand brand, strategy, and what actually makes someone click “Book a Call” are not going anywhere.

Branding is becoming a competitive advantage for web designers. If you’re only offering website builds, you might be leaving money on the table. Adding brand styling to your services can increase the value of every project, speed up your approval process, and honestly just produce a better end result.

Speaking of which…

Want to Add Branding to Your Services and Charge More for It?

If you’re a web designer who is feeling stuck, or if you’ve noticed your clients keep coming back asking for brand help anyway, this is for you.

My friend Kadie and I are hosting a Brand Styling Masterclass on April 21 and it is designed specifically for web designers who want to add brand styling to their process.

We’re talking: how to bridge the gap between brand and web design, how to get faster approvals from clients, and how to confidently add $1,000 to your projects without feeling like you’re overcharging.

If you’re there live, you’ll walk away with a full Brand Stylist Kit: client questionnaire, moodboard and brand board templates, and the slide deck.

Save your seat here and join us live. Do not miss this one.

The Honest Summary After 8 Years

Running a web design business in 2026 looks different than I thought it would back in 2018. And honestly? I think it looks better.

I work less. I earn more per project. I’m pickier about who I work with. I have steady income from agency work that I genuinely enjoy. My marketing is mostly evergreen content doing its thing while I’m at dance class or making lunch for my toddlers.

Is it perfect? Nope. Childcare is still a puzzle I’m constantly solving. Some months are slower than others. But the foundation is solid and the work is good.

If you’re a web designer who had a rough 2025, you are not alone and it was not just you. The inquiries are coming back. Keep showing up, keep your content working for you, and don’t be afraid to make a pivot if something isn’t working.

And if you are an entrepreneur who has been sitting on a website project, waiting for the “right time”… this is probably your sign. Life isn’t going to pause while you figure it out.

Your website should be working for you right now. Let’s make that happen.

Browse all offers here or if you want to DIY it, start with the Free Website Training.

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Bekah Read is a Showit Design Partner, Squarespace Circle Gold Partner, and the founder of Rebekah Read Creative. She has built 100+ websites for entrepreneurs and nonprofits since 2018 and generates 85% of her clients through SEO.