The website development process is very stressful for both a client and web developers. It isn’t a simple task and if you have a small team, it can take months before it is completed. Even when completed, there will be minor changes that need to be made for it to be the finished product. 

 

There is much to learn about website development, making it a very niche skill. Nevertheless, if you understand the basics of web development and use this to help build websites, you can make a large sum of money with this skill. 

 

If you believe you understand the basics of HTML, CSS and JavaScript, you are likely looking for your first project. However, like all projects, you need a plan. You can’t rush into it and expect it to all work out. Let’s give you a step-by-step guide on how to plan your first web development project. 

Create A Plan

When working with your client, you need to develop a plan. During the planning process, you need to ask yourself several questions. What is the primary goal of the website? Who is your target audience? The type of website you are building? What is the budget? And the structure of the website? 

 

Once you or the client has answered those questions, you must communicate with the marketing team about how you will work with them. What must they do so everything is ready for when the website launches?

 

Remember, it is easier to create a complete plan before starting your project and going back to see if you missed anything. 

Create A Wireframe

The next step in your project plan is creating a wireframe. It is a great place to start if you want a better understanding of how the finished project would look like. It is also good to help the client understand what it would look like. Additionally, it is a good way for showing how the front end would look such as how content and images would appear. It is also good to show the structure of the website. 

Create A Sitemap Draft

When you create your plan, at some point you will need to make a sitemap. That will have all of the essential elements of your website. A sitemap would include; page names and where the pages will be found. Here you will also be able to decide what individual pages are needed, the content for those pages, create categories for the different pages, the hierarchy of those pages, how pages will link with one another and the pages which are essential to your website.

 

As soon as you have created a sitemap draft, you will have a better understanding of how it links together. 

Begin The Initial Stages Of Website Coding

Once you have done the above, it is time to start doing the practical work. Web developers will use different types of code to build their websites. These are to change the style of how a website looks. Nevertheless, there are three main types of code which have been used for many years. Let’s take a look at the three in more detail. 

HTML 

Before you can run, you have to walk. In this case, learning HTML is walking. It is the most common coding language which has been used since the 90s. It is the coding language you will use to build the foundations of your website. People will create websites using HTML code however it doesn’t have the visual appeal you desire in a modern website. 

 

Although it is a very old coding language, it is still used today. The most recent version, HTML5 is used for mobile application development. 

CSS

CSS is another coding language and this is the one that makes your website more attractive. This type of code was developed in the late 90s and has been the key to making websites what they look like today. It allows you to change colours and layout to make your website more attractive. Furthermore, like HTML, it is compatible with all browsers,

JavaScript

Javascript was created in the mid-90s and takes HTML and CSS to the next level. It is used to create animations, automate tasks and implement interactive features on your website. It is the most advanced piece of code there is compared to the other two mentioned. Plus, with the modern version, Node.Js, it is the first coding language recognised by browsers. 

 

Create The Backend Of The Website

Up next is creating the backend of the website. Building the backend is what is needed to make your website live. It will also include two components. These are databases and servers. 

 

A database’s primary function is storing information, organising the website and processing all the data that is inputted. It is required as it needs to be retrieved by server requests. 

 

Servers are another essential component of building a website. These are responsible for processing, receiving and sending data requests. These servers will tell the browsers how to retrieve information so it can then be displayed. 

 

Both the server and the database work hand-in-hand with one another to build a website. Once these are ready, you can then move on to front-end development. 

The Final Stages

The final stages of building a website include developing the front end and getting a domain name. The front end is as equally important as the back end development. If you don’t get this right, users will find it hard to use the website. The front end consists of HTML, CSS, JavaScript, fonts, navigation, browser compatibility and speed. It is how your website will look to the user and how they use it. 

 

To make things easier and keep up to date with modern websites. You should use a CMS such as WordPress, Shopify, Magento or other platforms. These make front-end development much easier and will make the process of building the website quicker. 

 

Once you have done this, you must acquire your domain name before setting it live. Ideally, you should use the client’s company name to be the domain; however if it is already in use, ask the client what they would like it to be. Once all of that is completed, you can then launch your website. 

Summary

Website development is important for a modern business. It is the internet’s version of your shop front. No matter what type of website you are, whether you are an ecommerce website or a company that handles bookings for Hyde Park parking spots in London, you will also need a website and a good project plan for it to be a success.