When to Hire a Web Developer or Web Designer for Your Project?

“Your website is like a physical store. The experience a customer has once they’re inside matters just as much as the impression they have before they even walk in.” - Leland Dieno

Did you know that the average person spends 6 hours and 42 minutes online every day? With so many people relying on the internet for their needs, having a well-developed website is key to the success of any business. So, it’s clear that you can’t overlook the importance of website design and development when starting your business.

A survey found that 38% of visitors are less likely to engage with a website if they find the design unattractive. That’s why you need skilled web developers and designers who can work together to include all the important design elements - from colors and graphics to navigation and user experience - in a way that consistently impacts viewers.

People often confuse the roles of web designers, developers and web programmers. Developers and programmers are the same. Thus both web designers and web developers work on websites, use similar tools, and sometimes even have similar skills. But their roles are actually quite different.

To help you understand, here’s a simple guide on how to distinguish between the two roles.

Web developers and designers have different responsibilities in website development. They both contribute to web development, but they play different roles.

Let’s start by understanding the basics of these roles.

Difference Between Web Developer vs Web Designer

Are you finding it hard to understand the difference between web developers and web designers?

Think of it like building a house.

You need an architect to create the design for your house, including the visual aspects, floor plans, and overall look and feel. Then, you need construction workers to bring these architectural plans to life, turning a concept into a physical structure.

A web designer is similar to an architect. They create a vision for what the website will look like, feel like, and how it will work. They create visually pleasing interfaces for visitors. The role of a web designer is important in making sure people want to stay on a website. They keep up with the latest web design trends, follow design standards and guidelines, and think about what people experience when they visit a website.

Let’s take a closer look at what web designers do in different roles.

Web Designers and their Roles

UI Designers

These are the people who make the user interfaces look good and work well. They focus on making every interaction between the user and the device (like a computer or mobile app) as smooth and pleasant as possible.

UX Designers

These folks are all about understanding what the users of a website want and need. They create user stories, build user personas, make prototypes, and do user research. Their goal is to make sure the website flows logically and that all communications meet the users’ needs.

Visual Designers

This role is a mix of a graphic designer and a UI designer. They’re experts in visual communication and know a lot about graphic design and branding. They work on things like typography, layout, spacing, graphics, and color schemes.

Web Developers and their Roles

A web developer is like a builder for websites. They use coding languages like HTML, JavaScript, or CSS to build and tweak websites. Their job is to make sure the website’s structure is solid, works without any glitches, and does what it’s supposed to do.

Web development has two main parts:

Front-end development

It is about the parts of the website that users see and interact with. A front-end developer is like an interior designer, making the website look good and work well for users. They use coding languages like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.

Back-end development

Back-end development is about the behind-the-scenes stuff that supports the website, like servers and databases. A back-end developer is like a building engineer, making sure everything behind the scenes runs smoothly. They use languages like Python, PHP, Java, and Ruby.

Full-Stack Development

A full-stack developer can do both front-end and back-end development. They’re like a builder who can do both interior design and engineering. They can also help decide on the best ways to build the website, predict any technical problems, and contribute to the overall plan for development.

How to choose between a Web Developer and a Web Designer for business?

Deciding between a web developer and a web designer for your business depends on the tasks you need to be done. Here’s a simplified guide to help you decide:

  • Designing the layout of a web page: This is a job for a Web Designer.

  • Building contact forms: This is something a Web Developer would do.

  • Updating the website: A Web Designer can handle this.

  • Testing for web page errors: A Web Developer is needed for this task.

  • Designing logos: This falls under the expertise of a Web Designer.

  • Optimizing the website: A Web Developer would handle this.

  • Designing responsive web pages: This is a task for a Web Designer.

  • Updating and maintaining the website: A Web Developer would be responsible for this.

Remember, the roles can overlap, and some professionals might be able to handle tasks from both areas. It’s always best to discuss your specific needs with potential hires to ensure they can fulfill your requirements.

How Do Companies Hire Web Programmers?

Here is how companies hire web programmers:

  1. Understand Your Needs: First, you need to identify the kind of web developer you need. This could be a front-end developer (who designs the user-facing side of the website), a back-end developer (who works on server-side operations), or a full-stack developer (who can handle both front-end and back-end). The type of developer you need depends on the specific requirements of your project.

  2. Define the Project: Clearly outline what you want your website to achieve. This could include its functionality, design, and user experience. Having a clear vision will help you communicate your needs effectively to the developer.

  3. Where to Find Developers: You can find web developers on various platforms such as job boards, freelance marketplaces, or platforms that offer vetted specialists². Some well-known software companies also offer their web developers for hire.

  4. Check Reviews and Expertise: Before hire a dedicated web developer, it’s important to check their reviews and expertise. This includes their technical skills, past projects, and feedback from previous clients.

  5. Interview Process: During the interview process, ask questions that reveal the developer’s problem-solving skills and cultural fit. This will help you gauge whether they would be a good fit for your project and team.

  6. Budget: Determine your budget for the project and understand how much you are willing to pay for the services. This will help you narrow down your options and negotiate effectively.

  7. Write a Job Description: Writing an effective job description will help attract the right candidates. It should clearly outline the skills required, project details, roles and responsibilities, and expectations.

Remember, hiring a web developer is not just about their technical skills. It’s also about their ability to understand your vision, work collaboratively with your team, and deliver results that align with your business goals. It will

What Would be Better, Hire a Freelancer Web Developer or Outsource Web Development Services?

Deciding between a freelance web developer and a web development firm depends on several things:

  1. Cost: Freelancers usually cost less than firms. If you’re on a tight budget, a freelancer might be the way to go.

  2. Project Size: If your project is big or complicated, a firm might be better because they have more people and skills. They can work on different parts of the project at the same time.

  3. Support: Firms often offer ongoing support and updates after the project is done. If you think you’ll need regular updates or help fixing problems, a firm could be a better choice.

  4. Communication: If you hire a freelancer, you’ll need to manage them directly. If you’d rather have someone else handle the management, a firm could be a better fit.

  5. Risk: Working with a firm can be less risky because they’re likely to have a good track record. While freelancers can be very talented, there’s more risk if they don’t deliver what they promised.

Choosing between a freelance web developer and a web development firm depends on your project’s size, budget, and complexity. Freelancers are cost-effective and flexible, suitable for smaller projects. Firms, while more expensive, provide more resources and are ideal for larger, complex projects.

Why outsource Web Development services from SAG IPL?

SAG IPL, an ISO 27001: 2003 certified full-service IT company based in India, is known for its expertise in app and website development. Since its inception in 2010, they have been offering comprehensive services including blockchain development, web development, digital marketing, SEO services, ICO, and cryptocurrency development to its global customers.

They have received positive reviews from clients for their quality of work, professionalism, and commitment to customer satisfaction. In addition to web design and development, they offer a wide range of services including blockchain development, mobile app development, SEO and digital marketing, content writing, and more.

SAG IPL has a proven track record in the blockchain industry through a series of successful ICO cryptocurrency & blockchain projects. They also have a dedicated customer service team to assist customers with all their needs and queries. Their services are reasonably priced, making them accessible to businesses of all sizes.

If you want to hire a Freelancer Web Developer then there are many platforms available but if you want to hire a web programmer who is responsible and can solve all the problems, then call SAG IPL now!