Web design and web development are 2 terms that are often used interchangeable in error. To several people, particularly the uninitiated non-nerds, they appear to be exactly the same. Anybody who has gone through the process of designing, implementing and managing a web site knows the 2 are in fact very distinct and required components to a successfully implemented web-site.
The dictionary defines web design as the process of planning, conceptualizing, building and executing a system of media content delivery utilizing present Internet technology and techniques. That's just a formal way of describing the process of actually designing and programming a website. At the end of the web design process, a business owner is left with just that, a web site. Web development, on the other hand is the process by which said website is transformed into a viable business site.
In technical terms, web development means using tools such as web design, e Commerce development tools, content management systems and optimization techniques to make a web-site that attracts visitors and converts them. For business purposes, this conversion is typically a sale, but generating visitors and having them perform a predetermined action is really all that is desired.
Consider 2 real life examples. The very first is a personal web page developed by a family member looking to share pictures and information with other family members. This web-site, once designed, would not undergo further development processes. There is no requirement to optimize the website for high search engine rankings or to integrate a check out process. The second web-site was designed for a small business owner selling handmade jewelry. Once designed and 'live,' this site would need further work to become a feasible business asset. SEO, content management, database management and integrated payment processing would all be required.
In truth, ever web-site undergoes the process of 'design,' but not every website must undergo 'development.' Do it yourself development is an option for some, but the complexity of the entire process normally means working with professionals trained in each and every aspect of development on the Internet. How involved the development process becomes is a function of the requirements of the web-site itself. Keep in mind that it is the process of web development which will create a website which is optimized to generate traffic and to offer potential customers with the tools they require to easily convert. Chances are, if you have a website for anything besides personal use, you must take steps after web design to be successful.
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