Web Design Vs. Web Development

As a member of BNI (Business Network International), we are required, every 6 months or so, to give a 10 minute feature presentation. This is designed to give other members a better understanding as to what we do as a company. One key point that came up was Web Design Vs. Web Development. What is the difference between the two, aren’t they the same thing?

The answer is no, they are not the same thing! Why?

Because, a web designer could have no idea how to build a website. The same way that a web developer wouldn’t know how to design. It is a bit like asking a builder to do some plumbing. In most cases they will know their way around a pipe or two. But they won’t have the expertise or experience you would get from a plumber. Someone who has specialised themselves to fit a specific need.

As a company West Norfolk Web Design can fulfill both aspects; Web Design and Development – and we are one of the few agencies in the area to complete our web development in house. You can read more about this on our Web Design & Development page. Therefore we are time and time again being asked to fix or redevelop websites created by others.

Pre-purchased themes is not web development

Problems normally arise when a web company starts using pre-purchased themes. Trying to bodge one of these to meet a clients requirements is always going to be bad news. Why? Because the theme was designed for a specific industry/purpose. Not necessarily for the business it was sold to as a designed and developed website.

If you are paying for a service, you want it done properly and bespoke to your business. If you went to an architect to design and house, just for them to copy + paste a design previously done for someone else, you wouldn’t be happy. And your websites should be exactly the same, bespoke to YOU!