The journey to becoming a proficient web developer is not as simple as it may seem. It requires more than just learning the basics; it requires dedication, hard work, and continuous learning. This journey can be likened to my experience in yacht racing in the Caribbean. Despite having sailed since I was 11, I discovered that I was merely a beginner in the world of yacht racing. The same applies to web development. While it's easy to learn HTML and create a basic website, mastering the art of web development is a whole different ball game.
As a retired digital engineer, psychologist, and computer guru, I thought I had all the tools necessary to become a web developer. However, after a year of running a website, I realized that I had invested thousands of hours studying various aspects of web development. This journey, though challenging, was necessary as I had to learn everything on my own due to financial constraints.
Web development is a complex task that requires knowledge in various areas. Over the past year, I have set up four different websites for different types of businesses, including a health advice site, a yacht company, a travel company, and a personal site. Each of these required a unique approach and a deep understanding of what I was selling.
Before setting up a website, it's crucial to understand what you're selling. This understanding will guide how you present your product on your website. Many people rush into creating a website using fancy editors like Front Page. While these editors make the process easy, they may not necessarily present your message in the best way possible.
Graphics play a crucial role in web development. However, if your graphics are too large and take too long to load, you risk losing potential customers. Therefore, it's essential to learn how to create effective and fast-loading graphics. For instance, my health advice site, Alternate Health, uses minimal graphics to ensure fast loading times. On the other hand, my yacht company site, SMG Yachts, uses more graphics as customers want to see the yachts being sold.
If you lack sales ability in writing and graphics, you'll need to learn more in this field or hire someone who does. Deciding on the best advertising method, whether it's paid ads, banners, ezines, or MLM's, requires more study or hiring a knowledgeable person.
A competent web developer is a multi-talented individual or team. They are experts in HTML, search engines, graphics, sales and marketing, technical writing, and software. There are many self-proclaimed web developers out there who charge exorbitant fees for flashy websites. However, the real question is, are these websites effective? Do they load fast? Are they making money for the owner? A competent web developer ensures that a website is not only visually appealing but also effective and profitable.
