Hello there, future internet conquerors!
We’re living in a digital age where even your local mom-and-pop corner store probably has some sort of online presence. Maybe it’s an Instagram account with pictures of daily specials or a full-blown website where you can order your favorite loaf of bread for home delivery. Wherever you look, businesses small and large are harnessing the power of the internet to reel in more customers, supply better service and grow their brands.
It’s fantastic, it’s exciting, but when you’re on the business side of things, it can also be a little mystifying. Online growth often comes hand-in-hand with a barrage of daunting buzzwords and technical jargon- API, HTML, Javascript, UX/UI, SEO… it’s enough to make your head spin!
Our mission for today’s blog? Take the mystery and fear out of one of these crucial digital buzzwords- web development.
What is Web Development?
If you’ve mustered the courage to dabble in the digital realm, you’ve probably heard the term ‘web development’. But what exactly does this involve?
At its most basic level, web development refers to building, creating, and maintaining websites. It’s the nuts and bolts behind your beautiful online storefront, your booking system or, for that matter, any other web-based application you may be using for your business.
Web development can be divided into two main areas – front-end (the bits the users can see) and back-end (the magic behind the scenes that makes the front-end bits work smoothly). A well-skilled full-stack developer can handle both ends with finesse.
Sound complex? Maybe to begin with, but just like any other skill, with information, understanding and learning comes power – and in business, power often translates to success.
Why is Web Development Important in Modern Business?
Now that you’ve got a handle on the basics, let’s delve straight into the ‘whats-in-it-for-me?’ part i.e., why is web development vital for your business?
Credibility and Trust
In a survey from the Pew Research Center, nearly 60% of respondents said they expect a business to have an online presence. Today, a professionally developed website is a non-negotiable credibility stamp. It lets customers know that you’re serious and trustworthy.
Improve Accessibility and Reach
Having a website opens the door to anyone, anywhere, at any time. A good web developer can ensure your site is optimized for mobile devices, thereby vastly increasing your reach.
Better Customer Service
A well-designed and developed website can provide a platform for customers to easily access information about your products or services, ask questions, make bookings, or resolve issues— saving both you and your customers valuable time.
Boost Sales
Through effective web development practices, you can guide visitors down a strategically crafted sales funnel garnering more leads and thus more sales.
How to Harness the Power of Web Development
So, now you know why web development is a must-have skill for modern businesses, what’s next?
Outsource to Professionals
If you don’t have the time to learn it yourself, a professional web development company can prove invaluable. They have the experience, skills, and tools to create an interactive, well-functioning site that’s aesthetically pleasing and user-friendly.
Do-It-Yourself (DIY)
If you’re up for a challenge and ready to learn, there are countless online resources at your disposal. Sites like Codecademy, Udemy and freeCodeCamp offer tutorials on various languages and aspects of web development.
Hire In-House
If your business is heavily reliant on your website, it might be worth investing in a full or part-time in-house web developer. They can work closely with you to ensure that your site continues to evolve with your business and meets all your needs.
Generally, a combination of all three can be the best approach. Use professionals and in-house staff for the bigger things, and upskill yourself a little in web development to understand the names of the ropes.
Conclusion
In this digital age, a stunning, smoothly functioning website is the lifeblood of successful businesses. It’s no longer enough to simply exist online. You need to provide informed web-based solutions that meet your customers’ needs and exceed their expectations.
Remember, the web isn’t some tangled, convoluted beast; it’s a powerful tool that you can harness. Web development may seem daunting at first, but understanding its basics and relevance is the first step towards leveraging it for your business. It’s about time to conquer your digital destiny – happy web development!