Whether you are new to the big wide web or just not particularly tech savvy, it can all seem pretty overwhelming, particularly if you are looking to have your own website. If you are looking to develop a site or improve an existing one and have no experience with it, your best bet is to get an external web developer to make the necessary changes for you. This begs the question, ‘what actually is web development’? Web development refers to the general tasks associated with developing websites, these tasks can include web design, content development, network security configuration and more.
What is web development?
Web development in the broadest sense encompasses all of the processes required to build, maintain and manage a website. These actions are essential to ensure it performs as it should, providing a good user experience, is search engine friendly and is speed optimal. The actual process of web development generally requires coding, markup and programming knowledge. These elements are needed to enable website functionality to match the website owners requirements.
What is included in web development?
Website development is interesting because it has an incredible range of possibilities where actions can involve anything from creating plain text pages to complex applications. The web development hierarchy is as follows:
- Client-side coding.
- Server-side coding.
- Database technology.
Most web developers use Hypertext Markup Language (HTML), Cascading Style Sheets (CSS), and JavaScript to develop websites.
What is HTML, CSS and JavaScript?
HTML, CSS and JavaScript combined make up the essential building blocks of websites across the globe. CSS controls a page’s appearance, JavaScript controls programming functionality and HTML is likened to a document which provides the bones of a webpage. HTML defines the basic framework of a website, the foundation of which everything else is built upon.
Web development and digital experience
Another huge part of web development is its ability to dramatically change a digital experience. With the help of digital experience platforms such as Optimizely (formerly Episerver) it is possible to create a digital experience that transforms your company. This takes data driven decisions, regular experimentation and constant innovation. Optimizely is used by huge recognisable brands including Ebay, Pizza hut and FjallRaven. If Optimizely sounds like the solution for your business, why not work with the experts at Ultimedia, the UKs first Optimizely Partner.
Why is web development important
There are a number of reasons why web development is important. Ultimately, web development is a way of making your target market aware of the products or services you offer. It can help the consumer understand why your products are relevant, why they should buy them and why your company is different from its competitors. Displaying all of this information in a way that resonates with your audience is crucial in order to get your message across effectively. Web development can help with this by building a website that presents this information combined with the right imagery to influence consumers. Here are some other reasons why web development is important:
1. Communication
Having an aesthetically pleasing store front is one thing, but having an attractive website that is easy to navigate and clearly demonstrates what your business is all about is a great way to communicate with your customers. It enables you to create content that will resonate with the target audience through for example blog posts which can then be shared on social media. It also means you can respond to customers queries and questions promptly through the use of an FAQs section on your site. This not only saves you time from having to reply to endless emails and comments, it also shows clients the extent to which you are concerned about responding to their needs and providing them with customer satisfaction.
2. Connectivity
Web development allows you to create a responsive website that is compatible across a number of different divides from computers to tablets and smartphones. A responsive design that is accessible across a number of devices is crucial if you want the best results as it will help to increase your site’s visibility and traffic.
3. Reliability
Moreover, a high quality website offers a quick and easy way to show the credibility of your business. The way your business represents itself online is a key element in standing out from the competition, being memorable and attracting more customers. Therefore, web development is important because it can handle the design element of your website to make sure it has a professional, sleek look that matches your brand’s personality. The details on your site can be the difference between a conversion as they can help to earn customers trust and confidence. Some examples of how web developers can assist with this is by adding your skills, credentials, experience and more into a single place.
