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Website Development

Content Management Systems

Front-End Development

Back-End Development

Web Design Tips

ARTICLE #126

Website Development: In-depth guide for beginners

web development for beginners
web development for beginners

Website Development

Content Management Systems

Front-End Development

Back-End Development

Web Design Tips

Website Development

Website Development

Content Management Systems

Front-End Development

Front-End Development

Back-End Development

Back-End Development

Web Design Tips

Written by:

5 min read

Updated on: October 21, 2024

Toni Hukkanen

Head of Design

Creative Direction, Brand Direction

Toni Hukkanen

Head of Design

Creative Direction, Brand Direction

Building a website without a plan is a bit like driving in heavy fog—yes, you are moving, but you are never quite certain where you’ll end up. While HTML, CSS, and JavaScript give shape to how we experience the internet, the truly pivotal steps happen long before any code is typed. In fact, preliminary information gathering, thoughtful planning, and post-launch maintenance often make the difference between a forgettable site and one that actually fuels your business goals.

Website development consists of everything from selecting the perfect domain name to constructing your site’s front-end and back-end. Yet, for many business owners, this starting phase can feel daunting. That’s why we’ve laid out eight essential steps—so you can tackle each stage methodically and build a site that’s functional, engaging, and set up for long-term success.

Building a website without a plan is a bit like driving in heavy fog—yes, you are moving, but you are never quite certain where you’ll end up. While HTML, CSS, and JavaScript give shape to how we experience the internet, the truly pivotal steps happen long before any code is typed. In fact, preliminary information gathering, thoughtful planning, and post-launch maintenance often make the difference between a forgettable site and one that actually fuels your business goals.

Website development consists of everything from selecting the perfect domain name to constructing your site’s front-end and back-end. Yet, for many business owners, this starting phase can feel daunting. That’s why we’ve laid out eight essential steps—so you can tackle each stage methodically and build a site that’s functional, engaging, and set up for long-term success.

What is website development?

What is website development?

Website development is the process of creating and maintaining websites using languages and tools like HTML, PHP, JavaScript, and Content Management Systems (CMS). It’s the technical side that ensures everything actually works behind the scenes. Web design, by contrast, is about the site’s appearance and user experience.

Well-executed web development directly affects your bottom line: it leads to high-performance sites that convert visitors into paying customers—or at least keep them from hitting the back button too quickly.

Website development is the process of creating and maintaining websites using languages and tools like HTML, PHP, JavaScript, and Content Management Systems (CMS). It’s the technical side that ensures everything actually works behind the scenes. Web design, by contrast, is about the site’s appearance and user experience.

Well-executed web development directly affects your bottom line: it leads to high-performance sites that convert visitors into paying customers—or at least keep them from hitting the back button too quickly.

Three main types of web development

There are different types of website development. Some developers work on the user interface, some on the code for a website's functionality, and others on all parts of a website. Each web developer focuses on different aspects of development, but one thing they all have in common is code.

1. Front-end development

This is the customer-facing portion—what people see and click when they visit a site. Front-end developers (often also called web designers) handle HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to determine how content is laid out, how buttons behave, and all those shiny animations. They might also use tools like Photoshop or Figma to fine-tune visuals and prototypes.

2. Back-end development

Back-end developers work behind the curtain, focusing on the server side. They build and maintain the technology that processes user requests (like logging in or saving personal preferences). They typically use languages such as Python, Ruby, or .NET and ensure everything runs smoothly—even if you can’t see it.

3. Full-stack development

Full-stack devs do a bit of both, switching between front-end tasks (like ensuring pages look sharp) and back-end tasks (like database queries). They’re the jack-of-all-trades, able to solve problems at any layer of the development stack.

There are different types of website development. Some developers work on the user interface, some on the code for a website's functionality, and others on all parts of a website. Each web developer focuses on different aspects of development, but one thing they all have in common is code.

1. Front-end development

This is the customer-facing portion—what people see and click when they visit a site. Front-end developers (often also called web designers) handle HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to determine how content is laid out, how buttons behave, and all those shiny animations. They might also use tools like Photoshop or Figma to fine-tune visuals and prototypes.

2. Back-end development

Back-end developers work behind the curtain, focusing on the server side. They build and maintain the technology that processes user requests (like logging in or saving personal preferences). They typically use languages such as Python, Ruby, or .NET and ensure everything runs smoothly—even if you can’t see it.

3. Full-stack development

Full-stack devs do a bit of both, switching between front-end tasks (like ensuring pages look sharp) and back-end tasks (like database queries). They’re the jack-of-all-trades, able to solve problems at any layer of the development stack.

The 8 essential steps of the website development process

Handling web development projects without a clear process can feel like assembling a puzzle without knowing what the final picture looks like. A clear process and breaking down tasks into manageable steps can turn even a chaotic project into an organised and enjoyable one. Here is the step-by-step website development process that can prevent you from feeling overburdened.

1. Defining your project

Every successful website begins with a clear vision. If your team doesn’t grasp the site’s primary goal—making money, sharing info, or both—expect more confusion than clarity down the line. And don’t forget your audience: Are they university students, retirees, eco-conscious shoppers, or tech aficionados? The more you know about them—age range, interests, spending habits—the easier it’ll be to shape not only the design but also the content. So gather your team, ask the right questions, and pin down the specific aims. Once everyone understands the grand plan, you’ll avoid those dreaded “Wait, this was supposed to do what?” moments later.

2. Plan the entire process

At this point, think of yourself as the project’s architect. Everything from choosing which tech stack you’ll use, to deciding how tasks will be assigned, should be mapped out here. It’s not the sexiest stage, but it’s absolutely vital. This is also when you’ll tackle sitemaps, wireframes, and overall layout designs. If your entire team has a shared vision of how many pages the site needs, which functionalities are a must-have, and what the timeline looks like, you’ll sidestep future headaches. You might not get everything perfect on the first try, but a solid plan puts you way ahead of the game.

3. Building the back-end

The backend might feel like the “mysterious underbelly” of web development, where code and databases hang out and make the site actually work. Essentially, the backend ensures the front end runs smoothly. Databases handle data storage, while servers ferry that data to and from users. It’s a lot like a well-oiled machine—visitors click something, a request goes off, the database finds what’s needed, and the server sends it back. If your site only shows static info and never asks visitors to do anything fancy, you might skip a lot of this complexity. But for most modern sites, a robust backend is the unsung hero keeping everything afloat.

4. Building the front-end

If the back end is the engine, the front end is the shiny exterior everyone admires. This is where HTML, CSS, and JavaScript unite to craft a site’s look, feel, and usability. Ever toyed with WordPress or Squarespace? Then you’ve dabbled in front-end development. Fonts, colours, page layout—basically, everything a user clicks on or sees. Since trends change at breakneck speed (remember when neon colours and flashy animations were cool… for about five minutes?), expect to update the frontend more often than the backend if you want to keep users interested and your site looking fresh.

5. Using a CMS (Optional)

For those who’d rather skip intricate coding, a Content Management System (CMS) can lighten the load. It’s not as flexible as custom development—think “boxed brownie mix” versus “from-scratch recipe”—but it’s way simpler. Popular CMS options like WordPress, Magento, or HubSpot let you spin up pages, manage user data, and even handle e-commerce with a few clicks. Plug-ins offer easy ways to expand functionality, and you’ll spend more time planning content and less time wrestling with code. Just be mindful that this convenience can come at the cost of some customization.

6. Plan and create your content

What’s the point of a gorgeous layout if nothing is compelling to read or view? Content planning often happens alongside other stages, but it deserves its own spotlight. Strong, concise writing—paired with calls to action that actually make people want to engage—is gold. Whether you are listing product features, explaining your company’s story, or offering blog insights, aim to impress visitors enough that they stick around. Also, if you already have written content, this is the time to refine it so it’s ready to slot into the new site.

7. Test before launch

No matter how talented your developers are, there’s a chance something will slip through the cracks—like a broken link or a wonky display in an outdated browser. That’s why testing is non-negotiable. A thorough, systematic check ensures each page loads correctly on different devices, everything is user-friendly, and your SEO basics (page titles, descriptions) are set. A good Quality Assurance team also has an uncanny ability to find problems no one else noticed. Listen to them. They’ll help you squash bugs and fix issues so you can launch with confidence rather than dread.

8. Ongoing maintenance

Here’s a hard truth: a website isn’t “done” just because it’s live. Think of it as a continuous service that needs ongoing care. You’ll want to keep tabs on performance, update plugins or software, and respond to user feedback. Neglecting maintenance might drive visitors to a competitor’s site if yours starts to feel clunky or outdated. Keep the lines of communication open—collect feedback and act on it quickly. That way, you show both users and search engines that your site is alive, kicking, and worth their time.

Website security

Yes, security can sound alarmist—until your site ends up plastered with spam links or your customer database leaks into the wild. From denial-of-service attacks to malicious hackers, there’s a world of threats out there. Implementing secure frameworks, maintaining strong passwords, and using HTTPS are just some of the layers of protection that can shield your site from these unwelcome guests. Thankfully, many web development tools come with built-in security features, meaning you don’t have to reinvent the wheel. A bit of diligence can go a long way toward safeguarding your reputation and your users’ peace of mind.

Handling web development projects without a clear process can feel like assembling a puzzle without knowing what the final picture looks like. A clear process and breaking down tasks into manageable steps can turn even a chaotic project into an organised and enjoyable one. Here is the step-by-step website development process that can prevent you from feeling overburdened.

1. Defining your project

Every successful website begins with a clear vision. If your team doesn’t grasp the site’s primary goal—making money, sharing info, or both—expect more confusion than clarity down the line. And don’t forget your audience: Are they university students, retirees, eco-conscious shoppers, or tech aficionados? The more you know about them—age range, interests, spending habits—the easier it’ll be to shape not only the design but also the content. So gather your team, ask the right questions, and pin down the specific aims. Once everyone understands the grand plan, you’ll avoid those dreaded “Wait, this was supposed to do what?” moments later.

2. Plan the entire process

At this point, think of yourself as the project’s architect. Everything from choosing which tech stack you’ll use, to deciding how tasks will be assigned, should be mapped out here. It’s not the sexiest stage, but it’s absolutely vital. This is also when you’ll tackle sitemaps, wireframes, and overall layout designs. If your entire team has a shared vision of how many pages the site needs, which functionalities are a must-have, and what the timeline looks like, you’ll sidestep future headaches. You might not get everything perfect on the first try, but a solid plan puts you way ahead of the game.

3. Building the back-end

The backend might feel like the “mysterious underbelly” of web development, where code and databases hang out and make the site actually work. Essentially, the backend ensures the front end runs smoothly. Databases handle data storage, while servers ferry that data to and from users. It’s a lot like a well-oiled machine—visitors click something, a request goes off, the database finds what’s needed, and the server sends it back. If your site only shows static info and never asks visitors to do anything fancy, you might skip a lot of this complexity. But for most modern sites, a robust backend is the unsung hero keeping everything afloat.

4. Building the front-end

If the back end is the engine, the front end is the shiny exterior everyone admires. This is where HTML, CSS, and JavaScript unite to craft a site’s look, feel, and usability. Ever toyed with WordPress or Squarespace? Then you’ve dabbled in front-end development. Fonts, colours, page layout—basically, everything a user clicks on or sees. Since trends change at breakneck speed (remember when neon colours and flashy animations were cool… for about five minutes?), expect to update the frontend more often than the backend if you want to keep users interested and your site looking fresh.

5. Using a CMS (Optional)

For those who’d rather skip intricate coding, a Content Management System (CMS) can lighten the load. It’s not as flexible as custom development—think “boxed brownie mix” versus “from-scratch recipe”—but it’s way simpler. Popular CMS options like WordPress, Magento, or HubSpot let you spin up pages, manage user data, and even handle e-commerce with a few clicks. Plug-ins offer easy ways to expand functionality, and you’ll spend more time planning content and less time wrestling with code. Just be mindful that this convenience can come at the cost of some customization.

6. Plan and create your content

What’s the point of a gorgeous layout if nothing is compelling to read or view? Content planning often happens alongside other stages, but it deserves its own spotlight. Strong, concise writing—paired with calls to action that actually make people want to engage—is gold. Whether you are listing product features, explaining your company’s story, or offering blog insights, aim to impress visitors enough that they stick around. Also, if you already have written content, this is the time to refine it so it’s ready to slot into the new site.

7. Test before launch

No matter how talented your developers are, there’s a chance something will slip through the cracks—like a broken link or a wonky display in an outdated browser. That’s why testing is non-negotiable. A thorough, systematic check ensures each page loads correctly on different devices, everything is user-friendly, and your SEO basics (page titles, descriptions) are set. A good Quality Assurance team also has an uncanny ability to find problems no one else noticed. Listen to them. They’ll help you squash bugs and fix issues so you can launch with confidence rather than dread.

8. Ongoing maintenance

Here’s a hard truth: a website isn’t “done” just because it’s live. Think of it as a continuous service that needs ongoing care. You’ll want to keep tabs on performance, update plugins or software, and respond to user feedback. Neglecting maintenance might drive visitors to a competitor’s site if yours starts to feel clunky or outdated. Keep the lines of communication open—collect feedback and act on it quickly. That way, you show both users and search engines that your site is alive, kicking, and worth their time.

Website security

Yes, security can sound alarmist—until your site ends up plastered with spam links or your customer database leaks into the wild. From denial-of-service attacks to malicious hackers, there’s a world of threats out there. Implementing secure frameworks, maintaining strong passwords, and using HTTPS are just some of the layers of protection that can shield your site from these unwelcome guests. Thankfully, many web development tools come with built-in security features, meaning you don’t have to reinvent the wheel. A bit of diligence can go a long way toward safeguarding your reputation and your users’ peace of mind.

Types of websites you can develop

You can develop different types of websites to serve a unique purpose. Each type has its specific design and functional needs depending on its audience and overall goals. Some of the most common types of website development are mentioned below.

  1. eCommerce Site: Perfect for selling products—requires strong payment security and a user-friendly shopping interface. The Spice Suite is a real-life ecommerce website example that sells gourmet spices, herbs, and infused oil.

  2. Blog or News Site: Share articles, podcasts, or videos on any topic imaginable. Perplexity Blog, made with Framer, is a perfect example of a blog website.

  3. Business Website: Your digital calling card if you are not planning to sell online. Great for establishing credibility. A good example is Animal Music Studios, which provides music composition, audio mixing, and sound design services.

  4. Personal Website: Show off your CV, accomplishments, or creative portfolio. Jey Austin is a good example of a personal website that informs visitors of its creator's originality. It belongs to a senior product designer and illustrator, Jey Austin.

  5. Portfolio: Tiger Woods, a global icon of golf, keeps his online portfolio stripped back and focused on his other ventures—TGR Design, TGR Foundation, TGR Live, and The Woods. Minimal in black and white, the site becomes colorful only when you hover, guiding you seamlessly to dedicated pages. The drop-down navigation points users to more detailed content, showing that sometimes less is more—even when you’re Tiger Woods.

You can develop different types of websites to serve a unique purpose. Each type has its specific design and functional needs depending on its audience and overall goals. Some of the most common types of website development are mentioned below.

  1. eCommerce Site: Perfect for selling products—requires strong payment security and a user-friendly shopping interface. The Spice Suite is a real-life ecommerce website example that sells gourmet spices, herbs, and infused oil.

  2. Blog or News Site: Share articles, podcasts, or videos on any topic imaginable. Perplexity Blog, made with Framer, is a perfect example of a blog website.

  3. Business Website: Your digital calling card if you are not planning to sell online. Great for establishing credibility. A good example is Animal Music Studios, which provides music composition, audio mixing, and sound design services.

  4. Personal Website: Show off your CV, accomplishments, or creative portfolio. Jey Austin is a good example of a personal website that informs visitors of its creator's originality. It belongs to a senior product designer and illustrator, Jey Austin.

  5. Portfolio: Tiger Woods, a global icon of golf, keeps his online portfolio stripped back and focused on his other ventures—TGR Design, TGR Foundation, TGR Live, and The Woods. Minimal in black and white, the site becomes colorful only when you hover, guiding you seamlessly to dedicated pages. The drop-down navigation points users to more detailed content, showing that sometimes less is more—even when you’re Tiger Woods.

Frequently Asked Questions

How important are site responsiveness and mobile-friendliness?

Extremely important. Most people browse on phones or tablets, so your site must look and function well on all screen sizes. Search engines like Google also factor mobile-friendliness into their rankings, meaning a non-responsive site could hurt your visibility. 

Do I really need to test my website before launching it?

Definitely. Testing catches issues—broken links, slow load times, odd layouts—that could frustrate users. Check how your site behaves on different devices and browsers. Also look for spelling errors, missing images, or forms that aren’t submitted properly. A thorough test run helps you launch with fewer headaches down the road.

How much does professional website development cost?

Costs vary widely. A small personal site might be affordable with DIY tools, while a custom-built eCommerce platform can run into thousands of dollars. The factors influencing cost include site complexity, needed features, design customization, and whether you hire freelancers or agencies.

Final Thoughts

Building a website isn’t a set-it-and-forget-it affair; it’s more like adopting a pet that needs regular attention and the occasional checkup. Once you’ve gone live, the real work begins—user feedback rolls in, new trends emerge, and your own goals might shift. Staying nimble and open to upgrades helps you snuff out potential issues before they snowball into big problems. Consider your site as a living entity that evolves with your audience, aligns with the times, and remains fully in your control. That’s how you avoid becoming just another forgettable corner of the internet and instead turn your website into a dynamic tool that genuinely propels your business forward.

Frequently Asked Questions

How important are site responsiveness and mobile-friendliness?

Extremely important. Most people browse on phones or tablets, so your site must look and function well on all screen sizes. Search engines like Google also factor mobile-friendliness into their rankings, meaning a non-responsive site could hurt your visibility. 

Do I really need to test my website before launching it?

Definitely. Testing catches issues—broken links, slow load times, odd layouts—that could frustrate users. Check how your site behaves on different devices and browsers. Also look for spelling errors, missing images, or forms that aren’t submitted properly. A thorough test run helps you launch with fewer headaches down the road.

How much does professional website development cost?

Costs vary widely. A small personal site might be affordable with DIY tools, while a custom-built eCommerce platform can run into thousands of dollars. The factors influencing cost include site complexity, needed features, design customization, and whether you hire freelancers or agencies.

Final Thoughts

Building a website isn’t a set-it-and-forget-it affair; it’s more like adopting a pet that needs regular attention and the occasional checkup. Once you’ve gone live, the real work begins—user feedback rolls in, new trends emerge, and your own goals might shift. Staying nimble and open to upgrades helps you snuff out potential issues before they snowball into big problems. Consider your site as a living entity that evolves with your audience, aligns with the times, and remains fully in your control. That’s how you avoid becoming just another forgettable corner of the internet and instead turn your website into a dynamic tool that genuinely propels your business forward.

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Work with us

Click to copy

work@for.co

  • FOR® Brand. FOR® Future.

We’re remote-first — with strategic global hubs

Click to copy

Helsinki, FIN

info@for.fi

Click to copy

New York, NY

ny@for.co

Click to copy

Miami, FL

mia@for.co

Click to copy

Dubai, UAE

uae@for.co

Click to copy

Kyiv, UA

kyiv@for.co

Click to copy

Lagos, NG

lagos@for.ng

Copyright © 2024 FOR®

Cookie Settings

Work with us

Click to copy

work@for.co

We’re remote-first — with strategic global hubs

Click to copy

Helsinki, FIN

hel@for.co

Click to copy

New York, NY

ny@for.co

Click to copy

Miami, FL

mia@for.co

Click to copy

Dubai, UAE

uae@for.co

Click to copy

Kyiv, UA

kyiv@for.co

Click to copy

Lagos, NG

lagos@for.ng

Copyright © 2024 FOR®

Cookie Settings