Web Design vs. Web Development: Which Do You Need To Build Your Site?
Web Design vs. Web Development: Which Do You Need to Build Your Site?
If you’re building a site from scratch, seeking expert help is essential. In this overview of web design versus web development, we’ll help you determine which skill set aligns best with your project needs.
You’ve secured your domain name and chosen your hosting service, but there’s a lot of terminology to navigate—even if you don’t plan to manage the site yourself. Understanding the distinction between web design and web development is crucial. So, which one do you need in the long run? Read on to clarify your choices.
Defining Web Design
Web design focuses primarily on the front-end of your website. A good web designer combines coding skills with graphic design expertise, utilizing software to create modern graphics for your web pages. Their main goal is to enhance the user experience and ensure an appealing layout.
If you’re aiming for a visually stunning website, hiring a web designer is essential, especially if you’re starting from scratch. While web designers typically have some knowledge of front-end technologies like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, they generally do not handle back-end development.
Defining Web Development
In contrast, web development is centered around coding and the back-end aspects of your website. Developers are primarily coders who work behind the scenes to create dynamic web pages. They often collaborate with web designers to turn visually appealing designs into fully functional websites.
Web developers manage back-end operations, including databases, servers, and other critical components that ensure your site runs smoothly. Their work is vital for the website’s functionality and performance.
Web Design vs. Web Development
When it comes to hiring, the distinction between web design and web development can be confusing due to overlapping skill sets. Many professionals are capable of performing both roles and are often referred to as “full-stack web developers.” While full-stack developers can be valuable, hiring specialists in either design or development is often more effective.
Ideally, you would engage both a designer and a developer to create a cohesive and functional website. However, this isn’t always feasible, and often, design responsibilities fall on the client unless an agency is hired.
Both roles are essential for any online project. The designer crafts an attractive layout and enhances the user experience, while the developer ensures a smooth, efficient website and optimizes the code to minimize issues.
Finding a Professional
Web design and web development are both critical to building a successful site. Attempting to create your own webpage can be a daunting task; the expertise of professionals far surpasses amateur efforts.
When hiring, it’s often wise to choose a professional agency that can provide both web design and development services, rather than relying on a couple of freelancers who may or may not work well together.
If you’re looking for professional services combined with reliable hosting, contact us today to learn more about how we can help!