How do I turn an idea into something tangible?

i would suggest yes focus more on back-end & put face later on. your main priority should be working website on the idea. you can easily play with front-end later on.

You can hire a cheap web designer once the "backbone" is done.

1. Do you want to run a business? or
2. Do you just want to develop your idea into a product/app?

For No #1, you don't really need to learn backend skills or anything. You already have an idea, you have frontend skills which means you can create a prototype on your own. Come up with a prototype, show it to potential investors/customers/partners and gather their feedbacks. Then decide what to do next.

Answer for No #2, then yea learn a backend skill. But I still think you should come up with a prototype while you are learning. You can do a lot with a prototype. Once you are satisfied with your prototype version then develop the actual project.

Just my 2 cents.

Edit: there are also various website builder solutions (wix, squarespace, shopify, wordpress, etc) If your answer is No #1, you might want to research those. They might be cheaper and faster than hiring someone.

Ask for some advices arround you in people you can trust

I have an idea for what I want a website to do, but my web design skills are lacking. Should I just work on the backend until I'm ready to put a face on it or try some other approach?

thanks man. I really wanted this

i would suggest yes focus more on back-end & put face later on

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your main priority should be working website on the idea. you can easily play with front-end later on.

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there are also various website builder solutions (wix, squarespace, shopify, wordpress, etc) If your answer is No #1, you might want to research those. They might be cheaper and faster than hiring someone.