10 Frequently Asked Questions about Web Designing – Answered

Several questions arise on the topic of Web Design and Development, and we have taken our time to answer some of them in this article.

Here are the frequently asked questions about web designing and development.

1.      Can I modify my website design?

Usually, you can modify your site design, depending on your design tool or content management system. If you use WordPress.org, which is what most of the websites on the internet use, you can switch themes and modify whatever theme it is you are using.

Also, if you host your site independently, with access to the hosting control panel, you may be able to change your design tool or content management system and do a design overhaul.

2.      How long does it take to design a site?

Website design is not something you should rush. Let it run its course. It has to go through several stages. It is better for you to talk to your designer about a time frame than imposing one. Typically, however, a website handled by professionals can take anywhere from eight weeks to fourteen weeks.

If you hire a busy agency, you may find yourself on their waiting list and have to wait longer. Also, some extra features on your site may require additional time.

3.      How do I make my new site appear on Google search?

Google often crawls the world wide web and automatically indexes web pages. However, you can decide to speed up the process by submitting your website to Google and other search engines like Bing.

4.      What maintenance do I need on the site after it has been launched?

Work does not stop after your website has been launched. Neglecting maintenance will open your site up to hack attacks. You can deal with this by implementing a regular maintenance schedule. Your schedule should include:

• Regular website backups
• Database check and clean up
• Component updates (like themes and plugins on WordPress sites)
• Run tests to check things like loading time and other site performance metrics.

5.      How do I choose a web host for my site?

Your web host provider is a choice you need to make carefully else you may end up with problems. The major factors to consider are speed, security, scalability and support. You also need to understand what your needs are. Are you looking to host a small website in which case shared hosting may be adequate?

Your needs may require VPS hosting or dedicated hosting. Functionality also determines your host; for example, some hosting companies are better with e-commerce sites than others. Your needs should dictate your web host.

6.      What’s the difference between web development and web design?

The challenge is that most people use these terms interchangeably even though they are two different aspects of web services. This error arises because most web developers also offer design services.

Web design is the development of the site’s aesthetic components as well as usability. Web development involves functionality, and they build the engine on which the website’s design stands on and functions through. The web developer strings the various components of the website’s design and makes it into a working website using their knowledge of programming.

7.      What is a CMS?

CMS means Content Management System. A content management system, in the context of websites, is an application built to manage information. Management includes supporting the creation, distribution, arrangement, discovery and publishing of content.

A CMS allows consistency, improved navigation, better security, reduced cost of maintenance and an automated process in some circumstances. For Web Content Management, there are the popular platforms like WordPress, Joomla and Drupal and most of the world’s websites use one these, with WordPress taking the lead.

Like web hosting services, the CMS you choose will depend mostly on your needs.

8.      Can I change my website’s domain name?

Yes, you can change your website’s domain name. However, when you purchase another name and link it to your site, you still own the former domain name until it expires, then you can decide to not opt for a renewal.

You can also decide to keep both the original name and the new one, linking both to your website.

9.      My website does not appear well on some devices, what can I do?

The trend now is to build responsive websites.  A responsive website is one that automatically adjusts to any screen size or orientation as well as the browser. Your pages are rendered perfectly with all the information therein well represented when responsive design is adopted for your website.

If your website is distorted on some devices or web browsers, you should opt for a web redesign and ensure that this new design is responsive.

10. How do I choose my web designer/developer?

Experience matters a lot when it comes to hiring a designer/developer. Ask to see sample sites the web designer/developer have worked on, find out if they have done work similar to yours, ask engaging questions on the details and do some research yourself, so you do not go in totally blind.

Also, find out about maintenance services and the CMS they will be using if any. For example, you may want an e-commerce site while the designer in question has more experience building blogs.

There are also situations where your web developer works with a Content Management System that will be difficult for you to handle later on – this is why it is necessary to find out if you will be able to manage the website on your own after development and design process is complete.

Owning a website for your business is no longer an option – it is a necessity, and should not be taken with levity. By asking the right questions, you can avoid problems and build the perfect site for your business.

You can talk to our web design and development experts if you have any more questions or would like further clarification.