Web Designer or Developer?

How to choose a web designer or a web developer? What is the difference between the two?  Here we explain the pros and cons to both sides of the web professional…

So here’s the deal.
If I got a nickel every time I heard a client say to me, “Your my 3rd or 4th web designer”, I’d be retired and living in a beachouse on the ocean, right now. Clients who come to me after having been through several designers/developers before me are cautious, leary, anxious, and suspicious when they enter my office. And understandably so. There are clients who spent thousands of dollars hoping they will get the design and web development they desired, but the truth is– it doesn’t always happen that way. So how do you know whether you should hire a web designer or developer? And what’s the difference between the two anyway?

A web designer is not the same as a web developer and the two terms are not interchangeable. There are essentially two types of species in the web world. The first one begin a web designer. Generally speaking, let’s take a closer look at the each one:

The difference.
A good “web designer” is a creative individual who is able to begin a design concept and take it to basic coding through a WYSIWYG (What You See Is What You Get) program such as Adobe’s Dreamweaver or Go Live. These professionals possess creative skills, abilities and have some form of graphic design experience. The design process is defnitely a strength for them however, web designer usually are limited in technical skills. Beyond coding a basic html website, they are usually limited in programming or coding skills.

A good “web developer” on the other hand possesses the programming and coding skills to add interactive functionality to your website. They are able to code and build custom websites that include complex features. Although they are gifted in this area, they often lack the creative abilities. They cannot create beautiful designs from conception to final draft.

I am speaking in general terms here when I define the difference between the two web professionals. Certainly, there are web personnel out there that can do both and do it well. The challenge for you is to find those types of people. The two job descriptions think on opposite sides of the brain and often each one may contract the other to help perform the side that they are not strong in. The problem is that the cost to develop a website is passed down to you, the client.

Your options.
So what are your options in getting a website developed without costing you an arm and a leg? You could do it yourself and find information on the internet to help educate you through the process. You could also search out those web companies that can provide you with both without having to contract one side of the process. These companies do exist, but you will need to sift through the vast number of search results to find one.

Review them carefully and do your homework. You’ll save money in the long run and be happier in the end!