[bdunn]

You could go REALLY far just by leveling up your copywriting and business/sales skills, and applying them to $7 WordPress themes you buy off Themeforest.

The majority of web designers/developers are so focused on aesthetics, design, and technology that they completely miss all that matters for their clients: "Will this website get me more customers / sell more widgets / make me more money?"

Once you're comfortable with writing for business and tweaking WP themes, start attending networking events and start talking with business owners. Do a lot of listening and learning, and make connections with people who might be interested in what you have to offer.

Create a positive ROI for your clients (and remind them of it), ask for referrals, get a testimonial ("Brennan redesigned my website and doubled my online sales in less than 6 months"), and rinse and repeat.

[mooreds]

OP, keep in mind that this type of work (copywriting, sales, business) is a different kind of fun than coding. Still fun, just different. From your Ask HN text, it does seem like this might be more up your alley, though.