Web designers vs developers - is there a difference?
Yes! There is! ... and who you choose to build your website can make a difference.
Posted by Natalie Mayes last month
Custom web development is at the heart of creating an effective online presence. For businesses, a website isn’t just a digital address, it needs to reflect their unique identity, engage users, and deliver real results. Whether you are working with an established creative agency or hiring a freelance developer, there are many ways to build an impressive website.
Here we look at the roles of web designers and developers, insights into agency services, and tips for finding the perfect professional to meet your needs.
Web designer vs freelance developer
Web designers and freelance developers may have different focuses, but their work complements each other beautifully. Designers concentrate on the visual and interactive elements of a site, ensuring it’s not only visually appealing but also aligned with a brand’s identity. They create intuitive layouts that make navigating a site a pleasure and work closely with clients to bring ideas to life in a functional and creative way. Our two closest design partnerships are with Paul at Evry Creative and Warren at Ralph Media who provide mohunky with all our fabulous designs.
Freelance developers, on the other hand, specialise in the technical side of things. They take the designs provided by a web designer and turn them into reality through coding and backend development. Their work often includes building advanced features, improving site performance, and resolving technical glitches to ensure everything runs smoothly. Our resident self proclaimed nerd, Jay at Hayman.dev transforms beautiful designs in to fully functioning digital products.
In the UK, these roles often overlap, especially in smaller teams or freelance settings (and is actually where Rob fits in!). When embarking on a custom web development project, it’s important to define the scope of your needs and choose the right professionals to bring your vision to life, whether that’s through a creative agency or an independent developer.
Understanding digital agencies and their services
Digital agencies are known for their well rounded approach to web development. A creative web design agency typically offers a range of services designed to support your business goals from start to finish. These often include creating a cohesive brand identity, designing and building bespoke websites, and crafting engaging content such as copywriting and multimedia. Agencies also provide ongoing maintenance to ensure your website performs optimally long after launch.
Agency websites are often a showcase of what’s possible, featuring creative layouts, eye catching visuals, and smooth navigation. This makes agencies a great option for businesses tackling more complex projects or looking to incorporate advanced features like eCommerce platforms or CRM systems.
The mohunky approach – ‘Agency Style’ services but with freelancer costs
mohunky takes a unique approach to custom web development. While we operate like a creative agency, our team is made up of skilled freelancers. This structure allows us to offer clients the best of both worlds - the professional and collaborative experience you would expect from an agency, but with the flexibility and cost effectiveness that comes with working directly with freelancers.
Our network of experts ensures that every project is approached with the same level of creativity, strategy, and attention to detail you would find at a large agency. At the same time, our lean setup keeps overheads low and you don’t pay for skills and resources your small business doesn’t need, meaning you get exceptional results without the hefty price tag!
At mohunky we are passionate about what we do and hate seeing small businesses getting ripped off by low quality websites sold at high prices, or after launch left to fend for themselves. It’s an all too common scenario, anyone can set up a company and start building websites, often without the business knowledge or experience needed to properly care for clients or consider their long term goals. The mohunky team takes pride in delivering high quality websites that are low maintenance, easy to use, designed to last, and will support your business for years to come. By focusing on making our clients happy with websites that perform well over time, we aim to build lasting relationships based on trust and value.
Finding the right professional to build your website
Finding the perfect web designer or developer can feel like a big task, but breaking it down into steps makes it easier. Start by thinking about your specific needs, whether it’s your budget, project size, or the timeline you’re working with. Searching locally for website designers is a great place to begin, as nearby professionals often offer a more personal service and may understand your market better.
Online platforms like LinkedIn, Behance, and Dribbble are also fantastic for exploring portfolios and getting a feel for a designer or developer’s style and expertise. Reviews and testimonials can provide useful insights into their reliability and quality of work, so be sure to look those up too.
When you have found someone you are considering working with, have an open conversation about your vision. Share your ideas, discuss examples of websites you admire, and see if their approach matches with your goals. We find an informal chat over coffee helps and is one of the benefits of having our web design company in Clevedon!
What makes a great website?
A great website grabs users attention and delivers a clear, compelling message. High quality visuals, intuitive navigation, and mobile responsiveness are all key to creating a positive user experience. Fast load times and strong calls to action can help keep visitors engaged and guide them towards the actions you want them to take. At its core, a great website is one that you are proud to have represent you and your business online, perfectly reflecting your values and identity. It should be stress free to manage, allowing you to focus entirely on running and growing your business.
Turning these ideas into a reality means working closely with professionals who understand both design and development. By collaborating and staying open to their creative input, you can create a website that perfectly balances your brand identity with expert execution.
Investing in custom web development is a crucial step for any business looking to succeed in today’s digital landscape. Whether you’re working with a creative agency or hiring a freelance developer, understanding their roles and services will help you make confident, informed decisions. By focusing on what makes a great website and partnering with experienced professionals, you can transform your vision into a functional, visually stunning online presence.
If you’re ready to take the next step, mohunky specialises in bespoke web development services tailored to your business. Get in touch with us today, and let’s start building a website that works for you.
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