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11 Replies Last post: Sep 21, 2008 6:51 PM by DMIGUY

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Differences Between Web Developer and Web Designer

Aug 25, 2008 10:46 PM

Mogul

RongDesign 54 posts since
Jan 28, 2008

One of the most asked questions I get is what is the difference between a Web Designer and a Web Developer. When I'm not asked, I often hear one mistaken for the other. I thought I would throw a quick note up about the differences and what you ideally are looking for when building a web site.

Web Designer: A web designer is usually a web based graphic designer. They are very good at making great looking sites but usually have limited functionality so that the nicer graphics do not bog down the web site. If your company is looking to just give good information, while at the same time look very professional, a experienced web designer is the way to go.

Web Developer: A web developer is very important in this day of the Internet. If you seek an audience, that regularly visits and interacts with your web site, you will need a web developer. Web sites like YouTube, MySpace and CraigsList, that are not so much eye catching, were developed by great web developers. Web developers are required to continuously study and use coding languages like PHP, SQL, ASP.

Ideal Designer: The ideal choice is either a Web Designer who uses Dreamweaver and a lot of name brand name Extension that go with it or a Web Developer witha decent background in graphic design.

Thank You,
Dave Moore @
www.rongdesign.com
717-275-4454

Tags: advice, ecommerce, internet, hosting, online_marketing, online_sales, website_design Report as inappropriate

Professional

GBtechservice 5 posts since
Aug 22, 2008

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1. Re: Differences Between Web Developer and Web Designer Aug 26, 2008 7:27 AM

Very Well Said.

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SCORE

LUCKIEST 8,128 posts since
Aug 6, 2007

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2. Re: Differences Between Web Developer and Web Designer Aug 26, 2008 8:40 AM

Monday August 11, The Wall Street Journal had an article

"How to Create A Successful Web Site For Nothing"

It might be of interest to you, LUCKIEST

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Mogul

webmasters 40 posts since
Aug 4, 2008

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3. Re: Differences Between Web Developer and Web Designer Aug 26, 2008 10:17 AM

Hello Rong Design "Mr. Moore" you said it very well.

Some developers aren't designers and some designers aren't developers.
I learned the trade first using microsoft windows(TM) note pad then I discovered the html editor called" HTML KIt" created by chami at http://www.chami.com/ as I I knew nothing about Dreamweaver. Being in this business I'm glad to have learned the trade writing code by hand without visual aides.

-Webmaster
www.Siteprohosting.com
We wish you much success.

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Mogul

Iwrite 1,133 posts since
Dec 29, 2007

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4. Re: Differences Between Web Developer and Web Designer Aug 26, 2008 3:45 PM

Dave,

Thanks for the clarification. There is another solution: hire both to do what they are best at. I agree the two are not the same so why ask someone to do both jobs? I know plenty of people who can do both but after working with people who stick to their specialty, I have become a firm believer in hiring both. The costs are about the same if you bid the job out right, because both are being asked to do less work, and each is quicker at what they do best.

Why doesn't anyone ever mention the COPYWRITER?!! Great copy can make or break a site!! Just because you speak the language doesn't mean you are a good writer.

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Mogul

your_web_guy 68 posts since
Aug 4, 2008

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5. Re: Differences Between Web Developer and Web Designer Aug 26, 2008 4:39 PM

in response to: Iwrite

quite frankly i would love to know a good copywriter... that seems to always be the biggest sticking point for almost all my clients. If they dont have a website, then they take for *EVER *to come up with the content of the site. I have a good photographer, a good graphic designer, a good developer and i am good at coordinating them, but copy/content is always a beeting.

In other words, if you are a copywriter looking for work, i cant promise anything, but it has come up in the past and i am sure will come up in the future so gimme your info to keep on file.

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Professional

contessastern 3 posts since
Aug 26, 2008

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6. Re: Differences Between Web Developer and Web Designer Aug 26, 2008 4:57 PM

I hope everyone who is looking to create a website reads this post. My husband and I web designers not copy editors. I am surprised at the number of clients we receive who want us to design their website and supply their content as well. We are now going to hire a copy editor to work along side us for clients who really need a professional to write their content. I've only been on the site 10 minutes and I've already found solutions that will help our company grow.
Thx
Contessa

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Mogul

Iwrite 1,133 posts since
Dec 29, 2007

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7. Re: Differences Between Web Developer and Web Designer Aug 26, 2008 5:51 PM

in response to: your_web_guy

I want to be clear, I wasn't trying to solict work but I feel it is a huge mistake to not hire someone to write your copy. Just like taking your own photos is a bad idea except if you are a photographer.

Yes, good copy can be hard. Bad copy is a lot easier.

If you want to see some samples, email me at dereklw@mail.com

I try not to list clients here.

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Mogul

your_web_guy 68 posts since
Aug 4, 2008

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8. Re: Differences Between Web Developer and Web Designer Aug 26, 2008 5:55 PM

in response to: Iwrite

in all actuality... i didnt even realize you were a copywriter when i posted so no harm done LOL

it was just a very good idea and i am more than interested in finding out more about your stuff. i will hit you with an email right now

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Mogul

bigcloudmedia 50 posts since
Aug 22, 2008

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9. Re: Differences Between Web Developer and Web Designer Sep 21, 2008 6:23 PM

Those differences between a designer and developer are what made me get into databases and website functionality, in addition to the actual design.

I learned from the ground up writing webpages in txt files. I have now graduated to more developed programs for writing websites but I still hand-code my sites. I prefer hand coding to building just using programs becuase for me it allows for more flexibility and an in depth knowledge of how the code works.

I build my pages to last. That being said, I code them by hand and I test them thoroughly before publishing.

I started off being a designer and then moved into the realm of development. Balancing the two is rewarding but requires twice as much work. It is quite rewarding though for the customer and the designer when both mesh together to create something cool looking and functional.

Koji Flowers
Big Cloud Media
kflowers@bigcloudmedia.com
210-373-7352

If you are interested in webservices go to www.bigcloudmedia.com and check us out.

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Mogul

DMIGUY 82 posts since
May 14, 2008

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10. Re: Differences Between Web Developer and Web Designer Sep 21, 2008 6:45 PM

Thanks Dave,

I sent you two emails and even one to you website requesting a proposal for developing a site for me. I assume you are too busy marketing on SBOC to bother, so perhaps you can recommend someone else.

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Mogul

DMIGUY 82 posts since
May 14, 2008

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11. Re: Differences Between Web Developer and Web Designer Sep 21, 2008 6:51 PM

in response to: Iwrite

Iwrite, you are so so right. The only way SEO works is if the Content is precise and sells the point, so content must come first.

Generally, people will just say what they want to hear, not what their end user needs to hear. Find a web designer/developer that also knows content, and you have the whole package. Or get a copy writer first.

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