Podcast Summary: The Path from "No Skills" to $3k a Month on the Side (Greatest Hits)
The Side Hustle Show
Host: Nick Loper of Side Hustle Nation | YAP Media
Release Date: July 31, 2025

Introduction

In this compelling episode of The Side Hustle Show, host Nick Loper interviews Chris Misterick, a self-taught web designer who transformed a personal and financial crisis into a thriving side hustle, earning an average of $3,000 a month. This detailed conversation explores Chris's journey from having no technical skills to establishing a successful freelance business, offering actionable insights for aspiring side hustlers.

Chris's Background and Initial Challenge

[02:05] Chris Misterick:
"About six years ago, my wife of 10 years decided that she was done with our relationship. So that made a crisis for me, obviously relationally but also financially."

Facing both a relational and financial upheaval, Chris found himself as a single father of three daughters needing to secure additional income without leaving his full-time job.

Learning Web Design on a Budget

[02:53] Nick Loper:
"So you weren't working in tech at the time, you didn't study this stuff in school or anything?"

[02:58] Chris Misterick:
"Yeah, I was essentially the equivalent of a full-time musician... I started doing tutorials and online courses and told people I was a web designer."

Chris leveraged free online resources, particularly Codecademy, to acquire the fundamental skills required for web design. He emphasizes the importance of practical application over theoretical knowledge:

[07:08] Chris Misterick:
"What's super easy with Google and SEO... you have to have a good system of follow-up with a client to make sure that they are actually giving you feedback."

Building the Freelance Business

Chris began by offering his services to friends, initially for free, and then for a nominal fee to demonstrate his capabilities. This gradual approach allowed him to build a portfolio and gain testimonials.

[12:10] Chris Misterick:
"Every time I got a project, like my first paid gig was like $500 for a website... then I doubled my rates."

By progressively increasing his rates—from $500 to $4,000—Chris validated the value he provided, ensuring that his clients recognized the quality and worth of his services.

Overcoming Challenges with Upwork

Transitioning beyond his personal network, Chris turned to Upwork to find additional clients. Initially, he faced challenges due to a lack of reviews and platform experience.

[21:20] Chris Misterick:
"At first, I was putting in bids and looking for projects, but with no reviews, it was tough to gain trust."

Through strategic filtering and focusing on niche specialties—such as expertise in specific tools like Optimized Press—Chris began to secure his first few projects. Positive feedback and visual testimonials (e.g., screenshots of completed websites) played a crucial role in establishing his reputation.

[28:07] Chris Misterick:
"If you can take a screenshot of the website that you've just created and attach that to the review, it's going to help you out a lot more."

As Chris's reputation grew, Upwork started recommending him to potential clients, further enhancing his visibility and leading to a snowball effect of incoming projects. His persistence paid off when Upwork featured him in their advertisements upon becoming a "Top Rated Freelancer."

Leveraging Local SEO

Realizing the limitations of relying solely on platforms like Upwork, Chris implemented Local SEO strategies to attract clients directly from his geographic area.

[34:52] Chris Misterick:
"I put my home address on my website and wrote a blog post titled 'The 10 Best Web Design Firms in Gilbert, Arizona.'"

By targeting a less saturated local market, Chris achieved higher search engine rankings and attracted clients seeking local expertise. Additionally, soliciting Google Reviews from satisfied clients bolstered his online credibility:

[41:33] Chris Misterick:
"Having some type of social proof within Google is so important."

This localized approach not only increased organic traffic but also facilitated word-of-mouth referrals, allowing Chris to secure clients beyond his online bids.

Transition to Full-Time Role and Teaching Others

After establishing a stable income through freelancing, Chris made a significant career pivot:

[44:28] Chris Misterick:
"I transitioned from my full-time job as a worship pastor to becoming a full-time UX designer at Showit."

This move allowed him to focus on selfmadewebdesigner.com, a platform dedicated to mentoring and empowering others to embark on similar freelance journeys. Chris's commitment to teaching stems from his desire to build a legacy rather than just an automated business.

[46:13] Chris Misterick:
"If I can do it, you could do it. I want to build a legacy of people who can learn how to do what I've done and have it change their lives like it changed mine."

His mentorship led to success stories like Josh, a college student who now earns $120 an hour through freelancing, exemplifying the ripple effect of Chris's guidance.

Key Takeaways and Insights

At the end of the interview, Nick Loper distills the conversation into three essential takeaways:

1. Always Keep Learning:
   Embrace a lifelong learning mindset. Industries, especially tech-related ones like web design, are constantly evolving. Continuously acquiring new skills ensures relevance and personal growth.

2. Start with Your Network:
   Leverage existing personal and professional connections. Your network can provide initial clients, testimonials, and referrals that are crucial for building credibility and expanding your business.

3. Do the Work to Overcome Imposter Syndrome:
   Practice and repetition are the antidotes to self-doubt. By consistently engaging in your craft, you build confidence and silence the inner critic that questions your abilities.

[47:44] Chris Misterick:
"My number one tip would be don't quit. If you don't quit, you win."

Conclusion

Chris Misterick's journey from a non-technical background to a successful freelance web designer underscores the power of persistence, strategic learning, and leveraging both online platforms and local SEO. His transition into mentoring others highlights the importance of giving back and fostering a community of empowered side hustlers. This episode serves as an inspiring blueprint for anyone looking to embark on their own side hustle journey, demonstrating that with the right mindset and strategies, overcoming initial setbacks is entirely achievable.