Use-friendly tools have simplified web design. However, just because someone can use a tool to put together and publish a website, it does not mean that he is a web designer. There is much more to it. Here are some basic things that a real web designer should know how to do.
One of the things that a web designer should know has nothing to do with design. It has to do with managing domains. A typical client who does not have a website often depends on the web designer for basic things like domain registration and securing a web host. As the designer, you will be the one managing your client’s domain, and these tasks are part of your responsibility.
A true web designer knows how to code in HTML. Although new tools have made it very easy to design a website without delving into the code, having that solid foundation in HTML is very helpful in troubleshooting a website. Knowing HTML gives you more flexibility in customization.
A good web designer knows to use HTML only for coding content and CSS for styling the content. The old way of styling a website using tables is no longer encouraged. You should build up your skills in styling your web pages with stylesheets.
An authoring tool like Dreamweaver makes coding easier. It allows you to work in code mode, in a graphical interface mode or in a combination of the two modes. You can make a template of a web page and reuse it to build additional pages, saving you time.
Keep in mind that a website may not display exactly the same across different browsers. It is important that you check your website using other browsers to make sure that your website is displaying properly. You may find that you have to tweak your website a little in order to have it look consistent in all of the major browsers.
A good designer is always mindful of the content on the web site. You should remind your client periodically to keep the content fresh. Users do not like to see old content. If they suspect that the content is out-dated or irrelevant, they will go somewhere and not likely return.
When you sit down with your client to discuss his website, first try to get an idea of what he wants his website to accomplish for him. Is it an informational site, or will he be selling something? Find out what his budget is. Ask him if he has seen other websites that he likes and why he likes them. This will give you some clue as to the design that your client will like.
If you want your web design business to succeed, you will have to make sure that you have a strong foundation in basics. Keep up with site building trends, and continue to learn new skills. You should think of ways to set yourself apart from the other designers. Follow the suggestions in this article, and before long, you will see your web business flourish.