Have you ever wondered what happens behind the scenes when bringing a website to life? We certainly did, before we created our first web design project. It is a little bit like building a house… you build the foundations first, then the framework, followed by the finishing touches that transform it into something truly special.
The inspiration
The build starts with a simple notepad and a full coffee pot. We brainstorm every wild idea. Some will be brilliant, others not so much, but could spark a vital idea later. The website needs to reflect not just what the business is offering, but what the customer journey will be. We must remember visitors are not just buying products or services, they are buying into your story.
We spend hours scrolling through competitors’ sites, not to copy, but to understand what works and what doesn’t. The good ones will have something in common, they are not just functional but informative as well. Each element will have a clear role in guiding visitors where you need them to go.
From paper to screen
It is time to create a proper sitemap. This isn’t just a list of pages; it’s the blueprint for your digital shop front. Think of it like a supermarket and how they change where the bread is to keep visitors exploring what else they have to offer. We start by creating a basic list of what the website absolutely needs and go from there.
Next is the design phase. We are always learning new things every time we do a design! We discover that colours aren’t just decorative; they communicate emotions. (See previous blog on the psychology of colours.) Typography isn’t merely letters; it’s the voice of your brand. And white space isn’t always emptiness; it’s breathing room for your content.
Our developers know that responsive designs are not optional but are essential. With more than half of web traffic coming from mobiles, a site that looks rubbish on a phone is like having a shop with a door too small for customers to enter.
The Development
The development stage can feel like magic unfolding. HTML established the structure, CSS added style, and JavaScript brings everything to life. We also think about the content creation drafting, editing and rewriting until each word is placed correctly.
There are so many unseen elements when it comes to web design, Alt text for images, meta descriptions, proper heading hierarchy… all crucial for accessibility and search visibility. These behind-the-scenes components often determine whether your site succeeds or fails.
Selecting the right hosting provider is a lot more complicated than people think. It’s not just about finding the cheapest option; it’s about reliability, security and support. When your site goes down at 2 AM, you’ll be grateful for that 24/7 support line and backup.
We test everything obsessively. Links, forms and loading speeds are all scrutinised across different devices and browsers. It’s remarkable how many issues you can spot when you truly look.
The day we finally go live is as easy as a simple button click. But then the first visitor arrives, followed by another, and another. Suddenly, this digital shop we have created isn’t just a website; it’s a destination. Launching a website isn’t the end of the journey, it’s merely the beginning.
