Both web designers and web developers play key roles in creating websites for their clients. Traditionally, web designers focus on the visual aspect, while web developers handle the coding and functionality. Although these roles used to be separate, many freelancers like us today do both.
In this article, we’ll break down the differences between the two and explain what a typical freelancer does when they combine both skill sets.
Who is a Web Designer?
A web designer is a professional who focuses on the visual and aesthetic aspects of a website. They are skilled in using design softwares like Figma, Adobe XD, and Illustrator and have a strong understanding of color theory, branding, and user experience (UX) and user interface (UI) design.
Responsibilities of a web designer:
Visual Design
Web designers make sure that a website’s appearance is compatible with your brand and appeals to visitors. This includes selecting color schemes, typography, logos, and animations to create an interactive and visually pleasing experience. The goal is to make visitors feel comfortable and engaged, encouraging them to explore the website longer.
Design Software
Web designers use design tools like Figma, Adobe XD, and Canva to create mockups and wireframes. They also work with content management systems (CMS) like WordPress, and website builders such as Wix, Shopify, SquareSpace, and Webflow to turn designs into functional sites.
User Experience (UX) Design
A web designer ensures that users can easily navigate the website, find the information they need, and complete tasks with minimal friction. They design logical page hierarchies and intuitive navigation to enhance the overall user experience.
User Interface (UI) Design
The UI focuses on the design of individual elements like buttons, forms, and menus. A web designer will ensure these elements are interactive, visually consistent, and easy to use.
Who is a Web Developer?
A web developer is someone proficient in coding languages such as HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and PHP to build the underlying functionality of a website. Developers are responsible for making websites not only look great but also work properly.
There are three primary types of web developers:
Front-End Developers: Focus on the visual and interactive parts of the website that users see and interact with (HTML, CSS, JavaScript).
Back-End Developers: Work on the server-side, handling the database, server configuration, and application logic (PHP, Python, Ruby, Java).
Full-Stack Developers: Skilled in both front-end and back-end development, full-stack developers can handle all aspects of website creation.
Key Services Provided by Web Developers:
Web Development
Developers build, maintain, and update websites using programming languages like HTML, CSS, JavaScript, PHP, and more. They make the website functional, secure, and scalable.
Functionality
A web developer can code any feature or functionality you need, whether it’s a custom application, e-commerce capabilities, or dynamic elements.
Problem-Solving
When issues arise on the website, web developers diagnose and fix problems by debugging and adjusting/correcting the code.
Technical SEO
Developers can optimize your website’s architecture for search engines. They make sure the site is well-structured, semantically correct, and easily crawlable by search engine bots.
Web Designer vs. Web Developer: Which One Do You Need?
While web designers and web developers traditionally had distinct roles, many freelancers are now capable of handling both tasks. If you’re deciding which type of professional to hire, here’s a quick comparison of the two:
Hiring a Web Developer
Pros:
Complete Customization: Developers can build a site from scratch, allowing for fully custom functionality and design. This is ideal if you need advanced features or complex applications.
Better Performance: Websites built with custom code are often faster and more optimized than those built with website builders like WordPress.
Stronger Security: Developers can implement robust security measures and build sites that are less prone to hacking. Custom-built websites are typically less vulnerable than those built on popular platforms like WordPress.
Cons:
Higher Costs: Building a website from the ground up takes time and effort, so hiring a web developer is often more expensive.
Longer Timeline: Custom websites take longer to develop, which means you may have to wait longer before the site is live.
Needs Technical Support: After your website is launched, you may need ongoing support to maintain and update the custom code. This can be a drawback if you’re looking for something more hands-off.
Hiring a Web Designer:
Pros:
Lower Cost: If you need a standard website with standard features (like a blog or e-commerce site), hiring a web designer who uses website builders or CMS like WordPress can be a more affordable option.
Faster Delivery: Since designers can use pre-built templates and tools like WordPress or Webflow, they can launch websites more quickly than custom development.
More Control: WordPress and similar CMS platforms are user-friendly, allowing you to manage and update your site without needing technical support. You’ll also have access to a wide range of resources and tutorials on the internet.
Cons:
Limited Customization: While platforms like WordPress offer flexibility, they don’t provide the same level of customization as a custom-coded website. If you need specific functionality or design features, you may be restricted.
Potential Security and Performance Issues: Websites built on popular platforms often rely on plugins to add features. These plugins can introduce vulnerabilities and performance issues if not properly maintained.
So… Web Designer or Web Developer?
The decision between hiring a web designer or a web developer ultimately depends on your requirements and budget. If you need a standard, visually appealing site, a web designer might be the better choice. On the other hand, if you require more complex features, custom functionalities, or superior performance and have the budget for it, a web developer would be the way to go.
By the way, a web developer can also work with platforms like WordPress, so they’re not exclusively for custom-coded websites. It’s about choosing the right professional for your specific needs.
