One of the questions that I get a lot as a graphic designer is if I build/design/develop/make websites. And the short answer is ‘yes.’ I can build you a website. I possess a basic set of skills and understanding that allows me to create a functioning website for my clients.

HOWEVER…Would you ask your mechanic to fix your plumbing? Or gardener to cook you a gourmet meal?  I don’t think so…

There are some aspects of each job that do overlap. Cooking requires herbs and a gardener can grow them, but that doesn’t mean he knows how to grill the perfect steak.

Web development and design do go hand in hand, they are both important to make a cohesive website. There are all sorts of misconceptions about graphic design. expecting your designer to be a web development expert is one of them.

Websites are a funny thing, it is absolutely crucial that your website reflect your companies brand. And I don’t mean just your logo. For sure, you should include your logo design on your website. But, there’s so much more branding that still needs to happen for your website to be successful.

Make sure the colors you use and fonts you choose follow your companies brand standards. Choose a layout that is easy to navigate and draws in your viewer. Even the words you write are a big part of your branding. It’s best to work with a content marketing specialist to ensure that what you’re saying is what your clients want to hear, and are looking for!

Think of your website as a race car. The outside shell of the car should be immediately recognizable, it should communicate who the driver is, what kind of car it is and who sponsors the team. The skin of the car is just one piece of the puzzle, though. The car can’t work (or win!) just because it looks good, it has to work, too.

All those functional bits are under the hood. When you lift off the body of the car, there are all sorts of interconnected, moving pieces. Things are connected and driven by other parts. Behind the design of a website should be all of the functional pieces that make it work like it’s supposed to.

Websites are the same way. Web developers are experts at making the site functional. But that doesn’t mean it’s recognizable.

On the flip side, some designers can piece together a website and it will look amazing, but that doesn’t mean it works in the most efficient way possible.

In order to provide my clients with the best website possible, I have teamed up with expert web developer, Laurie, over at Simply Styled Sites. She takes my custom, static web designs and layouts and turns them into interactive and engaging, websites that blow me away!

A better website means better client experience, higher ROI and a huge advantage over your competitors.

Remember, your website is often one of the first things that your target audience has an interaction with. There’s a laundry list of things that your website should accomplish in order to help your business be successful. Put your best foot forward online by working with an expert graphic designer + web developer duo. The combination of skills can boost your website to the next level, help build credibility and establish a strong brand for your business.

We’re passionate about web development and design and we’re always excited to meet new, ambitious business owners. If you need more information on how a custom built, custom branded website can improve your business and help you reach your ideal client, contact us!