At present, it has become obvious that having a professional and working website is very important for any company. When you are a small organization trying to compete in the market or a larger organization that already has a stronghold in the market, your first interface with your customers could be through your website. 

This is where a custom website development company comes into play. Whether you are planning to create a blog for yourself, sell goods online, or represent a company, this guide will explain all the elements of proper website creation.

What is Website Development?

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Web development is the act of creating and managing a website. It spans from making a plain HTML page to multi-tiered web applications and online stores. Web development combines several fields of work timetabled to website usability, design, programming, database construction, and content incorporation.

The primary objective of web development is to build a comprehensible, easily navigable, and engaging website fully responsive to the needs of an enterprise or a person. Website development typically falls into two major categories: 

1. Front-end also known as the client side
2. Back-end also known as the server side. 

Both are mandatory to make sure that the website is perfect in both visual and technical aspects. 

Whether it’s a custom website development company crafting a site from scratch or a developer working on an existing platform, the aim is to provide the users with a pleasant experience that meets the client’s goals and expectations.

The Difference Between Web Development and Web Design

Although the terms “web development” and “web design” are used in the same context, they represent two different ways of constructing a website.

• Web Design deals with the creativity of the website or its look and feel, including the contrasts, arrangement, composition, typeface, and UI. Designers ensure that the website looks good and that users find it easy and pleasant to browse through.
• On the other hand, web development is the process of website development. It includes assigning code to the structure, function, and working of the said website. Web developers make sure that the website functions well and is fast so that it interacts well with other technologies.

Indeed, web design concerns the aesthetic aspect of the website, whereas web development refers to the functional aspect of the website.

When LinkedIn users were asked what they consider when determining the credibility of a given company, 75% of the respondents pointed at the website design.

Types of Website Development

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Website development as a discipline is a vast field further divided into various categories based on the requirements of web projects. The three primary types of website development are:

Front-end Development

Front-end development is all about the aspect that users can interact with from their web browser. It is also implicated in the design and structure of a website apart from the aesthetics. Front-end developers interact with different technologies to make the website responsive, easy to use, and more aesthetic.

Front-End Web Development Languages

• HTML (Hypertext Markup Language): Often referred to as the ‘language of the Web’ it is the means of structuring web pages.
• CSS (Cascading Style Sheets): A utility that is used in the creation of web designs, typography, and colors.
• JavaScript: Used to enable interactivity on the given webpage such as form validation, updating of content, and animation.
• Frameworks: Front-end developers often use frameworks like React, Angular, or Vue.js to streamline development and create dynamic websites.

Back-end Development

Back-end development refers to all that is done to the website on the server side of the website. It is involved in the proper deployment of the website’s databases, servers, and applications that enable the website to work. The back end is responsible for the overall functionality of the site and its ability to process the requests of the users.

Back-End Web Development Languages

• PHP: A server-side scripting language commonly used in creating database-driven websites and applications.
• Python: Python is a guide to code and is quite often used for backend development, particularly for data-processing systems.
• Ruby: One of the most widely used along with Ruby on Rails for constructing web applications.
• Node.js: A web server to run JS on the server side.
• Databases: MySQL, MongoDB, PostgreSQL, and SQL Server are some common databases used by back-end developers.

Full Stack Development

This is a hybrid of front-end and back-end development and applying both at the same time. A full-stack developer is well equipped to handle both front-end and back-end web development because he can work on the front-end and back-end of the application independently.

Full-stack developers are versatile developers who can master various client-side and server-side technologies and frameworks to undertake all development operations about a site including designing an attractive user interface and storing data in a database.

The Role of Content Management Systems (CMS)

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A Content Management System (CMS) is a software tool that allows users to create and edit content on their website and applications without coding. CMS platforms will suit best for the business and individuals who want flexibility and easy-to-use website solutions.

Popular CMS options include:

• WordPress: The most commonly used, highly flexible, and intuitive CMS. It supports a myriad of theme and plugin options which enable users to design and develop websites that suit their taste without worrying about writing code.
• Joomla: Another level-up CMS designed for developers who want to or have to create websites of a certain structure and perform certain tasks.
• Drupal: Drupal is famous for its stability and expandability, which is why many large-scale sites are implemented based on it.
• Shopify: A CMS tool ideal for use in online business websites to enable easy management of content.

Self-updated content is crucial for companies that need constant updates or content modification but cannot effectively administer a manual website.

The study conducted by W3techs shows that currently, WordPress runs 43.7% of all websites and in the market for content management systems, it holds a 62.2% share.

Step-by-Step Website Development Process

It is essential to note that creating a website is a highly structured activity with several stages involved, and all these form vital steps in achieving a website’s intended goal. Here’s a step-by-step guide to the typical website development process:

Step 1: Planning and Strategy

The first is to understand what message the site must convey to the viewers and what objectives it is to achieve. This involves defining the target customer, important characteristics, and a site map. 

At this stage, a custom website development company will consult with the client and ensure that the website meets the business’s goals.

Step 2: Design Process

When the strategy is set, the execution phase follows. Graphic designers construct site maps, page schematics, and other design solutions to express the site’s top-level organization. 

The organizing phase involves determining the proper colors, fonts, and graphics to be used in the development of an easily navigable website.

Step 3: Content Development

Web content creation mainly concerns the generation of the text and visuals that will be included in the website. This stage is important regarding the content and is oriented on the adjustment to the brand’s voice and message. 

During content development, SEO (Search Engine Optimization) is also important so that the website appears at the top of the search engine results.

Step 4: Development

In the development phase, the programming or coding takes place. Each part is created using its own set of languages: the front-end equivalent creates the design and looks of the website, while the back-end equivalent adds interactivity or functionality. 

This includes database creation, platform integration, as well as third-party app integration testing, and all other testing of the platform.

Step 5: Testing and Quality Assurance

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Before the website is published, it undergoes beta testing to pinpoint problems with the site. Quality assurance (QA) testing, means that the functionality, the ability of the site to respond to input from the user, and compatibility of the site across multiple browsers are tested. It also involves performance testing to be certain that the particular website has the right speed and is fully functional.

Radixweb data reveals that 24% of the organizations that invested in test automation reported that their investments produced an instant Return on Investment (ROI).

Step 6: Launch and Deployment

After everything is set, and all the features have been ascertained to work perfectly, then the website is set for launch. The website is uploaded to the server, and the domain is integrated. 

Once the website is developed and deployed the development team must check on its functionality and performance.

Step 7: Maintenance and Updates

Website maintenance is not a one-time activity. Changes, security fixes, and updates of content are crucial for the site to remain fresh, and secure and have content that will interest its visitors. 

A custom website development company tends to make provisions to provide the site owner with additional services focusing on monitoring and enhancing the site’s performance after it has been launched.

Start Your Website Development Journey with Tangence!

Ready to bring your vision to life with a custom website? Whether you’re a startup or an established business, Tangence’s expert team of developers can help you create a unique and functional website that meets your goals. 

Our custom website development services ensure that your website stands out, delivers exceptional user experiences, and drives business growth. Start your journey today and let us help you build a website that leaves a lasting impression.

For more information or to get started, contact us today!