First let’s talk about the difference between a Website Developer and a Website Designer. A Website Developer is someone who builds and maintains the core structure of a website. A Website Designer is responsible for designing the layout, interface, and visual focal points of the website. Nobody said you had to be one or the other, you can be both, as I AM. 

Usually the website designer and the website developer will work together, it’s a great team concept in splitting up responsibilities in building a website. It’s the most effective process especially if y you’re building a massive website. They’ll provide support one another and a second eye on design or code errors. 

A web developer will use different code languages which I’m sure you’ve heard of: HTML5, CSS, JavaScript, and more. They will be able to create code, customize, and troubleshoot it. It’s time consuming and every website will have its own unique file structure and code. The slightest error, like an extra period, quotation mark or minor syntax can break your entire website, a section, or a specific functionality.  

A web designer will probably know some basic knowledge but usually won’t get involved with all the technical troubleshooting of the code if the website is nonfunctional or providing an error. Not everyone will be able to do both.

I did not intend to be a website developer or website designer, let alone both. One day I had a client who requested me to build a simple 5 page website. They were in no rush and allowed me to learn on the job, as a freelancer. It was a win-win situation. They got a website and I was able to apply my new skills. Now keep in mind this was back in the days where they did not have site builders like Shopify, WordPress, Wix, Squarespace, or similar platforms. I took on the challenge and learned HTML, learned how to code, then gravitated towards using Dreamweaver and built my first website. It was a long and struggling process but over time, with repetition, and experience it became easier. Learning both aspects to design and develop a website was a large task at hand but I loved the challenge and being able to creatively think outside the box as a web designer and web developer.

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Today, I still build websites the good old fashioned using custom code, usually upon request, for fun, and even with some of my personal business sites. Though, I also have adapted to learning a variety of site builders such as WordPress, Shopify, Wix, Squarespace, Godaddy, and Weebly. There are many more offering similar features and capabilities. At the end of the day, it’s about preference and size. My favorite site builder platforms are WordPress and Shopify. They are user friendly, great for startups who want to start small yet provide opportunities to grow with your business, and provide flexibility. Everyone has their own comfort level, expertise, and needed features. In the end, there are no good or bad choices on site builders. You won’t find that ONE site builder that will be a perfect fit for all websites. So don’t get stuck trying to find it and I do not suggest learning just one platform. If you want to be a website developer or website designer learn some code and several of the popular website builder platforms. Expand your audience by knowing more and providing more. No matter which you choose you’ll still run into obstacles but it will give you your end results of a web site. Just know that when you want a specific feature, payment processor, form or anything added to your site it’s doable, you just need to find the right 3rd party app/service to integrate with your website or modify the code as needed. I know I’m making it sound super easy, it’s not. There is no easy solution to any obstacle but just know it’s doable! I’m a problem solver at hand so I know there are times I get stuck on an error or problem for hours, or days but eventually I find a solution. So have patience, always learn, and don’t be afraid to ask for help within your network. You’ll love building websites, I know I do!

Your website is the center of your digital eco-system, like a brick and mortar location, the experience matters once a customer enters, just as much as the perception they have of you before they walk through the door.

Leland Dieno

For more information about Website Developer, Website Design, and to learn more about Vivo Designs please visit www.VivoDesignSsolutions.com If you have any questions feel free to reach out at inspire@VivoDesignsSolutions.com