There are a number of misconceptions about the web development process. Many people think that great design is all it takes. However, these people do not understand that design is only the beginning. The most common misconceptions are related to the time it takes to launch the site after the client accepts the web design quote. The web development process requires planning to be successful. For some sites, a simple design may be better, while another website may require a complicated shopping cart.
Determining business needs is only the beginning of the planning process. A systematic web development procedure ensures that the important aspects of the website are built correctly. For example, great navigation is often overlooked on a website, but bad navigation can kill a site. If customers have difficulty moving through web pages, they will simply leave. The design should make customers interested in learning more about the business, product or service, and natural navigation will help them explore to find the details. Navigation is a problem for initial visits; however, bad content is the fastest way to keep customers from coming back to your site. The goal of website development should be more than getting customers to visit your website. You want them to find your site and then stay on the website learning about your business. The goal should always be to keep them on the site for as long as possible and give them a reason to come back.
So what is the content of a website? It includes everything from the apps built into the site to the FAQ page. Content may include photographs of previous work or new products. You can also include descriptions of services or articles that teach visitors how to use a product or service. These little bits of information keep the visitor interested in the site. Without great content, even the best website will fail. In addition to the items mentioned above, there are also applications that fall under web development. These applications are often determined by the purpose of the site. For example, is your site just for potential customers or will you be using it as an added convenience for existing customers? You may want your site to offer the ability to look up account information, pay bills, or order new products. All of these services require different applications that would be incorporated into the website.
Obviously, web development would include creating great web design, but it also requires creating smart navigation, interesting content, and useful applications that ensure the success of the sites. The misconception that most people have about web development is the complex nature that is involved in creating a superior website. A website requires careful planning to get it right.
