When you find yourself contemplating creating custom, responsive web development solutions rather than cookie-cutter projects, you should seek to work with professional website developers, specifically those specializing in custom sites.
Whether you’re a growing startup or an enterprise organization, there are teams that can create truly one-of-a-kind websites tailored to the needs of your users. If your business has outgrown template website builders or you’re looking to architect a new enterprise application, custom website developers deliver unique, user-friendly, scalable solutions.
Below is a list of things your web teams should be considering and can answer questions relating to:
- Have a clear understanding of your requirements
Defining what your website needs to do and what it should look like to ensure a successful build is imperative.
- Start thinking about each component
When creating a website, it is vital to consider the components that make up the structure of the site, such as navigation, content, and structure/design.
- Divide your architecture into slices
Break down your website architecture into smaller chunks so that it’s easier to develop and manage each component without creating too much complexity.
- Prototype
Creating a prototype of your website to refine the design before committing to a complete development process is beneficial.
- Identify and quantify non-functional requirements
Non-functional requirements are features and characteristics that don’t directly facilitate the website’s purpose but are elements that should still be considered when being built, such as usability, security, and scalability.
- Visualize the design
Visualizing the design will ensure that all stakeholders have a shared understanding of the look and feel of the website before even one page is created.
- Don’t choose patterns
Try not to be tempted to use existing patterns for website design or development, as this could limit the creativity and flexibility of your website.
- Remember that the first design is only the first iteration
Once the website is built, there may still be iterations after feedback or user testing, such as adding features or tweaking the design.
- Keep boundaries and interfaces in mind
Design with internal and external boundaries in mind to ensure the website functions as intended and resolves any security issues.
- Include scalability considerations
When designing a website, consider scalability so that the website can grow and handle a large amount of traffic.
- Be prepared to use different programming languages
Different website components may need to be developed with different programming languages, such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
- Get feedback early and often
Getting feedback from users early and often can ensure they are satisfied with the website throughout the design and development process.
- Assess security risks
Security is key in website design and development, as hackers and other malicious actors could cause serious harm if the website is not secure.
- Plan for automated testing
Automated testing can help to identify issues quickly and efficiently.
- Make sure your design is maintainable
The website should be designed to be maintained and updated easily.
What are the three main components of application architecture?
Three-tier architecture is a well-established software application architecture that organizes applications into three logical and physical computing tiers: the presentation tier, or user interface; the application tier, where data is processed; and the data tier, where the data associated with the application is stored and managed.
The presentation tier is responsible for communicating with the user and receiving requests. The application tier processes the requests and generates the data. Finally, the data tier stores the data received from the application tier and ensures authorized users can access it.
These tiers can be subdivided into sub-layers containing the technology stack’s specifics, application program interface (API), and interactivity protocols. Ultimately, each layer should be designed to be as independent as possible so that changes to one tier will not necessarily affect the entire system architecture.
Again, your web teams should understand these components. So why should I (the business owner) care about any of this techie jargon? Let’s read on…
Why is application architecture important?
An application architecture helps ensure that applications are scalable, reliable and assists enterprises in identifying gaps in functionality. In general, application architecture defines how applications interact with entities such as middleware, databases, and other applications.
More specifically, they help us understand how everything comes together and, as such, let us make predictions on what will happen if developers make changes within the system. In other words, it’s a powerful asset in strategizing and planning. And because your website should perform as well as your best salespeople, especially in today’s market.
But still, why should a business owner have to know about technology functions that run their day-to-day business?
What technical skills does an entrepreneur need?
Some of the most successful companies have people running them who hold a solid knowledge of the technical functions that run their day-to-day business. This absolutely does not mean they have to actually perform all of these functions independently and not hire pros or outsource; quite the opposite. It is highly suggested to have the pros handle the following. Let’s look at a few of them that entrepreneurs and CEOs should possess a decent amount of knowledge in:
E-Management & Development: Entrepreneurs must have the technical competence to build and manage online businesses, such as developing websites, using e-commerce platforms, or working with digital applications. For example, an entrepreneur may need to know web programming languages like HTML, JavaScript, and CSS.
Writing & Content Description: Creating persuasive and interesting content is an integral part of success for online businesses. It’s not only about expressing ideas well but also about using language effectively to convey a message. Examples include creating websites, blogs, product descriptions, as well as marketing and public relations materials.
Social Media Marketing: Entrepreneurs need to master the art of using social networks to draw in potential customers. This entails understanding how to use platforms like Twitter and Facebook to create powerful campaigns and monitor their success. While we suggest you hire the pros, in this area it is best for the social media efforts to have a “voice” from someone within the company, not an outsider.
Digital Marketing: Digital marketing is the use of online tools, such as email, search engine marketing (SEM), and search engine optimization (SEO), to promote and advertise products and services. Examples include creating landing pages, launching pay-per-click campaigns, as well as utilizing the powerful SEO tactics and best practices.
Outsourcing: Means working with freelancers or contractors to get specific jobs done. An example of outsourcing could be hiring a freelance web developer to build a website or a copywriter to produce content for a blog.
Search Engine Optimization (SEO): SEO is the process of optimizing a website so that it ranks higher in search engine results pages. This involves optimizing a website’s code, structure, content, and external links to attract organic traffic.
Data Analysis: Spotting patterns in data and unlocking hidden insights from it is essential for entrepreneurs to make informed decisions. This requires a solid understanding of data analysis techniques such as linear regression and correlation analysis.
Graphic Design: Having a practical knowledge of graphic design is essential when creating compelling visuals for marketing materials and websites. Examples include creating logos, editing images, and creating digital art.
Remember, we are not suggesting that companies perform these complicated and essential tasks alone; always hire a pro if you do not have adequately trained teams geared toward these tasks specifically. Just be sure to have a basic knowledge of them.
How do you develop an application architecture?
In conclusion, if you are like many in the market facing that their business has outgrown their template website or looking to architect a new enterprise application, custom website developers deliver unique, user-friendly, scalable solutions. Hiring the pros is best.
