Website Designer vs. Website Developer: What is the Difference?

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Confused over the difference between a website designer and a website developer? We don’t blame you, the terms are confusing! To tell the difference, we made this guide just for you!

Dreaming about building your own web design empire but have no clue about the difference between a web developer and a web designer? We get it, these terms are confusing!

But no worries, we're here to walk you through the differences between web designing and web development – along with a few tips to get your business started on the right track. 

What is a web designer?

A web designer is an IT professional that handles the design of a website, its visual appearance, and well as its features using a set of graphical tools such as wireframing software and PhotoShop. Essentially, the web designer gives you a visual interpretation of your website. 

A web designer:

• Is not required to code 
• Is well-versed in graphic applications and wireframing software like Photoshop
• Understands the importance of colours, fonts, images, and other design elements to create an attractive website design
• Should know how to create a website design suited for a specific group of people
• Should create a design that serves its purpose

The website designer is responsible for putting together all the design elements of your website, including content placement, navigation, colour scheme, typography, spatial relationships, user experience, and so on. A mock-up is created and updated until you are satisfied with the design. Once the design gets the green light, it's off to the website developer.

What is a web developer?

A website developer breathes life to the website design you've just approved into a working website using different program languages a.k.a codes. A web developer uses different codes such as HTML, Javascript, JQuery, and CSS, to develop a website and its many features. The web developer then integrates the codes to a web server to keep your website online.

A web developer:

• Should be well-versed in all programming languages
• Should know how to use codes to create a fully-functional website
• Isn't required to know how to use Photoshop or other graphic applications
• Should maintain and troubleshoot the website if it encounters a problem

Website designers and developers have different skillsets, but they work together to achieve the same goal – to create a beautiful and feature-rich website that people would love to visit again and again. 

Should you hire a website designer and developer for your website?

It depends. If you're okay with a ready-made website or template website, then you don't need to hire a website designer or web developer. Website builders like Squarespace, WordPress, and Wix offer a full archive of website designs to choose from. All you have to do is to activate your chosen template and populate it with your content.

Maintaining a template website is easy because the features are already built-in. With a template website, your site could be live within hours, not months. However, the designs are not as unique. Don't be surprised if your website looks a lot like other websites – even competing sites.

On the other hand, if you have a specific design in mind and you'd like a fully customized experience, then you're better off hiring a website designer and developer. A template website can be customised, but the personalization options are limited. With a customised website, you can let your imagination go wild, all the features you want could be added to the design. 

As confusing as the terms are, the specializations of website designers and web developers are a world’s apart. 

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