Are you looking for a web development company? It’s a challenging task when there are so many web developers to choose from. So, how do you go about finding a web development company that’s qualified for your project?
We’ve put together a list of skills the right web developer should have.
1) Know the Principles of Design
The right web developer will understand the principles of design. We’re talking about the principles of visual design. These are the foundation of both website and graphic design.
The principles of design include:
- Space: sometimes called “white space,” which is the area between elements.
- Contrast: how the different elements create a composite that is united.
- Hierarchy: some elements are more important than others.
- Scale & proportion: this has to do with the relationship between the size and placement of elements.
The principles of design also include colour theory and familiarity with the colour wheel. The goal is to avoid colours that clash. The colours should also be true to the company’s brand and industry.
Without this knowledge, a web developer could create a very unattractive site that doesn’t convert. The end result is a lot of money wasted and no functional website to help your business.
2) Responsive Mobile Design
Site visitors today are more tech-savvy than in the past. Many people are now using mobile devices to access the Internet for shopping, contacting customer support, and more. This means your web developer must know about responsive mobile design and how to make your site mobile-friendly.
Responsive design means your content will be consistent and delivered in an attractive manner no matter what device is used to access the site. The layout will adjust to fit each screen size, making your site useful to everyone. The site will create a wonderful, comfortable user experience with a responsive design.
If you end up with a developer who doesn’t have this knowledge, you’ll be throwing money away on the project. If your site doesn’t function correctly on mobile devices, site visitors will simply leave for a competitor’s site.
3) Web Development
When it comes to designing a website, you’ll need to find a developer who has the following knowledge & skills:
- HTML/CSS: a web developer needs to have knowledge of coding and markup language. HTML (HyperText Markup) is the standard language used for this purpose.
- Photoshop: web developers should be able to use Photoshop with ease. They will have the ability to create beautiful sites that look amazing.
- WordPress: almost half of all websites on the Internet use WordPress as their CMS (content management system).
- JavaScript: is another programming language that web developers need to know. This programming language is used to make the website function correctly and make them interactive.
4) User Experience (UX)
User experience is essential when it comes to creating a website. A web developer needs knowledge about what makes the UX better for site visitors. This includes the use of design elements, interactive functionalities, and more. Everything on the website is built to make the user experience easy, simple, and comfortable.
When it comes to best practices, UX includes the use of uncluttered layouts (which includes some negative space), intuitive design and content focused on the human site visitors, and design & information especially created to meet the needs of the target audience.
5) User Interface (UI)
This is another essential skill and knowledge a website developer needs. The UI is focused on how a user interacts with the site. This includes design elements that include buttons, menus, and more.
UI elements also include navigational elements with easy interfaces. Calls to action are clear and lead site visitors to the next step. Intuitive and repeatable actions also make the experience more comfortable for the site user.
The elements are used to help site visitors through the website and have a smooth experience as they find information, shop, and more.
6) Excellent Communication Skills
When it comes to working with a web developer, it’s essential to find a developer who has excellent communication skills. They should be able to communicate and listen well when you explain what’s needed for the site, your ideas for certain elements on the site, and more. They should also be tactful when explaining why certain things are not possible.
You also want someone who can speak to you without having to use jargon. They should be able to use everyday language to communicate with you on all aspects of the website.
Communication skills also include returning phone calls, responding to emails quickly, and more.
7) Attention to Detail
An effective website isn’t built without paying attention to details. Design means making specific choices on elements, layout, colours and more. Every part of the design and functionality of your site requires attention to detail.
So, be sure to look for a web developer who pays close attention to every part of the design and the website building process.
8) Analytics
An excellent website developer will also understand the value and importance of data analytics. This means a web developer needs to understand the data needed to reach the target audience. They must develop knowledge about your target audience, know their pain points, what motivates them to act, and more.
In this way, you’ll have a fully functional website that draws the site visitors who will convert into paying customers.
9) Always Learning & Improving
One more skill a web developer needs is to constantly be learning and improving. The website development industry is continuously changing with new technology, software, and more. Trends are also important when it comes to keeping a website current. In order to be one of the best, a web developer must stay on top of these developments. They should never remain static but should be up to date with the current knowledge and trends.
Another point to remember here is that you also want a website developer who knows how to prioritise their work. Those who are not proficient in managing their time will end up with an endless line of projects that are never finished, missed deadlines, and more.
Summing It Up
When searching for the right developer, be sure to find one who meets the requirements covered in this post. Pay attention to those who have an excellent understanding of technology, programming, and more. Finally, look for a web developer who is easy to communicate with. This means one who has the ability to clearly communicate, responds quickly to emails/calls, and one who speaks to you in everyday language.
When you find the right person, you’ll feel comfortable and confident that your website will be beautiful and provide the functionalities your site users and customers require.