5 Job Duties of a Web Designer
Web Designer Job Duties
• Designing Webpage Layout
• Writing and Editing Content
• Determining Technical Requirements
• Updating Websites
• Fixing Code Problems
There are many job duties of a Web designer because creating a website involves more than just drawing a design. While some website are created for fun and entertainment, the majority of them are created for online businesses trying to make some money, which requires an effective website. Although Web design is a fairly new industry, it’s one that’s become increasingly popular the last decade. There are many Web design programs available to teach students the ins and outs of being a Web designer. Here are 5 job duties of a Web designer.
Designing Webpage Layout
The first part of Web designing is determining the layout and what the client or designer wants on the website and how it should look when finished. There is usually a combination of graphics, letters, numbers, designs and animations that go into the entire creation of a website. The Web designer needs to determine what will all be used. For instance, if the designer is creating a website for children, the designer will be looking for bright colors and things that will attract a child. This part of Web designing is almost like the thinking process where the designer decides what he or she will all put on the page. At this point, the designer might create some sample sites for comparison purposes.
Writing and Editing Content
Once the Web designer has determined what he or she wants the website to look like, the process of writing the content on the side begins. Everything on a website is written in some kind of code. The Web designer and Web developer, which may be one in the same, turn the designs, graphics and wordings into a code using computer programming. The Web designer should have a good knowledge of SEO so the site can be built in such a way that it can be easily found in a website search.
Determining Technical Requirements
Putting together a website is a little more complicated than just writing codes and entering them on the site. There are certain technical requirements that must be met. If the website is relying on a specific host, the Web designer must be aware of the host’s requirements and specifications, such as available space, fees, CMS management, servers, security options, among other things. Every site is different and will be treated as such. The designs that are put on the website must coincide with the site’s technical requirements.
Updating Websites
This part is almost as important as actually creating the website. If the designer is creating a website to sell products, the site should be as current as possible. If a potential customer comes to the site and sees a sale that expired a month ago, that customer may think the site is inactive and not come back again. Websites should be updated frequently so they always have the freshest and latest content and attractions. Changing and updating the content frequently also keeps it visually appealing. U.S. News & World Report states that Web designers must be knowledgeable of the latest designing software if they expect to be competitive.
Fixing Code Problems
Sometimes, things just go amuck for no reason at all, and this can be the case with coding. A website that works today may not work tomorrow, and the designer may need to fix coding problems. Since everything is written in code, almost any problem that needs fixing is going to require fixing the codes. Whether this means validating the HTML, Java or CMS or just testing it in different browsers, something needs to be fixed. Some Web designers find it easier and less time-consuming to just erase things and start over than to try to find the error.
Conclusion
As long as there is the Internet, there will be a need for qualified Web designers. Salary.com reports that the average annual salary for Web designers was $65,601 as of February 2023. With the Internet such a large part of our daily lives, many individuals are choosing to become Web designers. Knowing the job duties of a Web designer can help an aspiring student decide if this is a career he or she wants.
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