Step by Step Web development process

STEP ONE: STRATEGISING & DESIGNING

After receiving the requirements, user & business goals from the client, the website structure & layout is strategized, keeping the goals in mind. The low fidelity wireframes are then designed for layout of the content, aligned to the client’s requirements. Next, the high fidelity wireframes are then presented which are a close representation of the elements on the visual design of the website.

Once all is approved, the prototype of the designs are then passed onto the development team to develop into a website.

STEP TWO: DEVELOPING THE WEBSITE

A website’s design is developed using HTML and CSS programming languages, which are the building blocks of the Internet. HTML provides the structure of the website, while CSS controls the visual layout and styling. Web Developers use these tools to specify the colors, fonts, margins, and other design elements to create visually stunning and user-friendly websites. By combining the power of both programming languages, developers can create dynamic and interactive websites that provide an excellent user experience. HTML & CSS are essential for any website development project and are widely used in the industry today.

STEP THREE: WORDPRESS VERSION

After the website design has been developed using HTML and CSS programming languages, the next step is to determine whether the website will be a dynamic/CMS website. If it is, then the developers will typically work on the WordPress version of the website. WordPress is a versatile platform that offers a range of customizable themes and plugins, making it easier to add functionality and features to the website. Moreover, developers use it particularly to create dynamic websites, such as blogs, news sites, and online stores, due to its range of tools for managing content, including publishing tools, search engine optimization (SEO) features, and social media integration.

STEP FOUR: RESPONSIVE DESIGN

As 55% of website users access websites from the comfort of their phones responsive web design has become a vital aspect of the website development process. When creating a responsive website, developers use a combination of flexible grids, layouts, images, and CSS media queries to adjust the website’s layout according to the device’s screen size. This ensures that the website’s content is easily accessible and readable, regardless of the device used to access it. It is important to note that creating a responsive website involves a lot of testing to ensure that the website’s layout and functionality work seamlessly across all devices. The website’s responsiveness also affects the user experience (UX), and ensuring that the website loads quickly and has intuitive navigation is essential. This step helps to ensure a website can increase its user engagement, reduce bounce rates, and improve search engine optimization (SEO) ranking. With a responsive website, businesses can ensure that their website remains accessible to their audience, regardless of their preferred device.

STEP FIVE: QUALITY ASSURANCE

After the responsive design process is implemented, the Quality assurance of the website is tested to ensure there are no issues or errors on the website. If there are any issues, they are identified and fixed during this process so that there are no errors on the website when it goes live. There are various tests conducted, some of which are functionality tests, usability tests, performance tests, and security tests. These tests are used to test various website elements such as the website’s load and speed time, security measures, and other features like links and buttons, etc. This step is essential to ensure the website is of high quality and meets the client’s needs and expectations.

STEP SIX: COMPATIBILITY

Compatibility testing is an essential step in the website development process, as it guarantees that the website will perform well across different browsers and platforms. Developers test the website’s compatibility with popular web browsers like Google Chrome, Safari, and Microsoft Edge. They may also test the website on less popular browsers to ensure that it works well across a range of browser types. This type of testing is not just limited to web browsers; it also includes testing on different operating systems like Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android. Since these operating systems have different functionalities they can affect the website’s performance and user experience. This step is critical as users have a wide range of device and browser preferences and ensures that the website can be accessed by as many users as possible, regardless of their device or browser preference. This can help increase the website’s traffic, user engagement, and ultimately, its success.

STEP SEVEN: DEPLOYMENT STAGE

The deployment stage is the final step of the website development process. After the website has undergone thorough testing and is deemed ready to go live, the developers will deploy it to the web server. This process involves uploading all of the website’s files, including HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and other multimedia files, to the web server. Once the website files are uploaded to the web server, the developers will link the domain name to the website’s files. This is done by setting up a domain name server (DNS) to direct traffic to the website’s files on the web server. After this is complete, users can access the website by typing in the domain name in their browser.

STEP EIGHT: MAINTENANCE CONTRACT

If the client has opted for a maintenance contract, the developers will continue to look after the website. This includes making any necessary updates or changes to the website’s content to keep it fresh and up-to-date. This may involve adding new pages, updating existing pages, or adding new functionality to the website. The developers will also monitor the website’s performance, ensuring that it is running smoothly and efficiently. Regular backups will also be taken to ensure that the website’s data is always protected in case of any unexpected issues. By providing ongoing maintenance, the developers ensure that the website remains secure, up-to-date, and fully functional for its users.