What adds credibility to any business today is the design of its website. Almost 95% of someone’s first impression of the business is its website design. A great and modern web design can help to improve sales.
Basic knowledge of coding is essential for any website developer. Along with this, good communication skills and thorough knowledge of the latest industry trends are important. To survive this competition; one should hire the best website development company for developing a website. It would help them to develop an absolutely flawless website to attract, capture and retain the customers.
The chief scope of web development services involves ideating, designing, creating, and maintaining websites and applications. Most clients demand a lucid and pragmatic plan for their web design project. A website development company should have an easy-to-follow web design process that would eventually lead to satisfied clients.
The 6 broad steps for generating the latest website designs are as follows:
1. Discovering
Initial phase of the web design process is the collection of vital information or discovering a client. This phase enables a better understanding about the client’s business, their target market, and the ultimate aim of the website. This step is crucial for building the correct website according to the client’s needs.
A widely used approach is the ’65 Questions Approach’. This approach involves better understanding the potential client, investigating the working conditions, and estimating the project’s scope. This step also creates the scope to let the client know about the various web development services offered and suggest additional features. It would also be an ideal time to enlighten them on the significance of the ongoing services for website maintenance.
2. Planning
This second step is a critical part of the launch of a new website. Designers find it easy to jump into the designing phase right at the beginning as it is the most creative and delightful part of any project. But, planning ahead is equally essential and helps in guiding the design.
Similar to a famous quote, “measure twice, cut once,” spending time in this phase is a good investment. It ultimately saves a lot of time and money in the course of the project. This stage also helps in a clear understanding of deadlines, launch, process, etc. There are 3 basic tasks that form the core of this phase.
- Creating an SEO Strategy
- Creating the Sitemap of the Website
- Review and Development of Content
3. Designing
The third step is designing the look of the website. Basic web page elements like the header, navigation, widgets, etc., are created in a website wireframe. This wireframe is then moved into a more realistic mock-up using a program such as Photoshop. Designing should highlight the content as per the client’s needs. It happens to be the foremost thing that viewers notice while browsing through a website.
To balance form and function is the real challenge of an outstanding web design. All the information gathered in the first two stages help in shaping a good website design. A good web design should have ‘intention’ stamped all over it. A developer should review the design before it is presented to the client. The overall look along with colors, typography, imagery, etc. should be discussed and finalized with the client. Once, the design is given the green signal by the client, the development process starts.
4. Developing
In the step of developing the website, design is translated to actual code that makes the website work. This stage is time consuming, so the clients need to be kept updated on a regular basis. Mid project presentations, emails, client meetings help manage client expectations. Mock-ups, regular testing and optimization are also an important part of the developing process.
5. Launching
As the D-day of launching a website draws near, we should have a checklist handy. There are so many steps involved in launching a website, something might be missed. A launch checklist could be as follows:
- Remove the default content while during installation. Eg : ‘Sample page’.
- ‘Search All’ for all placeholder content to be replaced with a default ‘lorem ipsum’ text.
- Correct images should replace placeholder images.
- Proofread like a ‘Pro’. All the grammar, spelling, punctuation and capitalization should be correct before the launch.
- Simple things like downloads working or embedded videos playing and even the forms correctly submitting.
- Plug-in check should be done to verify the integrity of ALL the links on the site.
- An easy to find contact page.
- The auto responders and funnel email steps should be working at its optimum and sending data correctly.
- An email collection system should be in place to build an email list for the website.
- Each and every social sharing link should be worked on to make sure it works properly. Appropriate placeholder content should be placed accordingly.
- A re-launch or replacement of an older website should have redirection
- A print.css stylesheet is an important addition for customization of the look of the printout page.
- Testing and Validation.
- Back-up schedules, password security, relicensing, firewall system, speed of the site are also to be looked into.
6. Maintaining
Last but not least is website maintenance. Freelancers quite easily overlook this step. For the long-term health and success of the website, it is important to hire web development services. Before commencing with the website project, it is imperative to educate website owners. A website, like any other asset, would need constant upkeep and regular maintenance. Website maintenance service should include the following necessary actions:
- Theme and Plugin updates
- Backups
- Security
- Analytics tracking and reporting
Website maintenance should also extend into other areas like SEO, addition of new content or updating existing content, comment approval/replies, spam cleanup, etc.
By following the 6-step as traced above, the website design process should be very smooth. The cornerstone of a good website design will always be a little research and planning. This helps in the design being more informed of the client’s specific needs. Crucial and key steps would be adhered to, by following a simple checklist.
The final step of maintaining a website safeguards the investment made in building the website. The ultimate goal of generating website designs is the satisfaction of the clients. Generating value and an increase in revenue should be the end result.
The 10 Latest Web Design Trends Are:
- White Space
- Full Page Headers
- Playful Cursors
- Dynamic Scrolling
- Custom Illustrations
- Grid Design
- Color Trends in 2020 – Mint
- Bold fonts
- Increased focus on UX / UI
- Impactful, Engaging Stories
Companies should always use an experienced Website Development Company to ensure a better understanding of client requirements. Today, Most businesses need to become more accessible to customers via websites. An excellent user-friendly website design helps in maintaining a welcoming online environment, where visitors can access information anytime.
