Online shopping and marketing are constantly on the rise, which means that easy-to-use, eye-catching websites are in high demand. The individuals responsible for creating these sites are known as web designers and web developers.
Web designers specialise in creating the visual and overall experience of a website, while web developers are responsible for the technical aspects and function of a site. These two experts collaborate to create stunning, seamless and easy-to-use online destinations.
Web designers are multifaceted individuals, equipped to envision, implement and manage the visual aspects of a website. When creating an online space, web designers need to consider and balance both aesthetic appeal, experience and function in order to produce a well-rounded and effective site.
The most efficient websites are designed with usability in mind. Every business has a series of actions they want the customer to take when visiting their site that will lead to a desired outcome. For example, purchase a product, submit an enquiry or book an appointment. It’s the web designer's job to present information to the customer in an easy-to-use and digestible way that encourages them to take these actions that ultimately lead to a sale, otherwise known as a conversion.
The length of time a customer spends on a website often correlates closely with their likelihood of engaging with the business and returning in the future. Consequently, a web designer will aim to keep users on site for as long as possible to increase the chance of conversion.
However, it’s not just all about function. Users will judge your ‘book by its cover’ and they will do so within 0.05 seconds of viewing it, highlighting the importance of aesthetic factors such as colour palettes, fonts and imagery. Web designers know that every visual choice is of the utmost importance. There is a captivating power in finding the perfect balance between visually representing a company’s soul and its values while staying current with the latest trends.
The more technical side of a web designer’s job looks at ensuring best practices and other certain standards are adhered to. They will often create, implement and oversee documentation and resources that ensure the needs of both the user and client are met.
There are four different types of web designers.
In short, web developers execute the designer’s artistic concepts. The longer story is much more technical, as they deal with complex coding and programming languages to build and maintain the structure of a website and optimise its performance and capacity.
They are responsible for constructing user-facing features along with back-end development, including coding and configuring servers and databases. Much of their job involves running multiple tests to ensure the website functions as it should across a range of devices at its time of launch and in the future. Web developers play an integral role in ongoing support and maintenance for a website post launch, such as updating plug-ins, UI frameworks, maintaining servers and more.
There are three types of web developers.
The key takeaway? Web designers concentrate on the visual and practical aspects of websites while web developers focus on ensuring the website functions on a technical level. The presence of and collaboration between the two is integral to creating the best possible website for your business.
Website builders are programs or platforms that allow you to build a website without needing vast technical knowledge. They often offer a range of template sites that can be personalised by drag-and-drop features, which allow you to add elements to your website without having to code them yourself. Examples of popular website builders include SquareSpace, WIX, Elementor and HubSpot.
These programs and platforms are a cost-effective, simple way to create an online presence for your business if you’re looking to save money. They are usually easy-to-use and a quick way to establish your business’s digital footprint.
However, website builders often have limited templates, meaning your website may appear generic or like another site created using the same platform. The features offered are also restrictive, meaning your site may lack effective functionality and not include certain interactive elements that you had in mind. They also don’t have the ability to scale and are incredibly limiting when it comes to search engine optimisation.
While website builders are certainly a viable choice, it is beneficial to consider your other options.
Your business deserves a website that reflects its ingenuity, quality service and attention to detail. You should have an online destination that is unique and exciting – and tailored to the experience you want your users to have while interacting with your brand. If you want all this along with a fun and user-centric experience for all your website visitors, then look no further than We Think Digital. Our team of web designers, web developers, copywriters and SEO specialists will ensure your website aesthetically and functionally complements the services that you provide. We will listen to the needs and expectations of your customers and your company – and we will work with you collaboratively to execute your creative visions.
If you need any advice or help with your website, contact We Think Digital to learn about the services that we provide.
Visit our website today to get in touch with our website specialists. We are looking forward to working with you to take your business to the next level.
