In 2024, the rapid pace of digital advancements – like rising user expectations, evolving security threats and shifting search engine algorithms – places immense pressure on businesses to keep their websites modern and functional.
While some sites showcase exceptional design and functionality, others fall short, appearing rushed and outdated. There’s nothing more frustrating for users than encountering a website that loads slowly, looks dated or isn’t mobile-friendly. Such issues drive potential customers away and push them toward competitors who prioritize high-quality web development.
This introduction to web development will walk you through everything you need to know to create a high-performing website that meets today’s standards. We’ll explore key topics such as:
• First Things First: What Is Web Development?
• Web Development vs. Web Design
• Why Businesses Should Invest in Web Development
• Introduction to Web Development: Common Terms to Master
• Technology Stacks: The Pillars of Web Development
• Selecting the Right Technology Stack for Your Project
• The Web Development Process
• Types of Web Development Methodologies
• 12 Tried-and-Tested Web Development Best Practices
• Post-Launch Website Checklist
• Web Development Trends To Watch Out For in 2024 and Beyond
• Website Development FAQs
First Things First: What Is Web Development?
Website development, or web development, is the process of building and maintaining a website. Unlike web design, which focuses on visuals, web development ensures that a website functions properly and meets specific performance parameters.
Building a website from scratch requires expertise in two primary fields: front-end development (the client side) and back-end development (the server side). Essentially, this means that web developers must be skilled in areas such as:
• Programming Languages: For both front-end and back-end development.
• Database Management: To handle data storage and retrieval.
• User Experience (UX) and User Interface (UI) Design: To create intuitive and engaging interactions.
• Web Design Principles and Best Practices: For effective layout and design.
• Search Engine Optimization (SEO): To improve visibility and ranking in search engines.
• Cross-Browser Compatibility: Ensuring the website works well across different browsers.
• Security Protocols: To protect the site and user data from threats.
Now that we got that out of the way, another question that needs to be addressed is: What’s the difference between web development and web design?
Web Development vs. Web Design
You always hear ‘website design and development’ together, so it’s understandable to confuse one for the other. Simply put, web developers build websites while web designers make them look good.
Matthew Baker, a web development manager at Thrive, likens web development and design’s symbiotic relationship with the analogy of construction:
“To use the analogy of construction, design is like the architect who envisions what the building should look like and development is like the construction or engineering company that builds it.
Just as an architect wants to create a building that is aesthetically pleasing, matches the vision of the client, and resonates with the public who visits it, so too does our web design team for our web clients.
However, architects don’t figure out all the nitty-gritty details that allow the building to function, such as plumbing, electricity and heating/cooling. These aren’t the most exciting things to talk about to clients, but they’re important to have.
That’s where development comes in. They take the design that our design team creates and turn it into reality. Just like a construction company uses a blueprint to build a building to spec, our development team works behind the scenes to make sure that the website has a stable infrastructure and looks good on the outside.”
To further clarify, here’s a breakdown of how website design and development differ:
• Web development is focused on writing code to build a functional website.
• Web design is primarily concerned with the creation of visual assets.
• Web development is more technical and requires knowledge of programming languages, while web design can be done with visual tools like Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator. Due to the added complexity and technical skills required, web development services cost more than web design services. ZipRecruiter reports that web developers make an average of $36/hr, whereas web designers make $29/hr.
Nevertheless, both website design and development are crucial to creating a successful website.
Without proper coding, a visually stunning website may not function properly. Similarly, a perfectly coded website will lack appeal with poor design.
Up Next: Let’s discuss why businesses spend between $1,001 and $10,000 annually on web development and why you should, too.
Why Businesses Should Invest in Web Development: 5 Benefits
For businesses, a website is the main point of contact with customers. It provides essential company information and enables customer interaction and purchases.
And that’s just the beginning. With quality web dev, business owners can also leverage:
Increased Credibility and Professionalism
A well-designed website inspires confidence in potential customers. Features such as secure payment gateways, smooth navigation and site responsiveness – achievable through good site development – contribute to how professional and trustworthy the business appears.
Enhanced Customer Experience
Studies show that eCommerce websites have an average conversion rate between 1.84% and 3.71% (Geckoboard).
A well-developed website enhances the customer experience by making it easier to find products, navigate the site and complete transactions. This improved user experience leads to higher customer satisfaction and boosts the likelihood of repeat business.
Guides Purchase Decisions
A website serves as a centralized platform for information on products, services and the company, enabling customers to access specifications, features and benefits to make informed purchasing decisions.
Increased Reach
According to the Search Engine Journal, 68% of experiences begin with a search engine.
A well-optimized website enables businesses to reach a large audience by improving their visibility through effective SEO techniques. This expands their reach beyond local boundaries and enhances cost-effectiveness by attracting potential customers who are actively searching for relevant products or services.
Competitive Advantage
Through web development, you can incorporate dynamic features such as chatbots, contact forms and social media links on your website. These upgrades facilitate better customer interactions and offer personalized support that leads to increased engagement.
Introduction to Web Development: Common Terms to Master
Web development can be a tangled web of concepts; without a grasp of the basics, it’s easy to get caught up. Before diving deeper, let’s flesh out a few terms so you can navigate this intricate field with confidence:
• Front-End Development: Also known as client-side development, this is the part of website development that deals with what users directly see and interact with.
• Back-End Development: The backend is what occurs behind the scenes. It involves server-side development, which includes creating and managing databases, servers and other elements to ensure smooth website operation.
• Full-Stack Development: Involves both front-end and back-end development. Full-stack developers are skilled in various programming languages and can handle all aspects of website development.
• Responsive Design: A website’s ability to adapt its layout and design based on the device it is being viewed on (e.g., desktop, tablet, mobile).
• Content Management System (CMS): A software platform that allows users to create, manage and publish website content without technical skills. Common examples include WordPress, Drupal and Wix.
• Web Hosting: The process of renting server space to store website files and make them accessible online.
• Search Engine Optimization (SEO): A set of techniques to improve a website’s visibility and ranking on search engine results pages, ultimately driving more organic traffic.
• IP address: A unique numerical label assigned to each device connected to a computer network. It is used to identify and communicate with devices on the Internet.
• APIs (Application Programming Interfaces): Sets of protocols and tools used to interact with external software or services, allowing for seamless data exchange between different applications.
• Debugging: Identifying and fixing errors in a program’s code.
• Frameworks: Pre-written codes that provide a foundation for building websites or web applications, making development faster and more efficient.
• UI (User Interface): The visual design elements of a website or web application that users interact with directly.
• Technology Stack: The programming languages, tools and frameworks used to develop a web application.
• Methodology: A structured approach or set of practices to manage and execute web development projects.
Now that we’ve covered the basic foundations of web development, let’s delve into the technology behind it – the technology stack.
Technology Stacks: The Pillars of Web Development
Let’s backtrack a bit:
The choice of technology stack affects the type of applications you can develop, the extent of customization available and the resources needed for development. Each stack component plays a specific role, ensuring the website functions smoothly.
A web stack typically looks like this:
Source: MongoDB
Technology stacks are categorized into two parts: the front end, the client side and the back end, the server side.
Front End Stack
The front-end stack, also known as the client side, is responsible for what the user sees and interacts with on a website. This includes design elements such as layout, fonts, colors, images and animations.
The frontend stack of a web application consists of three key components:
• HTML (Hypertext Markup Language) is the basic building block of web pages. It organizes and arranges the content on a page by using tags to define elements like headings, paragraphs, links and images. Think of it as a skeleton that holds everything together on a web page.
• CSS (Cascading Style Sheets) makes a website look good. It controls design aspects like fonts, colors, spacing and layout. Developers often use tools like SASS and LESS to make writing CSS easier and more powerful.
• JavaScript makes websites interactive and dynamic. It can create animations, respond to user actions and update content without reloading the page. Libraries and frameworks like jQuery, React, Angular and Vue help developers build with JavaScript more efficiently.
Back End Stack
While the front end is all about how your website looks and feels, the back end or server side, handles the behind-the-scenes operations that make everything work smoothly. It’s responsible for securely storing and managing data, ensuring the website’s functionality runs seamlessly.
To understand how this layer operates, you need to get acquainted with the following components:
• Server-Side Programming Languages: Creates logic for how the server responds to user requests and processes data. Popular examples include PHP, Java and Python.
• Web Development Frameworks: A collection of libraries and tools that make it easier to build complex web applications. Examples include Ruby on Rails, Laravel and Django.
• Database Management Systems: Used to store and manage data efficiently. Examples include MySQL, MongoDB and PostgreSQL.
• Web Servers: Software that handles incoming requests and serves up web pages. Apache, Nginx and IIS are common examples.
While all these options sound intriguing, you can’t integrate them all into your website. That would be overwhelming and impractical.
Instead, you need to choose the right combination based on your website’s requirements, goals and resources.
Selecting the Right Technology Stack for Your Project
The right technology stack ensures your website remains fast, interactive and efficient at managing and displaying information.
As your application grows, it should also scale effectively without sacrificing performance.
To help you find the best fit for your project, here are some top and latest web development technologies for various requirements:
1. LAMP Stack
The LAMP stack is the standard for tech stack models due to its cost-effectiveness and flexibility. This stack is best suited for developers who need a robust, open-source solution that can be adapted to various operating systems.
If you’re new to web development, here’s a simple breakdown of what each part of the LAMP stack does:
• Linux is an operating system similar to Windows or macOS, but it’s open-source and free. It’s known for being stable and secure, making it a reliable base for running web applications.
• Apache is the web server software that handles user requests. When someone visits your website, Apache processes their request and serves up the web pages they want to see.
• MySQL is a database management system where all the information for your website is stored. Think of it as a digital filing cabinet where you keep data like user information, blog posts or product details.
• PHP is a programming language that runs on the server to create dynamic web pages. If you want your website to display different content based on user interactions or input, PHP handles that.
Why LAMP? The LAMP stack is versatile and works well with different operating systems. If you’re using a Windows computer, you might see WAMP (Windows, Apache, MySQL, PHP) as a similar setup. For Mac users, MAMP (MacOS, Apache, MySQL, PHP) serves the same purpose. This flexibility allows developers to use LAMP on various systems while keeping the core functions the same.
2. ASP.NET
ASP.NET is a Microsoft framework for creating modern and dynamic web applications. It’s a great choice if you work within the Microsoft ecosystem or need a system that supports Windows and Linux environments.
Here’s a simple overview of what each part of the ASP.NET stack does:
• ASP.NET MVC is a framework that helps you build web applications by separating the application into three parts: the Model (data), the View (how it looks) and the Controller (how it works). This separation helps organize and manage complex applications more efficiently.
• IIS (Internet Information Services) is Microsoft’s web server software. It’s like Apache but specifically for Windows. It handles requests from users and delivers your web pages to them.
• Angular is a front-end framework developed by Google that uses TypeScript. It creates interactive and dynamic user interfaces, making your website or web application more engaging for users.
• SQL Server is a database management system from Microsoft that stores all of your website’s data. It’s known for being powerful and reliable, efficiently handling large amounts of data.
• Microsoft Azure is a cloud platform where you can deploy, manage and scale your applications. Think of it as renting space on the Internet to host and manage your website, making it accessible from anywhere.
Why ASP.NET? ASP.NET applications can also work with other tools and technologies. For example, on Linux systems, you can use NGINX (another web server) and open-source databases like PostgreSQL instead of Microsoft’s SQL Server. This flexibility allows developers to use ASP.NET in different environments while benefiting from its powerful features.
3. MEAN Stack
One of the well-known tech stacks, MEAN offers developers several key advantages, such as using a single language (JavaScript) and access to open-source, free technologies.
It provides a streamlined way to build web applications using four main technologies:
• MongoDB: A NoSQL database that stores data in flexible, JSON-like documents. It’s good for handling large amounts of unstructured data and adapting to changing requirements.
• Express.js: A minimalistic backend framework that helps manage server-side logic and handle requests and responses. It simplifies the process of building server-side applications.
• Angular.js: A front-end framework that allows developers to create dynamic, single-page applications where users interact with the page without reloading it.
• Node.js: A JavaScript runtime that lets you run JavaScript code on the server side. This means you can use JavaScript for both front-end and back-end development.
Why MEAN? The MEAN stack is efficient because it allows developers to use one language, JavaScript, across the entire application. This makes the development process faster and more straightforward, especially when dealing with real-time updates and large amounts of data.
4. MERN Stack
The MERN stack is a variation of the MEAN stack that swaps out Angular.js for React, a popular JavaScript library developed by Facebook.
Why MERN? The MERN stack is favored for integrating with React, which offers powerful tools for creating highly interactive and responsive user interfaces. React’s component-based architecture and efficient updating mechanism make it ideal for building complex user interfaces that need to be fast and engaging.
5. MEVN Stack
Another variation of MEAN, the MEVN stack uses Vue.js instead of Angular.js. It combines the best features of Angular and React to give developers a clear programming style and outstanding performance in web applications.
Why MEVN? The MEVN stack is favored for its use of Vue.js, which provides a clean and intuitive approach to building user interfaces. Vue.js is often praised for its ease of learning and flexible integration, offering a less opinionated framework that can be tailored to fit various needs.
This stack is well-suited for developers who appreciate Vue’s simplicity and performance while still leveraging the strengths of the MEAN stack’s other components.
6. Ruby on Rails
Ruby on Rails (RoR) is a programming environment that leverages the Ruby language to streamline web development. It simplifies the process by offering default structures for database management and web page creation. RoR integrates seamlessly with HTML, CSS and JavaScript for designing user interfaces and uses JSON or XML for data transfer.
Why Ruby on Rails? Despite its decline in popularity, Ruby on Rails remains a strong choice for rapid development due to its ease of use and extensive library of plugins. It’s ideal for developers who appreciate convention over configuration, enabling them to focus more on developing unique features rather than dealing with repetitive coding tasks.
7. Python
Python is quickly becoming one of the most popular programming languages because it’s easy to learn and widely used by beginners. Its extensive libraries and frameworks make it a powerful tool for various applications, including data analysis, machine learning and automation.
Python’s versatility extends to web development, where frameworks like Django and Flask provide robust solutions for building web applications.
Why Python? Python’s ease of learning and a broad range of applications make it a go-to language for many developers. It’s particularly favored for tasks that involve data science and machine learning, thanks to its rich ecosystem of libraries and frameworks
8. Java
Java isn’t as trendy as it used to be. While it’s still widely used for big enterprise applications, newer projects often prefer more modern and lighter technologies like Node.js and Python that offer faster development times and greater flexibility.
These newer stacks are favored for their ease of use, which can be especially appealing for startups and tech-forward companies.
Why Java? Java’s stability and scalability make it a reliable choice for enterprise-level applications. Its extensive ecosystem and strong performance support long-term projects that require high reliability.
Up Next: We’ll examine the website development process in more detail – how each phase transforms your vision into a fully functional and engaging website.
The Website Development Process
With a solid understanding of the best and latest web development technologies, the next step is to grasp the web development process. A systematic approach to development streamlines project management and enhances team collaboration.
Here are the key steps essential for an effective website development process:
Step 1: Create a Plan
Before you start sketching out your website, you need to have a clear objective for what you’re trying to build and its purpose for visitors.
Are you creating an eCommerce store to boost sales, or is your website designed to serve as a corporate flagship for clients? Defining these goals will help you focus your efforts and ensure that your site effectively meets the needs of your audience.
• Consider these questions before drafting your initial site layout:
• What is the primary objective of your website?
• Who is your target audience, and what actions do you want them to take?
• What type of website are you planning to create (e.g., informational, eCommerce, membership)?
• What kind of content will you publish, and how frequently?
• What is the main goal of this content?
• How will you design the site for optimal navigation?
• What budget constraints do you have?
Addressing these questions involves collaborating with your web development, marketing and finance teams to establish clear priorities and make informed choices.
Remember that it’s far easier to chart a course at the beginning of the development process than to backtrack when encountering issues later.
Step 2: Wireframing
Every great website begins with a blueprint, known as a wireframe. Wireframes help you map where text, images and other key elements will be placed on the page.
You can create wireframes using various methods, from simple sketches on a whiteboard to specialized digital tools like Invision, Slickplan or Mindnode. These wireframes help you visualize the basic layout without delving into design specifics.
Creating wireframes early in the process is crucial for defining the user experience and flow of information. It allows you to experiment with different layouts and arrangements to ensure usability and functionality.
In essence, this initial planning stage helps align stakeholders and developers on the website’s structure before moving on to a more detailed design and development process.
Step 3: Drafting a Sitemap
After creating your wireframes, the next step is to draft a sitemap. A sitemap outlines the structure of your website, detailing how different pages and sections are organized and linked together.
To avoid confusing it with an XML sitemap used by search engines for indexing, a web development sitemap focuses on how users will navigate the site.
Creating a clear sitemap ensures that users can easily find information and move through your website. After all, you want to keep them engaged long enough to complete their desired actions, whether purchasing, signing up for a newsletter or exploring your content.
If you have an SEO and content strategy team, their input will be critical in shaping the linking structure and categorizing your pages effectively.
Step 4: Developing the Back End of Your Website
The back end is the server side of your website, working behind the scenes to ensure the front end operates smoothly. For instance, Netflix’s back end processes video data so the front end can stream movies and shows to viewers.
To build a strong back end, web developers use five key components that work together like this:
• Databases act as a digital filing cabinet where all your website’s important information, such as user details, product information and content, is stored. They keep everything organized and ready to be displayed on your website when needed.
• Servers are messengers passing information between your website and the database. When you ask your browser to load a page, the server fetches the needed data from the database and sends it back to your browser so you can see it.
• Logic is the rules of a game. It tells the website how to handle different requests, like what to do when you log in or add an item to your shopping cart. It ensures everything works smoothly and responds correctly to your actions.
• Frameworks are like blueprints for building a house. They provide a structured way to organize code and logic, helping developers create websites more efficiently and consistently.
• Finally, APIs are the translators that help different software systems talk to each other. They allow your website to connect with other services or databases to exchange information, such as pulling in data from a third-party service or syncing with another application.
Together, these backend components ensure that your website’s backend runs efficiently, handles data properly and provides a smooth user experience.
Step 5: Designing and Developing the Front End
If the back end is your website’s engine, the front end is its dashboard. The front end includes everything a user sees, including design elements, content layout, interactive features and navigation menus.
Developers use languages like HTML, CSS and JavaScript to build the front end and create an intuitive, visually appealing and engaging user experience.
In this stage, designers and developers collaborate closely to bring the initial plan and wireframes to life. They also perform tests to ensure the website works seamlessly across various devices, browsers and screen sizes.
Step 6: Use a CMS Service (Optional)
You might be wondering: Why opt for a CMS instead of coding the whole site from scratch? The answer is simple: convenience and scalability.
Coding a site from scratch can be time-consuming and complex. A Content Management System (CMS) like WordPress, Drupal or Joomla simplifies the process by providing pre-designed templates and an intuitive interface for managing content and updates.
These platforms also make it easy to expand as your business grows. You can add new pages, manage website hosting and access tools for user management and analytics – all from a single dashboard.
For instance, WordPress plugins enable you to integrate eCommerce features like shopping carts and payment gateways, while Drupal modules can help you set up membership areas without needing to code everything yourself.
However, it’s important to note that using a CMS may limit some customization and design flexibility. To make the best choice, consider which CMS platform aligns with your specific needs and goals.
Step 7: Secure a Domain Name
At this stage, your website will have an IP address, a unique set of numbers that will identify it online. But since IP addresses aren’t user-friendly, you’ll also need a domain name, a memorable and easy-to-type web address for visitors to find your site.
You can buy a domain name from registrars like GoDaddy or Hover. After purchase, it is registered with Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN), the organization that oversees domain names and ensures their uniqueness.
Website builders and hosting services like WordPress and Squarespace also offer domain name registration. Note that domain names are renewed annually.
Pro Tip: Choose a domain name that reflects your brand, is easy to spell and pronounce and ideally ends with .com for better recognition and credibility.
Step 8: Launching Your Website
The moment you’ve been working towards has arrived – launching your website! This is where all your hard work comes together, and your site goes live for the world to see. Before you hit that launch button, make sure you complete these final steps to ensure a smooth rollout:
• Choose a Hosting Service: Select the right hosting option for your website. You can choose from shared hosting, which is cost-effective and suitable for small sites; dedicated hosting, which provides greater control and performance for large sites; or cloud hosting, which offers scalability and flexibility based on your traffic needs.
• Upload Files to Server: Once you have chosen a hosting provider, upload all your website files to their server. This is done via File Transfer Protocol (FTP) or your hosting provider’s file manager. Ensure all files, including HTML, CSS, images and scripts, are correctly transferred.
• Domain Configuration: Point your domain name to your hosting server by updating its DNS settings to the correct IP address provided by your hosting service. This step connects your domain name to the files on your server, making your site accessible via the web.
• Optimize for SEO: Enhance your website’s visibility on search engines by following SEO best practices. This includes optimizing page titles and meta descriptions, using relevant keywords, ensuring fast load times and setting up proper URL structures. Consider conducting an SEO audit to identify any issues before launch.
• Submit Sitemap: Create and submit a sitemap to Google Search Console and other search engines. A sitemap helps search engines crawl and index your site more efficiently to improve your chances of ranking higher in search results.
• Ensure Legal Compliance: Ensure your website meets legal requirements by including documents such as a privacy policy, terms and conditions and cookie consent notices. These elements protect your users’ privacy and ensure compliance with regulations.
• Set Up Analytics: Implement website analytics tools like Google Analytics to monitor your site’s performance. This will provide valuable insights into user behavior, traffic sources and other key metrics, helping you make informed decisions for future improvements.
Once you’ve completed these steps, your website will be fully prepared for its debut and accessible to visitors via your domain name. Cheers on reaching this exciting milestone!
Step 9: Maintenance and Updates
Now that your website is live, regular maintenance and updates are essential to keep it running smoothly. Start by checking for broken links and fixing them to ensure a seamless user experience.
Updating your content is also crucial for boosting your website’s SEO. By keeping your information fresh and relevant, you not only attract more visitors but also improve your site’s search engine rankings, which enhances your site’s authority and credibility on search engines like Google.
Finally, stay vigilant for security vulnerabilities and apply updates to protect your site from cyber threats. With these tasks in mind, celebrate a job well done and enjoy your newly launched website!
Types of Web Development Methodologies
Without a structured approach, the web development process can quickly become messy.
A methodology helps organize your project, provides a clear plan and breaks the project into manageable steps. It also outlines what needs to be done, who will do it and when it should be finished.
This way, everyone knows their role, and you can make sure the project runs smoothly and meets your goals. Below are popular web development methodologies that can guide your project from start to finish:
1. Waterfall
The Waterfall methodology is a linear and sequential approach to software development, where progress flows in one direction through distinct phases: requirements gathering, design, implementation, testing, deployment and maintenance.
Source: Adobe
The main disadvantage of the Waterfall model is that a change in one phase affects all subsequent stages. This cascading effect makes it difficult to accommodate changes once the project is underway.
As a result, the Waterfall model is best for short, straightforward projects with stable requirements.
2. Agile
Agile is a structured and iterative method for project management and product development that emphasizes flexibility, collaboration and customer feedback. This approach forms the basis for flexible methodologies like Scrum, Kanban and XP.
At its core, Agile divides projects into smaller, manageable segments known as “sprints.” Each sprint typically lasts one to four weeks and focuses on addressing specific tasks or issues.
During these sprints, the development team engages in ongoing problem-solving, construction, revisions and testing.
Source: Medium
Clients play an active role throughout this process by reviewing progress, providing feedback and helping to adjust priorities as necessary. This close collaboration ensures that the project stays aligned with the client’s goals and can adapt to changes in requirements or market conditions.
At the end of each sprint, the team delivers a working version of the product with the new features or improvements they’ve been working on. This “increment” is a complete, functional part of the final product that the client can test. The client reviews and tests it to ensure it meets their expectations and confirms that the project is heading in the right direction.
3. Scrum
Scrum is a framework built on Agile principles designed to manage and develop products effectively.
Unlike traditional methods that rely on extensive documentation, Scrum focuses on flexibility and collaboration. The client provides an overview of the desired outcome, and the team decides how to achieve it with minimal paperwork.
Source: Vecteezy
In Scrum, the team is guided by two key roles: the Scrum Master and the Product Owner (PO). The Scrum Master helps facilitate the process and supports the team but does not assign tasks. The PO represents the client’s needs and sets priorities for the tasks at the start of each sprint.
Scrum uses short, time-boxed periods called sprints, typically lasting two to four weeks. At the end of each sprint, the team delivers a potentially shippable product increment. Each sprint starts with a Sprint Backlog, which outlines the tasks the team will complete during that period.
4. Kanban
Kanban, derived from the Japanese words “kan” (visible) and “ban” (board), was developed by Toyota managers to streamline workflows. Its primary focus is visualizing work processes using a Kanban board, which helps teams track tasks and their statuses.
The Kanban board is divided into columns representing different stages, such as “To Do,” “In Progress” and “Done.” Tasks move through these stages, and new tasks only start when there is capacity in the subsequent stage. This approach ensures a smooth workflow and helps teams manage their workload effectively.
Source: BA Careers
Unlike Scrum, Kanban does not assign specific roles within the team. It also does not use fixed sprints; instead, tasks are completed continuously, one by one. Additionally, Kanban allows for changes and adjustments at any point in the process, offering more flexibility than Scrum’s structured sprint cycles.
5. Lean
Lean methodology is inspired by Toyota’s production system. It focuses on creating value with minimal losses and waste throughout the software development lifecycle (SDLC). More than a methodology or process, Lean is a set of principles.
These principles are comprised of:
A. Eliminating Waste: Remove anything that doesn’t add value for the consumer, such as excessive functionality, development delays, unclear requirements, bureaucracy and slow communication.
B. Amplifying Learning: Use short development cycles, early testing and frequent customer feedback to enhance learning and improvement.
C. Deciding as Late as Possible: Make decisions based on essential facts discovered during the process rather than assumptions or forecasts.
E. Delivering as Fast as Possible: Deliver quickly so the client can assess the value and request changes if needed. Smaller batches of work are preferred for faster completion.
F. Empowering the Team: View team members as more than just resources. Empower them with more than just a list of tasks.
G. Building Integrity: Ensure complete and accurate information is sent to the customer, striving for a holistic architecture.
H. Seeing the Whole: Understand how all parts work together and ensure all team members are responsible for the project’s success.
6. Extreme Programming
Extreme Programming (XP) can be controversial due to its demanding practices, such as pair programming and constant testing. The frequent adjustments based on customer feedback may lead to scope creep, and the high level of customer involvement can sometimes create tension.
Source: Nimble Work
The team works closely with users who provide ongoing feedback to ensure the website meets their needs. Instead of simultaneously releasing the entire app/website, they focus on small, incremental features, starting with a basic to-do list and gradually adding elements like deadlines, notifications and user collaboration.
The development process revolves around the following three key practices:
• Pair Programming, where two developers collaborate on code. One writes the code while the other reviews it in real-time, catching mistakes early and sharing knowledge.
• Test-Driven Development (TDD) requires writing tests before coding. Once the tests are in place, the code is written to make them pass.
• Continuous Integration (CI) involves regularly integrating and testing code changes. When developers complete a feature, they integrate it into the main codebase and automated tests run to ensure a stable and functional app.
You’ve chosen and executed your preferred methodology throughout the development phases. What’s Next? Implementing best practices will help refine your site’s performance and user experience.
12 Tried-and-Tested Web Development Best Practices
With around 1.09 billion websites online and 252,000 new sites cropping up daily, following best practices is your key to standing out.
Implementing these 12 essential web development strategies will help you maintain a competitive edge in a saturated market.
1. Outline Your Project Plan and Purpose
Start with a clear project plan that defines what you want to achieve and how you’ll do it. This plan helps ensure the final product matches your goals and meets client expectations.
Regularly referencing the plan helps developers make informed decisions and avoids scope creep, where expanding requirements can lead to delays and wasted resources.
2. Write Clean, Easy-to-Maintain Codes
Keeping your code clean and well-organized is crucial for the long-term health of a project. This means following coding standards, using clear variable names and structuring files logically.
Well-documented code is easier for others (or your future self) to understand and modify without introducing errors. Version control systems like Git are invaluable for tracking changes, facilitating collaboration and reverting to previous versions if needed.
Maintainability also involves regular refactoring to simplify and improve the code. Employ design patterns and principles like DRY (Don’t Repeat Yourself) and SOLID to make your code more modular and easier to extend. DRY reduces duplication, while SOLID principles enhance flexibility and maintainability.
Automated testing – through unit, integration and end-to-end tests – ensures that new changes don’t break existing functionality, making the development process more reliable.
By following these practices, you can avoid creating tangled “spaghetti code” that is difficult to manage and debug.
3. Follow the DRY Principle
The DRY principle, short for “Don’t Repeat Yourself,” is all about avoiding unnecessary repetition in your code.
Imagine if you had to write the same instructions multiple times in a recipe – it’s confusing and increases the chance of mistakes. The same goes for code: repeating the same code can lead to errors and make it harder to manage.
Instead, developers use tools like functions and classes to write code once and reuse it whenever needed. This approach makes the code cleaner and easier to update and debug.
Sticking to the DRY principle ensures your code is more organized, reliable and easier to work with.
4. Improve Accessibility
Making your website or app accessible means ensuring everyone, including people with disabilities, can use it easily. The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) provide rules to help achieve this.
For example, you can add text descriptions to images so people using screen readers can understand them. Use colors with enough contrast to make text easy to read and include keyboard shortcuts so users can navigate without a mouse. Following these practices makes your site more inclusive and improves the experience for all users.
5. Test While You Build
Testing is crucial in web development because it helps catch and fix problems early, saving time and money in the long run.
Here’s a quick guide to the main types of testing you should use:
• Unit Testing: Checks if individual parts of your code work correctly.
• Integration Testing: Ensures that different parts of your application work well together.
• End-to-End Testing: Verifies that the entire system functions correctly from start to finish.
In addition to automated tests, manual testing is also important. This involves using the application to spot errors or usability issues that automated tests might miss.
6. Take Needed Sprints
Sprints are short, focused periods of work where you break down your project into manageable tasks or goals. This approach helps you stay on track and adapt to changing needs or priorities.
By dividing the project into sprints, developers can:
• Tackle smaller tasks and make improvements as you go.
• Gradually add features and updates throughout the project.
• Enhance teamwork and keep everyone informed about progress.
• Provide regular updates to stakeholders.
• Release working versions of the software more frequently.
This method makes managing and adapting your project easier while keeping it aligned with your goals.
7. Choose the Right Tech Stack
Again, tech stacks allow developers to create robust, efficient software by leveraging a combination of programming languages, frameworks, libraries and tools.
When selecting a tech stack, developers should consider scalability, maintainability, documentation and community support. Choosing the wrong tech stack can lead to problems later in development, such as difficulty scaling the application or finding resources to maintain it.
In addition, using outdated technologies can result in security vulnerabilities and compatibility issues with newer systems.
For dynamic user interfaces on the front end, use React, Vue.js or Angular. For performance and scalability on the back end, consider Node.js, Django or Ruby on Rails. You should also choose a SQL or NoSQL database that fits your data storage needs and expected load.
8. Security Is a Priority
With the rise of cyber-attacks and data breaches, security should be a top priority for all developers. This means employing encryption, authentication and authorization to protect user data.
Developers should also regularly conduct vulnerability assessments and implement fixes promptly to prevent potential exploits.
Other security best practices include implementing input validation to prevent SQL injection attacks, using secure protocols like HTTPS for data transmission and regularly backing up data to prevent loss in case of a breach or system failure.
9. Document Everything
Document your project thoroughly to ensure that all aspects of the development are clearly outlined and accessible to everyone involved. This includes creating technical documentation for developers, user guides for end-users and API documentation for any external integrations.
Comprehensive documentation facilitates smooth onboarding for new developers, simplifies troubleshooting and supports future updates or modifications.
10. Maintain the Standards
Creativity can lead to innovative solutions, but straying too far from industry norms often fails. This is especially true in web development, where adhering to certain standards is crucial for success.
This guideline applies to all industries, including web development. Some web development industry standards include the following:
• The navigation bar should be the same on every page of your website. This consistency makes your website more coherent and user-friendly.
• Every component has an “ideal” location on the site. For example, contact information, organizational details and registration options should be located in the top-right corner of the homepage, while the corporate logo should be prominently displayed in the top-left corner.
• Most browsers are compatible with basic web design components, so it is important to ensure that your website layout does not have compatibility issues with browsers like Chrome, Firefox and Safari.
11. Ensure Compatibility Across Devices
Websites and apps don’t automatically look good or work well on every device. To fix this, you must test compatibility to ensure your site functions properly across various screen sizes and resolutions.
This includes cross-device testing (checking different types of devices like phones, tablets and desktops), cross-platform testing (ensuring it works on other operating systems like Windows, macOS, iOS and Android) and cross-browser testing (verifying performance on various web browsers).
Thorough testing across these areas helps ensure your site delivers a smooth and consistent experience for all users, regardless of their device or browser choice.
12. Optimize for Speed and Performance
Every second matters when it comes to loading a web page. Most users expect instant access to information and quickly abandon a site that takes too long to load. According to Neil Patel, 40% of visitors will leave if a page takes more than three seconds to load.
To avoid falling into this statistic and to reduce your website’s bounce rates, make these adjustments to ensure your site loads instantly:
• Minimize HTTP Requests: Reduce the number of elements on a page to decrease the number of HTTP requests.
• Compress Images: Use image compression tools to reduce the file size of images without sacrificing quality.
• Enable Browser Caching: Allow browsers to store commonly used files locally to speed up load times for subsequent visits.
• Minify CSS, JavaScript and HTML: Remove unnecessary characters from these files to decrease their size and improve load times.
• Use a Content Delivery Network (CDN): Distribute your content globally to reduce latency and speed up resource access.
• Async and Deferred Loading: Enable asynchronous loading for JavaScript so that it doesn’t block the rendering of the webpage.
• Database Optimization: Use indexing and query optimizations to speed up database read/write operations.
Other Must-Read Articles:
• How To Make a Website for a Business From Concept To Launch in 2024
• What the Highest-Converting Websites Do
Post-Launch Website Checklist
Imagine you’ve completed your website, and you’re ready to launch. Before pushing the final product live, there are still a few essential items to check now that your site is live.
1. Re-Test the Webpage for User Experience
After launching your website, verifying that everything operates as expected is essential.
Begin by conducting user experience testing to confirm that the website’s functionality and design align with your pre-launch expectations and deliver a seamless user experience.
Here’s what you can do:
• Check that the design is consistent across various devices.
• Validate CSS and HTML code implementation, ensuring correct CSS styling.
• Confirm the favicon is in place and displaying correctly.
• Ensure internal web page links are functional.
• Verify that external links work properly and open in a new tab.
• Test that social media share buttons are operational.
• Check that RSS, news and social media feeds are working correctly.
• Confirm the homepage is linked to the company’s logo.
• Ensure 404 redirect pages (page-not-found.aspx) are in place.
2. Test Conversion Paths
Conversion paths are the routes users follow when taking action on your website. Lead generation forms, CRM connections and other website technologies should work seamlessly.
• Forms are successfully submitting data.
• A thank you message or page is displayed after the submission of the form.
• Form data is emailed to the recipient and stored in the company database.
• Auto-responders are functioning (if applicable).
3. Verify That Integrations With Third-Party Technologies Are Working Properly
Integrations such as your CRM, eCommerce software and marketing platform connect to your website and assist you in running your business. If a problem could result in data loss, you want to find out early enough.
4. Create and Secure Backup Copies of the Completed Website
Now that everything is in place and finalized, create a clean copy in case of data corruption or loss. Double-check the execution of your backup web development strategies to ensure continuous copies of the website are being produced and saved regularly.
5. Ensure That Your Website Is Safe
Keep your website secure with 24/7 monitoring, regular plugin updates and clear password policies.
6. Comply With Relevant Laws and Regulations
Ensure your website adheres to all pertinent laws and regulations. Internet law can be complex, and industry-specific standards must be followed. You can consult with legal counsel to ensure full compliance.
Key points to consider include:
• Ensure web accessibility for people with disabilities (WAI-ARIA).
• Clearly state the use of cookies on your website (mandatory in some regions).
• Comply with usage rights for your site’s code, images and fonts.
• Display clear terms and privacy policies for visitors.
• If handling credit card information, ensure PCI compliance.
7. Crawl the Site To Confirm No Issues Occurred During the Launch
Perform a site crawl to identify any problems that may have arisen during the launch. Compare the latest crawl results to the previous crawl to spot unintended inconsistencies. Ensure all pages are properly configured for indexing to maintain visibility and performance in search engine results.
8. Inspect the Technical SEO Components for Errors
Effective technical SEO is crucial for ensuring that search engines can easily crawl, index and rank your site. This, in turn, drives more organic traffic and improves overall site performance.
Here are some quick checks to ensure your technical SEO is on point:
• Verify that page titles, meta descriptions and URLs are correctly implemented and match the original SEO strategy.
• Ensure that web page load times have been optimized for faster performance.
• Confirm that a dynamic XML sitemap is in place and properly configured.
• Notify search engines of the new XML sitemap to facilitate indexing.
• Check that page URLs are structured according to the site’s information architecture.
• Make sure 301 redirects are set up for old URLs, redirecting them to the corresponding new pages.
• Ensure “rel=’nofollow'” tags are correctly applied to relevant links and pages.
Here’s a helpful article on how to perform a technical SEO audit: Technical SEO Audit: What It Is and How To Perform One
9. Improve Your Metadata
Metadata consists of information like titles and descriptions that appear in search engine results and browser tabs. Well-optimized metadata ensures your site is accurately represented and compelling to users, improving visibility and encouraging clicks.
You can improve your metadata by ensuring:
• Metadata is accurately included for all content in your RSS feed: This ensures that your content is correctly displayed and syndicated across various feed readers and aggregators.
• Social media sharing metadata is properly implemented and up-to-date: This improves how your content appears when shared on social platforms, boosting engagement and click-through rates.
• All metadata is free from spelling and grammatical errors: This maintains professionalism and prevents potential misinterpretations or confusion.
• Every image on your site includes a relevant and descriptive alt tag: This enhances accessibility and helps search engines understand and index your images effectively.
10. Install Website Analytics
Ensure your website is set up to collect web data and analytics. Analytics help you analyze how users interact with your website and identify areas for improvement.
• Confirm that analytics codes and tracking scripts are properly installed.
• Disable analytics tracking for relevant IP addresses to avoid skewed data.
• Set up funnels and goals in your analytics software if applicable.
• Verify proper syncing of Google Webmaster, Google Analytics and Google Ads accounts.
11. Invest in a Digital Marketing Plan
To consistently generate leads and ensure conversions, you need an ongoing digital marketing plan to support your web development strategies. With a solid plan, your business can thrive in a competitive online marketplace.
Key components of a digital marketing plan include:
• SEO strategies and tactics to maintain and improve search engine rankings.
• Ongoing content creation for your blog, newsletters and social media channels.
• Social media marketing campaigns to increase brand awareness and engagement.
• Email marketing campaigns targeting specific segments of your audience.
• Paid advertising on platforms such as Google Ads or Facebook Ads.
• Custom web design to continuously improve the user experience and conversions.
• Regularly monitor and analyze digital marketing efforts to optimize performance.
For assistance in developing a comprehensive digital marketing plan, consider consulting with a professional agency or expert. A digital marketing agency can provide expertise and help create and implement a comprehensive digital marketing plan for your business.
Other Must-Read Articles:
• The Top 16 Link-Building Strategies You Need for 2024
• Local SEO for Multiple Locations: Managing Complexity
• Online Marketing Tips in a Web 3.0 Landscape
Web Development Trends To Watch Out For in 2024 and Beyond
The digital tides are turning, and keeping your website current is vital to staying ahead. As technology and user expectations evolve, adapting to new trends is important to ensure your site remains competitive.
Here are some key web development trends and latest web development technologies to watch out for in 2024:
1. Use Progressive Web Apps (PWAs)
Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) are websites designed to work like apps on your phone or tablet. They are fast, reliable and can function without an internet connection. PWAs can also send notifications and use features of your device, like the camera.
Just how effective are PWAs?
• Google reports that PWAs boost conversions, engagement and retention.
• Pinterest saw a 60% increase in engagement and a 44% rise in ad revenue.
• Uber cut page load time to 2 seconds on 2G, and Twitter (now X) grew daily active users by 65% after launching PWAs.
To set up a PWA, you’ll need two key components. First, you’ll create a Web App Manifest, which is a file that includes important information about your PWA, such as its name, icons and how users can launch it.
Second, you’ll use a Service Worker, a background script that lets your PWA function offline and send notifications even when the app isn’t open. These elements work together to provide a smooth, app-like experience for users.
2. Incorporate Artificial Intelligence (AI)
AI chatbots are advanced software that uses natural language processing (NLP) and machine learning (ML) to mimic human conversation. They have become essential for automating customer service and transforming labor-intensive tasks into streamlined processes.
These chatbots can handle simple and complex customer queries, offer round-the-clock support, and continuously improve accuracy by learning from past interactions.
According to Gartner, by 2023, 25% of customer service operations are expected to use virtual customer assistants (VCAs) or chatbots. Business Insider also predicts that the global chatbot market will reach $9.4 billion by 2024, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 29.7%.
You can use platforms or frameworks such as Dialogflow, IBM Watson Assistant, Microsoft Bot Framework, Rasa or Wit.ai to deploy an AI chatbot. These tools provide everything you need to build, train, test and launch your chatbot effectively.
3. Responsive Design Is a Must
Responsive design ensures your website looks great and functions correctly on any device, regardless of screen size. As we move into 2024, it’s more important than ever because mobile traffic is expected to make up over half of all web traffic.
Responsive design also helps with SEO. Google favors mobile-friendly websites in search results. In fact, 61% of users are unlikely to return to a mobile site that’s hard to navigate, and 40% will go to a competitor’s site instead. If your site isn’t responsive, now is the time to make the change.
To achieve a responsive design, use CSS media queries and regularly test your site on various devices to catch and fix any layout or functionality issues.
4. Adopt Serverless Architecture
Servers are a thing of the past. In 2024, serverless architecture, or Function as a Service (FaaS), will revolutionize web development. Unlike traditional server-based setups, serverless architecture relies on third-party services to handle server-side logic and state management.
With serverless, you don’t need to manage servers or infrastructure; you can focus solely on writing code and developing features for your website. Plus, you’re only billed for the time your code is running, which can significantly reduce costs.
In contrast, traditional server-centered approaches require ongoing servers, databases and infrastructure management, which can be both expensive and time-consuming.
Popular serverless platforms include AWS Lambda, Google Cloud Functions, Microsoft Azure Functions and IBM Cloud Functions.
5. Embrace Headless CMS
Traditional content management systems like WordPress or Drupal offer a complete package for creating, managing and publishing website content. However, headless CMS shifts the focus to providing an API for developers, which enables them to fetch content and integrate it into any front-end platform.
APIs are significant because they allow for more flexibility and customization. Instead of being confined to the CMS’s built-in presentation features, developers can design their user interface from scratch and deliver content across various platforms – websites, mobile apps and smart devices.
This separation of content management from presentation also facilitates easier integration with other tools and services. If you’re struggling with slow page load times, a headless CMS can help by reducing the amount of code and data that needs to be loaded, therefore improving performance.
Popular headless CMS options include Contentful, Prismic, Kentico Kontent, Sanity.io and Strapi.
6. Optimize Page Speed
Google has prioritized page speed as a ranking factor since 2010, and it’s still crucial for website optimization in 2024. A slow-loading site can hurt user experience and search engine rankings.
Google reports that 53% of mobile users will abandon a site if it takes more than 3 seconds to load.
To boost page speed, consider these changes:
• Compress images and videos to reduce their file sizes.
• Minify code, scripts and style sheets to streamline them.
• Enable caching to prevent repeated resource requests during a single page load.
• Utilize a content delivery network (CDN) to distribute content across multiple global servers.
• Implement lazy loading to defer the loading of non-essential elements until necessary.
• Employ responsive design to ensure your layout and content adapt seamlessly to various screen sizes and devices.
Regularly test your page speed with tools like Google PageSpeed Insights or GTmetrix. Aim for a loading time of 2-3 seconds or less for optimal performance.
7. Voice Search Suprecedes Text Search
The rise of virtual assistants like Siri, Google Assistant and Alexa has increased voice search usage. Optimizing for voice search will become an essential aspect of SEO in 2024, as it is projected that half of all searches will be conducted through voice.
To optimize for voice search, consider these tips:
• Use natural language in your content to match how people speak.
• Include question-based keywords and phrases in your content.
• Ensure your website is mobile-friendly, as most voice searches are done on smartphones.
• Utilize structured data to provide context and information about your website’s content.
You can use tools such as Google Search Console, Google Analytics or Semrush to analyze your voice search performance and get insights for improvement.
8. Switch to Dark Mode
What does dark mode have to do with web development?
Well, it turns out that 82% of smartphone users (Earthweb) prefer dark mode over light mode. As a result, major platforms, including YouTube, X (formerly Twitter), Reddit, Messenger, Facebook and Instagram, have integrated dark mode into their user interface to accommodate this growing preference.
After all, switching your website to a dark theme offers many benefits:
• Reducing Eye Strain: Dark backgrounds with light text can reduce eye fatigue when viewing screens in low-light environments.
• Conserving Battery Life: For devices with OLED or AMOLED screens, displaying black pixels consumes less energy than displaying white ones.
• Minimizing Blue Light Exposure: Dark mode reduces the amount of blue light emitted by screens, which can help improve sleep quality.
• Improving Readability: Dark mode can make text more readable for some users, especially in dimly lit settings.
Many web browsers now support dark mode preferences, so optimize your site for this browsing option. You can use CSS media queries to detect if the user’s device is in dark mode and adjust your site’s styling accordingly.
Alternatively, you can offer users a toggle switch or a cookie-based function to choose their preferred theme.
9. Implement Motion UI
In 2024, static websites will be obsolete as motion and animation become integral to engaging user experiences. Adding dynamic elements makes your site visually appealing and enhances interaction.
Tools like Motion UI, a Sass library, are simplifying this process. Motion UI offers a range of pre-made animations and allows for custom effects. These animations draw attention to key elements on your website and create a more interactive user experience.
Here’s how Motion UI can elevate your website:
• Adding hover effects to buttons or links for better user feedback.
• Using parallax scrolling to create depth and dimension on the page.
• Creating animated backgrounds for a visually striking effect.
• Adding loading animations to make the waiting process more enjoyable.
While motion and animation can greatly improve user engagement, use them sparingly to avoid overwhelming visitors. The goal is to enhance the user experience while staying within your website’s primary purpose.
10. Embrace Web Accessibility
Creating an accessible website means ensuring users with disabilities can navigate and interact with your site as easily as anyone else. Here are some key practices to ensure your site is inclusive:
• Use Alt Text for Images: Provide descriptive alt text for images so screen readers can convey the content to visually impaired users.
• Ensure Keyboard Navigation: Design your site so that users can navigate using a keyboard, allowing them to access all features without a mouse.
• Color Contrast: Use high contrast between text and background colors to ensure readability for those with visual impairments.
• Video Subtitles and Transcripts: To assist users who are deaf or hard of hearing, include subtitles for videos and provide transcripts for audio content.
• Responsive Design: Ensure your website is responsive and works well on various devices, like tablets, smartphones and laptops.
• Test with Real Users: Conduct usability testing with individuals with disabilities to gain insights and make necessary improvements.
• Using ARIA Roles and Labels: Implement Accessible Rich Internet Applications (ARIA) roles, labels and landmarks to enhance navigation for assistive technologies. These attributes can be added to HTML elements to improve accessibility.
Implementing these accessibility practices improves the user experience for individuals with disabilities, enhances overall usability and broadens your audience. You can use tools like the WAVE Web Accessibility Evaluation Tool or Lighthouse Accessibility Audits to test and fix any accessibility issues on your website.
11. Experimenting With 3D Graphics
Incorporating 3D graphics into your website can transform the user experience by adding depth, realism and interactivity. This approach leverages three-dimensional models, images and animations to create more engaging and lifelike visual elements.
Here’s how 3D graphics can enhance your website:
• Enhanced Visual Appeal: 3D graphics make your website look more modern and visually appealing, capturing visitors’ attention.
• Improved Product Visualization: Users can view, rotate, zoom or customize products in 3D, providing a better understanding than static images.
• Interactive Experiences: Incorporate VR and AR to let users explore your offerings in a simulated or enhanced environment, making interactions more engaging.
• Gamification: Add game-like elements to your site to increase user engagement and make browsing more enjoyable.
• Dynamic Storytelling: Create interactive narratives that guide users through your content, making their journey more memorable.
To implement 3D graphics, you’ll need to use technologies like HTML, CSS, JavaScript, React, WebAssembly or Angular. You can also use libraries, such as Three.js, Babylon.js or A-Frame, to simplify the creation of 3D elements.
How To Measure the Success of Your Web Development Project
To ensure your web development project achieves its goals and generates a return on investment (ROI), tracking key metrics aligned with your objectives is essential. Start by defining what you want to achieve with your website – whether it’s increasing traffic, driving sales or improving user engagement.
With clear objectives in mind, you can select and analyze relevant metrics to measure success. Tracking these metrics helps confirm whether your project is meeting desired outcomes and provides insights into areas for improvement.
Common metrics to consider include:
User Engagement Metrics
User Engagement refers to how actively visitors interact with your website. It helps gauge how interested and involved users are with your content. Higher engagement means users find your site valuable and compelling, while lower engagement can signal issues with content or design.
Here are key metrics to track:
• Bounce Rate: Shows the percentage of visitors who leave after viewing only one page. A high bounce rate suggests that your site may not be engaging enough.
• Time on Page: Measures how long a user stays on a page, reflecting their interest and involvement with your content.
• Page Views per Session: Indicates the number of pages a user visits in one session, highlighting their level of interaction with your site.
• Exit Rate: Tracks the percentage of visitors who leave from a specific page, helping identify which pages might need improvements to keep users engaged.
Conversion Metrics
Conversion Metrics are essential for gauging how effectively your website turns visitors into customers or leads. Understanding these metrics helps you assess whether your site is successfully driving the desired actions and generating a solid return on investment.
• Conversion Rate: This measures the percentage of visitors who complete a desired action, such as purchasing or filling out a contact form. It reflects the effectiveness of your site’s ability to prompt users to take action.
• Click-through Rate (CTR): Indicates how often users click on your call-to-action buttons or links. A higher CTR suggests that your calls to action are compelling and engaging.
• Cart Abandonment Rate: Tracks the percentage of visitors who add items to their cart but do not complete the purchase. A high rate might point to issues with the checkout process or pricing that need to be addressed.
With insights into how well your site drives conversions, it’s equally important to monitor its operational efficiency. This brings us to Performance Metrics.
Performance Metrics
Performance Metrics evaluate your website’s overall efficiency and effectiveness, impacting user satisfaction and search engine performance. Keeping these metrics in check ensures your site remains fast, responsive and user-friendly.
• Page Load Speed: Measures how quickly your web pages load. Faster load times enhance user experience and boost search engine rankings, helping to reduce bounce rates.
• Server Response Time: Shows how swiftly your server reacts to user requests. Shorter response times are vital for maintaining an efficient and responsive website.
• Mobile Responsiveness: Ensures your website performs well across various mobile devices. Good responsiveness ensures that users have a seamless experience regardless of their device.
SEO Metrics
SEO metrics are essential for evaluating how well your website attracts and retains organic search traffic. Regular monitoring of these metrics and conducting SEO audits is vitial for improving your site’s online visibility and search engine rankings.
• Organic Search Traffic: Tracks the amount of traffic your site receives from search engines, helping to gauge the effectiveness of your SEO efforts and understand user behavior.
• Keyword Rankings: Shows where your site stands for specific search terms. Higher rankings for relevant keywords typically increase traffic and better search engine exposure.
• Backlinks and Domain Authority: Backlinks from reputable sites boost your site’s authority and improve search engine rankings. Domain Authority reflects your site’s ranking potential based on the quality and quantity of these backlinks.
Data is power, and tracking these metrics can help you understand your website’s performance and make informed decisions for future improvements. You can use tools like Google Analytics, SEMrush or Ahrefs to monitor and analyze these metrics effectively.
Build a High-Converting and Future-Ready Website With Thrive
Having a solid understanding of web development is a great start, but to truly bring your vision to life, you need a reliable partner to execute it. At Thrive, we have developed an intricate and proven web process to ensure clients receive a superior website that positions them above the competition.
Frank Laudo, Thrive’s creative director, shared his insights:
“At Thrive, we’re all about creating custom websites that don’t just look amazing but actually help your business grow. What sets us apart is how we blend our technical know-how with a solid understanding of your business goals. We don’t just focus on design or functionality alone; we look at the bigger picture – your target audience, your competition and your overall objectives.
This way, we can build web experiences that really connect with your customers and drive results. Our team of experienced developers, UX experts and digital strategists work closely with you every step of the way to make sure the final product is exactly what you envisioned, using the latest tech and best practices.”
With Thrive, you get a partner who combines cutting-edge technology with proven strategies to deliver a website that performs exceptionally now and is poised for future growth.
“Thrive develops sites that are SEO-friendly and optimized for fast loading times. We use the latest tools and technologies that ensure your site is modern, efficient, and secure. We also offer ongoing support and maintenance to ensure your site stays up to date,” added Shabbir Aftab, Thrive’s Lead Web Project Developer.
Talk to our digital marketing and web development experts today, and start building a high-performing website.
Web Development FAQs
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO BUILD A WEBSITE?
Your website build may cost a different amount depending on your industry. Certain industries require certain elements to be integrated, which may add to the ultimate cost when handing over the design elements. Of course, the number of total pages also affects the cost and work that must be done to get the website up and running.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO BUILD A WEBSITE?
The timeline for building a website can vary based on factors like site complexity, page count and required features. Typically, the process takes about 10-14 weeks, broken down as follows:
• Planning (two to three weeks)
• Content creation (four to six weeks)
• Website Design (two to three weeks)
• Testing and review (one to two weeks)
These estimates assume that the project scope is well-defined and that there are no significant delays in content delivery or design approvals.
SHOULD I HIRE A DEVELOPER TO BUILD MY SITE?
For many businesses and entrepreneurs, the main challenge in building a website is finding the time to do it themselves. In these cases, hiring a developer or team might be a sensible choice, though it has its own advantages and disadvantages.
Pros
• They thoroughly understand the website-building process and are less likely to make mistakes.
• They can deliver a polished and streamlined final product.
• They are capable of creating a complex and professional website.
• You can focus on running your business while they manage the website development.
Cons
• The process might exceed your budget.
• You do not directly control the development process and must rely on the developer’s schedule and pace.
• The developer may not deliver the product you envisioned, yet you might still be obligated to pay.
As you can see, hiring a developer can be a strategic move to elevate your website. While there are potential challenges, these can be managed effectively through careful planning, strong collaboration and clear communication.
WHAT TYPE OF MAINTENANCE WILL MY WEBSITE NEED?
Ensuring your website runs smoothly requires regular maintenance and updates. There are six aspects of website maintenance:
Your website will need maintenance in six key areas:
• Security: Regular updates and patches to protect against vulnerabilities and threats
• Content: Ongoing updates and additions to keep the site relevant and engaging.
• Design: Periodic updates to maintain a modern, visually appealing and user-friendly interface.
• Technical SEO : Optimization of site structure, meta tags and keywords to improve search engine rankings.
• Functionality: Regular checks and fixes to ensure all features, links and interactive elements work properly.
• Performance : Monitoring and enhancing site speed and load times for a smooth user experience.
CAN I UPDATE THE WEBSITE MYSELF ONCE IT’S BUILT?
You can update the website once it’s built, provided you have the right tools and access. Many websites are designed with user-friendly content management systems (CMS) like WordPress, which allow you to make updates, add content and manage the site without technical expertise.
However, if your site is complex or custom-built, you might need technical knowledge or guidance to make changes effectively.
I ALREADY HAVE A WEBSITE. HOW EASY IS IT TO UPDATE IT?
For custom-built sites, changes might need knowledge of HTML, CSS or other programming languages. Simple updates, such as text changes or adding blog posts, are typically easy, while major design or functionality changes can be more complex. If you need more clarification, consulting a developer can provide clarity on the best approach.
