Web Devs and Designers, What’s the Deal?
Having a professional web presence is crucial for businesses of all sizes. However, creating a website that is both aesthetically pleasing and functionally robust requires more than just designing a visually appealing layout. This is where the debate between web developers and web designers comes into play.
As a seasoned web developer with expertise in WordPress development, I’ve seen numerous instances where websites fail to deliver on their potential due to inadequate coding and structural issues. In this article, we’ll explore the differences between web developers and web designers, when you might need both for success or just one, and how to identify the right team members for your project. We’ll also touch on marketing agencies, who usually include both of these services in some capacity and the pros and cons of that as well.
Web Developer: Experts in Building Scalable Solutions
A web developer is responsible for designing, building, and maintaining a website’s underlying structure, using programming languages like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. They ensure that the site loads quickly, functions smoothly, and provides an optimal user experience.
Key Responsibilities
- Creating responsive designs that adapt to various screen sizes and devices
- Writing clean, efficient code for faster page loads
- Implementing search engine optimization (SEO) techniques for better visibility in search engines
- Conducting regular website updates and security patches
- Making the website as easy to edit as possible for the owner. While this doesn’t apply to every developer, it is a core part of what we do.
Top Scenarios Where Web Developers Are Needed
1. E-commerce, LMS Websites, or websites involving dynamic customer data and interfaces
Web developers are crucial when building e-commerce websites that require seamless checkout processes, secure payment gateways, and efficient inventory management. They work closely with web designers to ensure that the design is not only visually appealing but also functional.
Example: A fashion brand needs a website that allows customers to browse products, add items to cart, and check out securely. Web developers are responsible for building the underlying infrastructure, including payment gateways and checkout processes.
2. Complex Custom Websites
Web developers are essential when creating complex custom websites with unique requirements, such as integrations with third-party APIs or bespoke features. They work closely with clients to understand their needs and develop a solution that meets those requirements.
Example: A non-profit organization requires a website that integrates with their database system to display donor information. Web developers design and build the website’s infrastructure to meet this unique requirement.
3. Website Maintenance and Updates
Web developers are responsible for maintaining and updating existing websites, ensuring they continue to perform optimally and securely. They apply security patches, fix bugs, and optimize code for better performance. They can also help you with tricky things, like getting a better score on Google Page Speed Insights / Lighthouse.
Example: A business website requires regular updates to its content management system (CMS) to ensure it remains secure and up-to-date with the latest features. Web developers perform these updates to keep the website running smoothly.
Pros:
- Can handle complex technical tasks, such as custom integrations or performance optimization
- Provide a high level of customization and flexibility in their solutions – get exactly what you want
- Typically have a deep understanding of web development best practices and can ensure that websites are built with security and scalability in mind. This is beneficial to SEO as well.
- Built for the end-user, you, so that you can easily modify your site in the future without extra cost
- Usually build more robust solutions and take care of technical issues, so you spend less time worrying about things breaking
Cons
- May require higher budget to develop complex features or integrate third-party APIs
- May have limited creative input, as their primary focus is on the technical aspects of web development
Cases Where Web Developers May Not Be Needed
1. Simple Blog Sites
Web developers are not necessary for simple blog sites that require minimal functionality, such as a basic layout and content management system. In this case, a web designer can handle the design and development of the site.
Example: A personal blog requires a basic layout and content management system to publish articles. Web designers can handle the development of this type of website without involving a web developer.
2. Static Website Redesigns
Web developers are not necessary when redesigning a static website with minimal functionality, such as a brochure site or a simple portfolio. In this case, a web designer can handle the design and development of the site.
Example: A small business requires a basic brochure site to showcase their services. Web designers can handle the development of this type of website without involving a web developer.
Web Designers: Brand Visualisation Professionals
A web designer is responsible for crafting a website’s visual identity, including its layout, colour scheme, typography, and imagery. They work closely with clients to understand their brand values and translate them into a cohesive design.
Key Responsibilities
- Creating visually appealing designs that reflect the client’s brand
- Developing custom layouts and templates for unique websites
- Selecting fonts, colors, and imagery that align with the client’s style
- Collaborating with developers to ensure design elements are implemented correctly
Top Scenarios Where Web Designers Are Needed
1. Branding and Rebranding
Web designers are essential when creating a website for a new brand or rebranding an existing one. They work closely with clients to develop a visual identity that reflects their values, mission, and unique selling proposition (USP).
Example: A startup company requires a website that showcases its innovative products and services. Web designers create a custom design that reflects the brand’s personality and style.
2. User Experience (UX) Design
Web designers are responsible for creating user-centered designs that provide an exceptional user experience, including intuitive navigation, clear typography, and responsive layouts.
Example: A financial institution requires a website that provides a seamless user experience for customers to manage their accounts online. Web designers develop a design that is both visually appealing and functional.
3. Marketing Campaigns
Web designers are crucial when creating websites that support marketing campaigns, such as landing pages or micro-sites. They work closely with clients to develop designs that capture the essence of the campaign’s message and objectives.
Example: A software company requires a website that promotes its latest product launch. Web designers create a design that highlights the product’s features and benefits, driving conversions and sales.
Cases Where Web Designers May Not Be Needed
1. Basic Informational Sites
Web designers are not necessary for basic informational sites that require minimal design and functionality, such as a simple FAQ page or an about us page. In this case, a web developer can handle the development of the site.
Example: A company requires a basic website to provide information about their services. Web developers can handle the development of this type of website without involving a web designer.
2. Simple Website Redesigns
Web designers are not necessary when redesigning a simple website with minimal changes, such as updating the color scheme or typography. In this case, a client can work directly with a developer to make these updates.
Example: A small business requires a basic website update, such as changing the background image and font size. Web developers can handle these updates without involving a web designer.
Agencies: A Bit of Everything
Another group in this discussion comes to mind that doesn’t fall into just one of these groups – Marketing Agencies. An agency is a company that typically provides a range of services, including web development, design, brand discovery, marketing, and more. While agencies often include both web developers and designers on their team, they typically have higher overhead costs due to the need to manage multiple projects and personnel.
Key Responsibilities
Providing a range of services, including web development, design, marketing, and more
Agencies often provide a range of services, including web development, design, marketing, and more. This can include:
- Web Development: Building and maintaining websites, e-commerce platforms, and custom applications
- Design: Creating visual identities, logos, branding materials, and website designs that reflect a company’s values and mission
- Marketing: Developing and executing online marketing strategies, including social media marketing, search engine optimization (SEO), pay-per-click advertising (PPC), and content marketing
- Content Creation: Writing and editing blog posts, articles, and other content to help companies establish thought leadership and build their brand
- Analytics and Reporting: Providing data-driven insights to help companies understand their online performance and make informed decisions
Managing multiple projects and personnel
Agencies typically manage multiple projects and personnel, which can include:
- Project Management: Coordinating the efforts of developers, designers, and marketers to ensure that projects are completed on time and within budget
- Team Leadership: Providing guidance and support to team members to help them develop their skills and achieve their goals
- Client Communication: Managing client relationships and ensuring that clients are informed and engaged throughout the project process
- Resource Allocation: Allocating resources, including personnel and budget, to ensure that projects are completed efficiently and effectively
Developing strategies for clients to achieve their online goals
Agencies work with clients to develop strategies that help them achieve their online goals. This can include:
- Digital Marketing Strategy: Developing a comprehensive digital marketing strategy that includes social media marketing, SEO, PPC, and content marketing
- Content Strategy: Creating a content strategy that aligns with the client’s business objectives and target audience
- Brand Development: Helping clients develop their brand identity and messaging to establish thought leadership and build their reputation
- Analytics and Performance Metrics: Establishing key performance indicators (KPIs) and tracking metrics to measure the success of digital marketing efforts
Collaborating with clients to understand their needs
Agencies work closely with clients to understand their needs and develop solutions that meet those requirements. This can include:
- Discovery Process: Conducting a thorough discovery process to understand the client’s business goals, target audience, and online objectives
- Needs Assessment: Identifying the client’s pain points and areas for improvement
- Solution Development: Developing a customized solution that meets the client’s needs and objectives
- Communication and Feedback: Providing regular communication and feedback throughout the project process to ensure that clients are informed and engaged.
Pros:
- One-stop-shop for clients who require a range of services
- Agencies can provide a broad spectrum of expertise, including marketing, SEO, and social media
- Some clients often prefer working with agencies due to the convenience of having multiple services under one roof, despite the cost
Cons:
- Higher overhead costs due to managing multiple projects and personnel
- Potential for less specialization in web development and design, as agency staff may wear multiple hats
- Client expectations can be high, leading to increased pressure on agency staff to deliver results quickly
- Slower response times
Cases Where Agencies May Not Be Needed
1. Small Projects
Agencies are not necessary for small projects that require minimal services, such as a simple website update or a basic social media campaign. In this case, a client can work directly with a freelancer or a small development shop.
Example: A small business requires a basic website update to change the background image and font size. A freelance developer can handle these updates without involving an agency.
2. Specialized Services
Agencies are not necessary when clients require specialized services, such as custom software development or AI-powered solutions. In this case, a client should work directly with a specialist or a boutique firm that focuses on those areas.
Example: A company requires custom software development for its internal operations. A boutique firm specializing in custom software development can handle the project without involving an agency.
3. Larger Projects
If a project is somewhat big, companies often bring their own in-house expertise like marketing, designers, and SEO people – and usually have established their brand. What they often lack is a specialised web developer that can understand and utilise all of these concepts, but doesn’t bring along all the overhead. In these cases, Marketing Agencies are simple too cost-inefficient to be worth it, sometimes by a factor of 5-10x of what it should cost to build the same exact thing. Developers are a better choice when looking for a scalable solution in these scenarios.
Example: An online learning company wants to improve its existing LMS system for students and build out new features. They want to improve the existing infrastructure and add new functionality. A marketing agency will not likely be able to handle the higher level of specialisation or keep the cost scoped to only one component.
Who Is the Winner?
As we’ve discussed in this article, web developers and designers play critical roles in creating websites that are both visually appealing and functional.
A good developer can provide a robust and secure website infrastructure, which is essential for a brand’s online success. They can also help ensure that the website is optimized for search engines, which is critical for driving traffic to your site. Additionally, a developer can help you create a scalable and flexible website that can adapt to changing business needs.
While designers are essential for creating visually appealing websites, their role is often secondary to that of the developer. A good designer can work with a developer to create a beautiful and functional website, but if the foundation is weak, even the most talented designer can’t make up for it.
In cases where a brand already has an established identity and presence, I believe that working with a skilled developer is often the best decision. They can help you refine your online presence and ensure that your site is optimized for search engines and user experience. Additionally, they can also make sure that everything works, which for businesses can be a hidden cost if your website is breaking every week due to updates, bugs, etc.
Of course, there are times when working with an agency or a team of developers and designers may be necessary, such as when building a complex e-commerce platform or creating a custom application. However, in many cases, working with a skilled developer may still provide the best value for your money and ensure that your website is built the right way – something agencies often fail to do due to lack of expertise, budget, etc.
I hope this article has provided you with a better understanding of the roles of web developers and designers, as well as the importance of choosing the right team members for your project. Remember to always prioritize building a strong online presence, and don’t be afraid to seek out expert advice when needed. If you need help with any of the above, or even just to book a free consultation to discuss the next best steps, don’t hesitate to reach out!
