10 Secrets to Becoming a Top Salesforce Developer in 2024

Salesforce developers are in high demand as businesses increasingly rely on Salesforce for managing customer relationships and improving overall business processes. With Salesforce being one of the leading customer relationship management (CRM) platforms in the world, having the skills to develop and customize Salesforce applications can open up numerous career opportunities.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through 10 insider secrets to becoming a Salesforce developer in 2024, covering everything from mastering the technical skills to understanding how to work effectively within the Salesforce ecosystem.

Imagem relacionada

Grupo VIP E EXCLUSIVO Do Whatsapp

Quer conhecer Meninas carentes loucas pra conversar e conhecer alguem? Então entre no nosso grupo VIP E EXCLUSIVO!

ENTRAR NO GRUPO ❯

1. Understand What a Salesforce Developer Does

Before diving into the technical details, it’s essential to understand the role of a Salesforce developer. Unlike traditional developers, Salesforce developers specialize in building, customizing, and automating processes within the Salesforce platform.

Key Responsibilities of a Salesforce Developer:

  • Customizing Salesforce: Using Apex, Visualforce, and Lightning Components to build custom applications that enhance Salesforce’s standard features.
  • Integrating Third-Party Apps: Connecting Salesforce with external applications via APIs.
  • Automating Processes: Using tools like Process Builder, Flows, and Apex triggers to automate workflows.
  • Developing for Lightning Experience: Salesforce’s modern user interface (UI) requires developers to build responsive apps using Lightning Web Components (LWC).

Salesforce developers work closely with administrators and business analysts to ensure that the platform meets the unique needs of the business.


2. Master Salesforce Programming Languages: Apex and Visualforce

To become an effective Salesforce developer, you need to master Salesforce’s proprietary programming languages—Apex and Visualforce.

Apex: Salesforce’s Coding Language

  • Apex is similar to Java and allows developers to write code that interacts with the database (called SOQL, Salesforce Object Query Language).
  • Use cases for Apex: Creating triggers, writing controllers for Visualforce pages, and handling complex business logic that can’t be achieved through clicks alone.

Visualforce: Custom User Interface

  • Visualforce is used to create custom pages within Salesforce. It’s essentially a markup language (similar to HTML) that allows developers to build custom UI components and tailor user experiences.

While Visualforce is still widely used, Salesforce is moving towards Lightning Web Components (LWC), which brings modern web standards to the Salesforce platform.


3. Learn Lightning Web Components (LWC)

Lightning Web Components (LWC) is the future of Salesforce development. Introduced as a modern alternative to Visualforce and Lightning Components, LWC is built on standard web technologies like HTML, JavaScript, and CSS.

Why LWC is Important:

  • Modern web development standards: LWC embraces web standards like ECMAScript, modules, and custom elements, making it easier for developers to create dynamic, responsive, and fast applications.
  • Reusability: Components built with LWC can be reused across different parts of the Salesforce platform, improving development efficiency.

If you’re serious about a career as a Salesforce developer, mastering LWC should be high on your list.


4. Get Familiar with Salesforce Data Management Tools

Salesforce is a data-driven platform, so having a strong understanding of how to manage data within Salesforce is critical for developers.

Key Salesforce Data Management Tools:

  • SOQL (Salesforce Object Query Language): Similar to SQL, this language allows developers to query data from Salesforce objects.
  • SOSL (Salesforce Object Search Language): This tool is used to search for data across multiple objects.
  • Data Loader: A tool that helps import, export, and update data in bulk, which is useful for managing large data sets.

Mastering these tools ensures that you can efficiently query, manipulate, and migrate data within the Salesforce platform.


5. Work with Salesforce APIs

One of the most critical skills for Salesforce developers is the ability to integrate Salesforce with external applications. Salesforce APIs make this possible.

Common Salesforce APIs:

  • REST API: A popular API for integrating external applications with Salesforce. It’s lightweight and supports simple CRUD (Create, Read, Update, Delete) operations.
  • SOAP API: Used for more complex integrations and when working with legacy systems.
  • Bulk API: Ideal for handling large data loads, often used in data migrations.
  • Streaming API: Allows real-time updates to be pushed to external systems.

Understanding how to work with these APIs will allow you to extend Salesforce’s capabilities and integrate it with other platforms, making you a more versatile developer.


6. Earn Salesforce Certifications

Salesforce offers several certifications that validate your knowledge and skills. Earning certifications not only improves your expertise but also makes you more attractive to employers.

Key Certifications for Salesforce Developers:

  • Salesforce Certified Platform Developer I: The first-level certification for developers. This covers basic Apex, Visualforce, and Lightning Components.
  • Salesforce Certified Platform Developer II: A more advanced certification that covers deeper topics in Apex, testing, and integration.
  • Salesforce Certified App Builder: This certification focuses on building applications using clicks (declarative tools) and code.

These certifications show employers that you’re serious about your craft and have a solid understanding of Salesforce development.


7. Understand Declarative Development (Clicks Not Code)

One of the unique aspects of Salesforce is its emphasis on declarative development, or "clicks, not code." Many Salesforce applications can be built without writing a single line of code, using tools like:

  • Process Builder: Automates workflows and approvals with a simple drag-and-drop interface.
  • Flow Builder: Allows for more complex automation and data manipulation without requiring Apex code.
  • Custom Objects and Fields: You can create custom objects, fields, and relationships to tailor Salesforce to a business's needs.

Understanding when to use declarative tools versus custom code is key to being an efficient Salesforce developer.


8. Collaborate with Salesforce Admins and Business Users

As a Salesforce developer, you’ll be working closely with Salesforce administrators and business stakeholders. Effective collaboration is essential to delivering solutions that align with business goals.

How to Work Effectively with Admins and Users:

  • Understand business processes: Salesforce developers need to know the underlying business processes they’re automating or improving.
  • Collaborate on design: Work with administrators to design scalable solutions that make the best use of both declarative tools and custom code.
  • Communicate clearly: Business users may not understand technical jargon, so it's important to explain your solutions in clear, business-friendly terms.

Building strong relationships with admins and users ensures that the solutions you build are both technically sound and aligned with the company’s needs.


9. Stay Updated on Salesforce Releases

Salesforce releases updates three times a year (Spring, Summer, and Winter releases), each of which introduces new features, tools, and improvements. Keeping up with these updates is crucial for staying ahead as a Salesforce developer.

How to Stay Updated:

  • Follow Salesforce Release Notes: Review the release notes before each new update to understand how new features may affect your current or future projects.
  • Attend Salesforce Events: Events like Dreamforce and TrailheadDX provide insights into new technologies and offer hands-on learning opportunities.
  • Use Trailhead: Salesforce’s free learning platform, Trailhead, regularly updates its content to include new features and tools, allowing you to stay current.

Staying on top of Salesforce releases ensures that you can leverage the latest tools and features in your development work.


10. Build a Portfolio of Salesforce Projects

As with any technical career, having a portfolio of real-world projects can significantly improve your chances of landing a great job as a Salesforce developer. Your portfolio should showcase your expertise in building and customizing Salesforce applications.

What to Include in Your Salesforce Portfolio:

  • Custom Apps: Showcase any apps you’ve built using Apex, LWC, or Visualforce.
  • Automations: Include examples of workflows, process automations, or custom triggers that solve specific business problems.
  • Integrations: Highlight projects where you’ve integrated Salesforce with other platforms using APIs.
  • Contributions to Open-Source Projects: If possible, contribute to Salesforce-related open-source projects to show your commitment to the community.

A strong portfolio not only demonstrates your technical skills but also proves your ability to deliver real-world solutions.


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: How long does it take to become a Salesforce developer?

A: The timeline varies depending on your prior experience, but for most people, it takes 6 to 12 months of learning and practice to become proficient in Salesforce development.

Q: Do I need a degree to become a Salesforce developer?

A: No, a degree is not required to become a Salesforce developer. However, many successful developers come from backgrounds in computer science or information technology.

Q: What is the job outlook for Salesforce developers in 2024?

A: The demand for Salesforce developers is projected to remain strong in 2024, as businesses continue to rely on CRM solutions to manage customer relationships and optimize workflows.

Q: How much does a Salesforce developer earn?

A: The salary for Salesforce developers varies by region and experience, but the average salary in the U.S. is between $90,000 and $130,000 per year for experienced developers.

Q: Can I work as a freelance Salesforce developer?

A: Yes, many Salesforce developers work as freelancers or consultants. Freelancing allows you to work with multiple clients and offers more flexibility than a traditional job.


By following these 10 insider tips, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a top Salesforce developer in 2024. Mastering the technical skills, earning certifications, and building a strong portfolio will help you thrive in this exciting and growing field.