Having walked in similar shoes, when I started out years ago. I know things are not always straight forward, and at times the obstacles can seem impossible to pass.
As you start up, you are unknown and that makes it very difficult. During the first few years, you will struggle. Then things will most probably start to look brighter as you get new customers through word of mouth.
During the first years, you will most probably also need to look for any payable work on the side as well. I know that without looking for and taking on odd jobs in between the web work, there is no way I would have been able to provide for my family at the start. Then as time goes on, you will start getting more and more web work, until it is at a point that you have more than enough work.
From that point, is when you are able to start increasing your hourly rate as you have more work than you can handle. And slowly but steadily you will reach the hourly rate your looking for.
Note. This is assuming you will actually do the work required, as you will only be able to charge at higher rates when your customer see you as an expert in the field. So progressing the hourly rate, will also mean keeping up with the development in the field and improving your skills.
One thing you will notice here, as you develop your skill and are able to raise the hourly rate, is that the customers will start behaving differently. They will stop challenging what you say, and if you suggest a different approach is better for their business or problem, they will actually listen.
I wish you good luck, it is not an easy walk you have started, but it is doable.
Please note, that I do not agree with many of the former posters that say there is no money in this business anymore. There is a lot of money, but it is not easy getting access to the customers that has it. The only way is through hard work, and continue to improve your skills, both for web development and sales.
There is a difference in the “nature” of the clients.
When you are dealing with “low ballers”. Basically meaning someone who tries to always haggle on the price, and get you to work almost for free. Then they will complain even if/when you give them a sizable discount, trying to get even more value for their money. Many times, these are customers who are struggling themselves, or who want to create a business website for an idea they have.
As you increase your hourly rate and change our your customer base, the higher the hourly rate becomes, the less haggling/arguing you will receive. But at the same time, you have to accept that these customers will have a much higher quality expectations on the product you deliver.
One of the most common advices you will get here is to avoid the “low baller” clients, but when you have a family to feed, this is not always an option. Sometimes you have to take a project, even if the hourly rate is horrible as there are bills to pay.
Be careful in what you promise to archive, claiming that you will get them X traffic, is not a good idea unless you can back it up. Instead it will be better to go with, on average our customers have had an increase of X% on their traffic after we setup their new website. etc. Though, be prepared to prove this if they request proof.
Advice when taking on low baller clients:
I strongly recommend that you create a clear list of what the project will include before starting it. Then have them sign off/agree on it. This can be as easy as writing them an email, and them have them confirm that this is the scope of the project. Also mention in the end that any changes etc. to the list will be considered new billable work. In addition, on larger jobs make certain you get an initial deposit before you start on the job, on smaller ask for all in advance.
Note. The best thing would be to have this on a contract, and then signed by the customer. Though if the job is small, this is not always feasible. Though in either case, make certain you state the remaining amounts are due at X date, or X days after you have completed your work, even if the client has not completed their part. (It has happened that a customer decided they did not want the website mid project, and just delayed delivering their content so the website could not be completed. This became an expensive lesson).
Even if you do not have a written contract, but can show email communication that there was an agreement in place, you are able to take them to small claims court if they do not pay.
A final thing, even if you are upset at a customer due to constant revisions/updates, do not let it show. Treat them professional, and try to go the extra mile. Especially at the start it is important to get happy customers that will start talking about the work you did for them.