Web design company skills include techniques that help to produce and maintain good websites. It should have access to specialists in many fields such as graphic designing, interfacing and search engine optimization. The team that works with it designs the websites as per the requirements of the client. Web engineering is something that includes all the disciplines of web designing and the features required to make it work. There is a set of guidelines that helps to form a good website, i.e. making it look good, easy to navigate, rank well in search and get its message across.
Web design company designers will have a variety of tools/skills to work with. They know what area is to be focused on and how. How this is done is continually changing and designers need to keep up-to-date. Mostly the basics stay the same, but there are many updates in software and the principles associated with them. For example, the type of images used on websites ranges from .gif, .jpg, .jpeg, .png, .tiff, .svg and even more. Which one you use depends on several factors, which the web designer will need to consider before deciding which one to use.
Exactly What Does a Web Design Company do?
A Web Design Company is basically a team of people called web designers. For obvious reasons, they usually each have a skill that the others do not have. For example, one might have extensive experience designing an online shop and be familiar with the software required and another might be a skilled graphic designer etc. Now a web designer is not a computer programmer though he may share some of the skills. He would have some basic programming skills. He may even be a web programmer who can not just create the page but also create his own designs. But the most important thing that a web designer does is to create beautiful and appealing web pages as per the needs of the client. They are experts in software like Photoshop and languages such as HTML, CSS Javascript (which helps them in animation).
A web design company will have the skills to add other features to their websites such as sound or short film clips. At the end of the day, the main aim of a web design company is to create eye-catching websites having good graphics. The designer will work closely with the developer whose emphasis is more on function and making the various parts of the website work as expected. S/he may even be flexible enough to write some content if the client requires it. This is because the designer will know his SEO as should everyone on the team since it affects every level of a website’s production. A badly written article on a page may never get to the top ten on Google Bing or Yahoo regardless of the condition of the rest of the website.
There is not a whole lot of difference between a web designer and a web developer. It is more about their level of expertise in design and development. A designer is more focused on the look and layouts and the presentation of the business on the website. The developer is more focused on the programming of the website to make the designer’s dream come true.
The job of the developer/programmer is the implementation of designs by programming in HTML, PHP, CSS, SQL, JavaScript and maybe several more. Some of these jobs can be done by a web designer too since as we mentioned above, they will have some programming skills. In fact, there are many web designers who offer both of them in one package. They create beautiful web pages and also do their own development. And a good web design company always keeps updating its designers from time to time. They will have time to research and learn from those at the cutting edge of their field.
They must offer their client the up-to-date trends and popular elements of a modern website. The demands of clients also vary due to the changing trends in the market and they will be checking out their competitors. So a good web design always keeps changing according to demand and keeps up with the new technology. Further, it also trains and guides its employees so that they are in a position to give the desired output.
Now there are some skills required for a designer. Even though there are some courses available that will allow you to become a certified designer. But a piece of paper can never be proof of anybody’s skills. Degrees may demonstrate a level of knowledge, but building a website that will impress requires creative talent.
Strictly following theory can restrict a web design company, but being practical can help you to be more creative too. So before choosing a designer check his ability in the practical aspect rather than focusing on credentials. Check whether s/he has the skills you require rather than having a good degree.
The following are some hints that should help you when choosing and working with a web design company for your project.
The money charged should be result-oriented
It’s never good to indulge in an open-ended billing system with designers till the maintenance phase has begun on the project. Unscrupulous designers can keep asking for more and more money to complete the various parts of a project and you may feel it necessary to keep “feeding the beast”.
Work sharing
Many good web designers share their work (subcontract) with other designers or developers who might have a particular skill that is required to complete an area of your website to a high standard. It does not mean that you hired a bad designer. It is simply that your designer is getting the best person for the job so that you will have a better result.
Usage of time-saving technology
The designers who produce quality output tend to have technology that is not only time-saving but also likely to be less expensive. Good companies believe in open-source publishing and the use of tools like WordPress. Usage of such tools helps to meet the required standard thereby saving time and energy.
Maintenance of proper stock
Good companies always believe in smart work. They maintain stocks of templates. This helps to speed up production for customers, which is especially useful when a client is in a hurry… and they are always in a hurry.
Some updates can be left to the clients
A special login can be given to the client so that they can log in and make changes to the content of their website without the risk of doing real damage to their website. But it is wise to leave the software updates to someone who knows what they are doing so that there is less risk of damage and the need for repair.
Proper standards and ease of accessibility
A good design company will consistently produce websites that meet standards such as interface design and ease of navigation a good loading speed etc. Those who have little experience in this field can meet many of the requirements of search engine optimization with a little help from their web designer.
Honesty about the cost
A good design company is always honest about the time it takes to complete a project and also the costs involved. Unprofessional designers may give you hi-fi promises and even higher rates. But good designers would always tell you before starting any project how long it is expected to take and agree on a charge for the agreed work.
10 Services that Your Web Design Company is likely to provide
1. Consultation and Strategy Development
- Understanding Client Needs: The company collaborates with clients to understand their business objectives, target audience, brand values, and specific requirements for the website.
- Planning: Based on client input, the company will draft a plan or strategy for the website’s design, structure, and functionality.
2. Website Design
- Graphic Design: This involves creating visual elements such as logos, banners, and other graphics that align with the client’s brand identity.
- Layout Design: Designers decide on the arrangement of various elements on a webpage, ensuring that the user journey is intuitive and engaging.
- Responsive Design: Ensuring the website looks and functions well on various devices, including desktops, tablets, and mobile phones.
3. Website Development
- Front-end Development: This is the process of turning the website design into a live site using coding languages like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
- Back-end Development: This involves setting up servers and databases, and ensuring that any data collection, like form submissions, works smoothly.
- Content Management Systems (CMS): Many companies offer setup and customization of CMS platforms like WordPress, Joomla, or Drupal, allowing clients to easily manage their content.
4. Content Creation
- Copywriting: Crafting engaging and SEO-optimized text for the website, including headlines, product descriptions, blog posts, and more.
- Multimedia: Some companies also offer photography, videography, or animation services to enhance the website’s visual appeal.
5. Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
- Ensuring the website ranks well on search engines by optimizing content, meta tags, URL structures, and more.
- Conducting keyword research and integrating these keywords seamlessly into the website’s content.
6. Website Testing
- Functionality Checks: Ensuring all links, buttons, forms, and other interactive elements work as intended.
- Browser Compatibility: Making sure the website displays correctly across different browsers.
- Performance Testing: Checking website load times and optimizing any elements that slow it down.
7. Website Launch and Maintenance
- Hosting and Launch: Once the website is ready and approved by the client, the company can help deploy it to a hosting server and make it live.
- Ongoing Maintenance: Websites require regular updates, backups, security checks, and more. Many companies offer maintenance packages to handle this.
8. Training and Support
- Offering training sessions on how to use and update the website, especially if it’s built on a CMS. They also provide post-launch support for any issues or updates the client may need.
9. Additional Services
- Some web design companies might also offer services like digital marketing, pay-per-click advertising, social media management, and more, ensuring a comprehensive online presence for their clients.
10. User Experience (UX) and User Interface (UI) Design
- UX Research: This involves studying the target audience and understanding their preferences and behaviours to design a website that meets their needs and expectations.
- UI Design: Focusing on the look and feel of the website, UI design ensures that the visual elements of the website are cohesive, on-brand, and aesthetically pleasing.
- Wireframing and Prototyping: Before moving to full design and development, designers often create wireframes (blueprints) and prototypes (interactive mockups) of the website to visualize and test the user journey and layout.
- Feedback Iteration: Based on user testing and client feedback, the UX and UI design undergo several iterations to optimize the website for the best possible user experience.
By integrating UX and UI design into their process, a web design company ensures that the website is not only visually appealing but also user-centric, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable browsing experience for visitors.
A web design company is responsible for both the aesthetic design and technical development of a website, ensuring it’s functional, user-friendly, and aligned with the client’s objectives
What Does a Web Design Company Do in 2024? Key Trends and Updates
In the fast-paced digital landscape, staying ahead of web design trends is crucial for businesses wanting to maintain a competitive edge. The role of a web design company has evolved significantly from 2023 to 2024, incorporating new technologies and practices to enhance user experience and website functionality. Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, here are the latest updates and changes in the web design industry that you should know about.
1. AI and Automation Integration
Artificial Intelligence (AI) continues to transform web design. AI-driven design tools can now create responsive layouts, personalise user experiences, and even generate content. For instance, AI chatbots are becoming more advanced, offering real-time customer support and improving user engagement. Tools like ChatGPT are being used to craft personalised content, making websites more interactive and user-friendly.
2. Voice Search Optimization
With the rise of voice-activated devices like smart speakers, optimising websites for voice search has become essential. This involves tailoring content to match natural language queries and ensuring websites load quickly. Voice search optimisation helps in capturing a growing segment of users who prefer using voice commands over typing.
3. Enhanced Mobile-First Design
While mobile-first design has been a priority for years, the emphasis in 2024 is on creating app-like experiences on mobile devices. Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) are increasingly popular because they combine the best features of web and mobile apps, offering offline capabilities and faster load times.
4. Sustainability and Green Hosting
Environmental sustainability is gaining traction in the web design industry. More companies are opting for green hosting solutions, which use renewable energy sources. Optimising code for efficiency and promoting digital sustainability practices help reduce the carbon footprint of websites.
5. Privacy and Data Security
Data security and privacy remain top priorities. With increasing data breaches and stringent regulations like GDPR and CCPA, web design companies are implementing robust security measures. This includes using SSL certificates, ensuring data encryption, and educating clients on best practices for data protection.
6. Accessibility and Inclusive Design
Web accessibility is crucial to ensure that websites are usable by everyone, including people with disabilities. Inclusive design practices, such as using proper alt text for images, enabling keyboard navigation, and supporting screen readers, are now standard. Ensuring compliance with accessibility standards not only broadens your audience but also avoids potential legal issues.
7. Content Management Systems (CMS) Evolution
CMS platforms like WordPress, Joomla, and Drupal continue to evolve, offering enhanced security, user-friendly interfaces, and customisation options. Headless CMS solutions are also gaining popularity, providing more flexibility in content delivery across various platforms and devices.
8. Advanced Analytics and Personalisation
Advanced analytics tools are becoming more sophisticated, allowing for detailed tracking of user behaviour and preferences. This data enables the creation of highly personalised user experiences, which can significantly boost engagement and conversion rates.
9. Immersive Experiences with AR/VR
Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) technologies are increasingly integrated into web design, especially in sectors like real estate, retail, and tourism. These technologies offer immersive experiences that can significantly enhance user engagement and satisfaction.
10. Cybersecurity Focus
As cyber threats become more prevalent, web design companies are prioritising cybersecurity. Regular security audits, advanced encryption methods, and real-time threat detection systems are essential to protect websites from attacks and breaches.
11. No-Code and Low-Code Platforms
No-code and low-code platforms are democratizing web design by allowing non-developers to create and maintain websites. These platforms are more powerful and user-friendly than ever, enabling greater creativity and flexibility without the need for extensive coding knowledge.
Conclusion
Web design in 2024 is about more than just aesthetics; it’s about creating functional, secure, and sustainable websites that provide excellent user experiences. By embracing these trends and updates, web design companies can help businesses stay ahead in the digital game. Whether you’re just starting out or you’re a seasoned expert, understanding these changes is crucial for success in today’s online landscape.
[updated 16 July 2024]
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning: AI and machine learning are transforming digital marketing through personalized content delivery, predictive analytics, and automated customer interactions. Tools like chatbots and AI-driven content creation enhance customer engagement and operational efficiency.
Voice Search Optimization: With the rise of voice-activated assistants, optimizing content for voice search is essential. Focus on natural language and long-tail keywords to capture voice search queries effectively.
Video Marketing: Video continues to be a dominant content format. Invest in high-quality video production, including live streaming and short-form videos, to engage your audience on platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok.
Omni-Channel Marketing: An integrated omni-channel approach ensures a seamless customer experience across all touchpoints, from social media and email to in-store interactions. Consistent messaging and personalized experiences across channels are key to retaining customer loyalty.
Privacy and Data Protection: With increasing privacy concerns and regulations like GDPR and CCPA, prioritizing data protection is vital. Be transparent about data usage, obtain explicit consent, and ensure robust security measures are in place.
Sustainability and Ethical Marketing: Consumers increasingly value sustainability and ethical practices. Highlighting your brand’s commitment to environmental and social responsibility can enhance your reputation and attract conscious consumers.