As the boundaries between the real and virtual worlds continue to blur, in recent years, having a professional and functional website is essential for any business looking to succeed and maintain a competitive edge. While it’s tempting to use a website builder for its ease and cost-effectiveness, these tools often fall short in delivering a high-quality website that meets all your business needs. This is where the expertise of a web developer comes into play. So, Why use a Web Developer to develop your website? Well, below are just a few convincing reasons why you should use a Web Developer to develop your website.
In short, web designers know a lot of stuff
Web developers possess a wide range of skills necessary to create a website that not only looks great but also functions seamlessly and efficiently. If you’ve ever wondered what a professional web developer could bring to your project, read on to discover the various skills required for website development and why hiring a web developer is crucial for your business.
The DIY approach to web design – does it work?
While it’s true that website builder systems might offer a quick and relatively easy way to get your site up and running and they might come with pre-designed templates and drag-and-drop functionality which even those with no technical knowledge to create a basic website, this story runs a little deeper.
In truth, without the comprehensive skill set that professional web developers possess, these DIY websites often end up being substandard. They may look passable on the surface but they often lack the depth, functionality, and customisation that a professionally developed website offers. And this is for very good reason. Below is just a smattering of the skills that web developers bring to the table.
Skills required for website development
Coding
- HTML: The foundational language for creating web pages. Web developers write HTML code to structure the content on a website.
- CSS: Used to style the HTML content. CSS ensures the website looks visually appealing and aligns with the brand’s aesthetic.
- JavaScript: Adds interactivity to the website, such as forms, sliders, and other dynamic elements.
- Backend development: Knowledge of server-side languages like PHP, Python, or Node.js to manage data and server interactions.
- Database management: Using SQL or NoSQL databases to store and retrieve data efficiently.
Understanding usability conventions
- User Experience (UX) Design: Creating a website layout that is intuitive and user-friendly. Rather than just having to look good, a website also needs to function well. Web designers combine aesthetics with functionality.
- User Interface (UI) Design: Ensuring the website is visually appealing and easy to navigate.
- Accessibility: Making sure the website is accessible to users with disabilities by adhering to web accessibility standards.
Website Security
- Secure coding practices: Writing code that protects against common vulnerabilities like SQL injection and cross-site scripting (XSS).
- SSL Certificates: Implementing SSL to encrypt data transferred between the server and the user’s browser.
- Regular updates: Keeping the website’s software and plugins up-to-date to prevent security breaches.
Setting up a website
- Domain registration: Choosing and registering a domain name that represents your brand.
- Hosting: Selecting the right hosting provider to ensure the website runs smoothly.
- Server configuration: Setting up the server environment to handle the website’s traffic and functionality.
Design graphics
- Graphic design: Creating custom graphics that enhance the website’s visual appeal.
- Optimising images: Ensuring images are the right size and format to reduce loading times without sacrificing quality.
- Brand consistency: Maintaining a consistent visual style across all graphics and design elements.
Writing search-engine-friendly text
- SEO writing: Crafting content that is optimised for search engines to improve the website’s visibility.
- Keyword research: Identifying relevant keywords to target in the content.
- Meta tags: Writing effective meta descriptions and titles to enhance search engine results.
Optimising graphics
- Image compression: Reducing file sizes without losing quality to improve loading times.
- Responsive images: Ensuring images look good on all devices and screen sizes.
- Alt text: Adding descriptive alt text to images for better SEO and accessibility.
Picking the right colours
- Colour theory: Understanding how colours interact and the psychological impact of different colour combinations.
- Brand colours: Selecting colours that align with the brand’s identity.
- Contrast and readability: Ensuring text is readable against background colours.
Logo position
- Brand recognition: Placing the logo in a prominent position to enhance brand visibility.
- Consistency: Keeping the logo placement consistent across all pages.
- Responsive design: Ensuring the logo looks good on all devices and screen sizes.
Navigation System Design
- Intuitive menus: Creating easy-to-navigate menus that help users find information quickly.
- Breadcrumbs: Providing a breadcrumb trail to show users their location within the website.
- Internal linking: Strategically linking pages within the site to improve navigation and SEO.
Search Engine Optimisation
- On-Page SEO: Optimising individual pages for specific keywords.
- Off-Page SEO: Building backlinks and promoting the website on external platforms.
- Technical SEO: Ensuring the website’s technical aspects, like site speed and mobile-friendliness, are optimised. More than 50% of all internet traffic now comes from mobile devices – meaning responsive page design and fast download speeds are more important than ever.
Utilising new technologies
- Progressive Web Apps (PWAs): Creating apps that deliver a native app-like experience through the web.
- Content Management Systems (CMS): Integrating with systems like WordPress or Joomla for easier content management.
- E-commerce solutions: Implementing shopping carts, payment gateways and other e-commerce features.
Understanding download times
- Performance optimisation: Reducing loading times by optimising code, images and server response.
- Caching: Implementing caching mechanisms to speed up content delivery.
- Content Delivery Networks (CDNs): Using CDNs to distribute content globally and reduce latency.
Making navigating a website easy
- Clear layouts: Designing clean and straightforward layouts that guide users to the information they need.
- Call-to-Actions (CTAs): Placing CTAs strategically to encourage user engagement and conversions.
- Consistent navigation: Maintaining a consistent navigation structure across all pages.
So, why is hiring a web developer so important?
As a general rule, website builders can provide a seemingly easy solution to getting your site online, they lack the depth and customisation that a professional web developer can offer. Without the comprehensive skill set required to develop a high-quality website, DIY sites often end up looking substandard. And if your site looks substandard, it’s quite likely your clients (real and potential) will transfer the same image onto your company and the products / services you provide.
By hiring a web developer, you’ll ensure that your website is not only visually appealing but also functional, secure and optimised for both users and search engines. Investing in a professional web developer is an investment in your business’s success, providing you with a website that truly represents your brand and meets your business needs.