Even though most clients will know exactly what they want their new web site to do, and have an idea of how they want it to look, very few of these clients give any real thought as to what kind of services they require to bring this new web site to life. This doesn’t stem from lack of thought or planning, but from a lack of understanding some basic differences between titles and services. In most cases the client is a new comer to the industry and lacks understanding of industry terms, which is to be expected, after all its probably not their industry. For instance the terms ‘web design’ and ’web development’ seem very similar to someone not in the field of web technologies. But, in reality they actually mean two very different things. So when you are looking for someone to create your website, its important to know the difference, and we are hoping this article will shed some light on those differences and assist you in selecting a service provider that is right for your project and capable of doing the job to your expectations.
Web design
Web Design is the art of making websites that are attractive and easy to navigate. A Web Designer will have a knowledge of HTML and the tools and skills required to create a website. They will have an even better knowledge of design theory and a firm grasp on those tools required to make stunning graphics and eye-catching layouts. More often than not they will possess a firm understanding of javascript, cascading style sheets and whats needed to bring your website to fruition. In short with a good designer on hand you will get a great looking website that users will be able to navigate with ease.
Web development
Web Deveopment is making websites that Perform a variety of functions and procedures, a site that DOES something. Quite often websites will require logging in, e-commerce capabilities like a shopping cart, monetary transaction handling, consuming other website’s information, forums and many other tools or features that users of the site will find useful. Virtually anything you can imagine or have seen a website DO was created by a Web Developer. With a good Developer, you’ll get a nice looking site that provides a truly unique experience that puts you above your competition in the eyes of potential customers.
In the internets childhood, business’ began to realize the need for web presence, but lacked the foresight to see its full potential. Jumping on the band-wagon as it were, they secured Web Designers to create their internet presence. However, just like a child the internet has matured and so has its abilities. It seems now more than ever companies are realizing that their original brochure style websites, which were top of the line at one point, are now stale and antiquated. Modern day websites have changed focus. Where old style websites weren’t much more than a brochure providing the customer with information about the company, websites of today are focused on helping that customer interact with the company or solve a problem.
Over the past couple of years there’s been a major shift for these old brochure businesses. Wanting to update to a website that provides solutions for their customers, they want a website that their customers will find useful. Re-positioning their budget from web marketing to one time visitors, the invest equal or lesser amounts into a website that their users will find engaging and useful. A website that customers will want to visit, favorite and tell everyone about.
Now this isn’t to say that brochure websites are completely out-dated, they do still have a place in the modern arena, but that place has seemed to shrink, especially at the corporate level. Should you decide your sites value can been obtained strictly though static content with a beautiful site, then a Web Designer may be what you’re interested in. But if you want a site that is both engaging and provides real interaction with your customers, then I would recommend seeking a Web Developer to bring your business to life with interaction.
In Closing
So when planning your website, give some real thought to what you want the site to DO. Reference other websites that rank high in the search engines for your industry and see what it is that their websites do. Typically these sites have already made the investment to update their sites to provide their customers with an engaging and valuable user experience, and who knows it might even give you more idea’s for your own site.
I'll write something soon.
