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[rankings-table term=”development” number=number-development” table-rows=”50″]
Find the Best Web Development Company for You
Hiring a professional web development company is an honorable step when growing your brand or business. If you need help from the experts, here are the top web development companies to reach out to for incomparable results.
What Services do the Best Web Development Companies Provide?
Web development is critical backend-focused work when launching websites and digital platforms. Whenever someone has an idea for a new website, app, or software, developers fill the most essential role in making it happen.
There are so many things that go into web development. Agencies provide various services depending on what your project needs.
Types of Web Development Technology
What goes into web development? It’s a lot more than dragging and dropping visual elements onto a web page.
Web Development Code
The basics of web development is code. HTML, CSS, and JavaScript are the main three, with multiple subcategories branching out from each other. Coding is the “alphabet” of letters, numbers, and symbols that make up the various programming languages of web development.
Web development firms use code to build websites in two ways: languages and frameworks.
Programming Languages
Web developers’ job is to tell computer systems what to do. Just like human languages, there are different types of computer programming languages, all of which developers have varying preferences over. Some of these languages include:
Web Development Frameworks
Web development frameworks are like templates or “recipes” web developers can use to efficiently build new types of programs (or in this case, websites). Programming languages are like the ingredients that go into making a web program; frameworks are like recipes that guide the right ingredients (programming languages) into the right place. The end result is a beautiful, usable website.
Types of frameworks include:
Top Roles in Web Development
In addition to the technical skills required for web development to successfully take shape, many developer roles guide the development process. Professional web development wouldn’t be possible without these key specialists.
IT Specialists
Information technology (IT) experts implement and monitor tech systems in place. In web development, IT specialists manage computer networks that include software, hardware, security, and communication systems. Some agencies offer IT and web development services separately, as each deals with unique roles and responsibilities.
Web Designers
Web design goes hand in hand with web development. Sometimes, web designers create mockups for developers to execute when working with new clients.
App Developers
App development is common today with the integration of websites. The top development companies employ both web and mobile developers who work together to deliver client satisfaction.
Quality Assurance & Quality Control
There are specific requirements, procedures, and practices for expert-quality websites. Quality assurance (QA) testing is a process that checks for potential risks or failures of a site before it goes live. Quality control (QC) testing works to identify errors and defects after a site is launched. Both are necessary for web development and maintenance.
Project Managers
Developing a website is something that takes a lot of time (often months!), teamwork, revisions, and specialist knowledge. Project managers work with both client and developer tasks to ensure everyone is on the same page when it comes to fulfilling the demands of an excellent website.
Web Design and Web Development: What’s the Difference?
Web designers focus on the appearance and usability of a website. Web developers use code, programming, and computer languaging to build and develop both backend and front end functions of the website. They can also use code to make sure a complex design is supported on the site.
Web Design Companies
Design agencies handle graphics and visual elements. More often than not, web designers create static aesthetic portions of websites and web pages. Their job is to come up with the overall appeal and layout before a site is given true structure.
Web Development Companies
Web designers often make the first design wireframes when building websites, which web developers then turn into code that commands computers to generate how a web page looks or functions. Think of a website like a custom new home: web designers draw the blueprint and choose all the decor; web developers set the foundation and build the entire house.
Why Your Company Website Development Matters
Thinking about creating a website by yourself because it isn’t that hard of a task? Maybe you’ve hired a cheap developer and have been left with a broken site with no one to call. Consider a few of these web development perks that could actually make— or break— your business.
Your Website Says a Lot About Your Brand
What do you want your online reputation to be? Your website is the first impression people make about your company when browsing online. Having a killer website can be one of the best ROIs (Return on Investment) since it is your primary presence in the global online marketplace. Consumers today are highly aware of good and bad web presence, so don’t skimp on this one.
Web Development Lets You Market Your Business
Having a professionally developed website allows you to launch your marketing efforts with ease and can even put you ahead of your competition. Investing in web development firms sets you up for success in the realm of ads, SEO, and web traffic.
Professional Web Development Companies Make Your Site Accessible
Accessibility is a major concern for internet users and developers today. Accessibility ensures people with disabilities or impairments can still use and comprehend the contents of your site. With changing requirements for accessibility, web developers can set up custom functions that apply to a wider audience base, helping your company reach more people.
A Great Website Builds Trust with Your Audience
The performance and appearance of your website influence buyer interest, trust, and decision-making. A well-developed website adds credibility and reliability to your brand. Pro tip: the content on your website also affects the audience. Make sure it’s accurate and honest, and maintain good content marketing practices.
Developers Help Create Custom Apps and Programs
Web developers have a strong sense of what type of apps and programs can bring your ideas to life. If you’re thinking about making an app, custom CRM platform, or proprietary software, hiring a development company that specializes in mobile app development is the best option.
Benefits of Working with a Web Development Agency
What are the long-term benefits of working with a web development company? While most web development firms have results that speak for themselves, here are a few key ways full-service development will help your brand.
No matter what level of operation your company is operating currently, web development can set up the structure your site needs to sustain a larger volume and revenue increase.
Types of Web Development Companies
How do you know what type of web development agency to work with? Here are a few types and how to choose.
eCommerce Development Agency
Offering everything from eCommerce consulting to full site building, an eCommerce agency helps companies run high-level sales.
Corporate Website Development
Large businesses rely on web development firms to produce websites that serve top-notch information to the world. Whether it be a retail company or a news publication, corporate sites uphold business and online reputation.
WordPress Development Company
WordPress is one of the most widely used CMS (content management system) platforms in the world. Compared to other CMS options, it’s renowned for its versatility and web development capabilities.
Mobile App Development Company
Web development isn’t limited to desktop websites alone. Mobile apps that function online are a large part of web development today. Some web development companies offer mobile app building exclusively, while others specialize in both websites and apps.
Custom Website Development Services
The best way to get a custom site developed is through a professional web development company. Only the best coders know how to make custom features go live on a website in ways visual designers simply can’t.
Web Development and SEO Optimization
Everybody wants to be found online through organic SEO. A web development team makes sure your technical and on-page SEO hits all the marks, and helps your site get found on both web and mobile browsers.
Custom Software Development Company
Software development companies develop intricate frameworks and applications for users to interact with. Web development combined with custom software solutions is a necessary step to growing a tech business online.
What is the Web Development Process Like?
What does a typical web development project look like? From initial concept to final website powerhouse, top website development companies follow this proven process.
1. Gathering Information
First, development agencies obtain everything they need to know about the client. This includes:
- What type of website it is
- Goals of the website
- Company industry
- Customer base
- Website content
- Branding (colors, fonts, logos, etc.)
- Volume of the site (especially for eCommerce sites)
Developers must start with essential information for building your site. Like a home, they need to take into consideration what rooms, style, and functionality your website will need.
2. Structural Planning
Equipped with the right information, developers then create an outline or wireframe of the website. This is a conceptual, structural layout of how the site will look and operate. This planning phase covers:
- Site topics
- Site maps
- Key website information
- Mockups
- Primary keywords
- Calls to action
- Web forms
The planning phase is also usually when developers set up the server and host for the site. They prepare any frameworks, graphics, and software that will need to be integrated into the site.
3. Designing
Once the plan is agreed upon, it’s time to hit the drawing board. This is where all the visual and functional elements of a website come to life, while taking into account information relevant to the client. This phase can take 4-12 weeks, depending on the client’s preferences and project scope.
Design in web development entails:
- Site layout
- Theme
- Graphics
- Images/stock photos
- Buttons
- Navigation menus
- User interface
As one of the most important phases of development, client-to-agency communication is abundant during this process. Developers might create more than one prototype to get to know what style the client prefers.
4. Building
Design sets up the website for launch— but in many ways, it’s not enough yet. A web development agency uses HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to build all layers of the design, including any animations, content forms, and shopping carts that coincide with the design.
In the building portion of development, website companies make sure:
- All page templates are coded and structured properly.
- Content and copywriting are added to the site.
- Links work and direct to the right place.
- Headlines and text are optimized.
After building out everything from basic design to special site features, testing is a must before the official launch.
5. Testing
Every page, link, submission form, product, and process is thoroughly tested to check for bugs in development. Desktop and mobile versions of the site are viewed on various browsers to check for compatibility and usability. Once a website is available to the public, A/B testing can be set up to track the most effective layout. This is common, especially with landing pages.
6. Launching
After testing is complete and all parts of the website work well, it’s time for client approval from the web development firm. When everything is approved, a full launch takes place.
7. Maintenance
One thing every website needs after full launch is ongoing maintenance. Links can break, plugins need to be updated, and general server issues can happen to any site. The best web development companies offer regular site support, whether on an hourly or pre-agreed basis.
Hiring the Best Web Development Firm: What to Look For
Here are some traits to look for when seeking one of the top web development firms to hire for your website or app.
Web Development Firm Portfolio
A portfolio shows notable website projects a mobile and web development company has accomplished. Notice what web development companies’ websites and apps you like and dislike, as this could help you explain style preferences to your future developer.
Custom, Compatible Web Design Services
Some web design companies only offer templates or pre-configured development options. Look for a website development company that can create custom websites from scratch, especially if you need something one-of-a-kind.
Use of Emerging Technologies
Growing tech like web3, AI (artificial intelligence), and virtual reality are becoming more popular in the online world today. If your brand wants to adopt these powerful technologies in their online presence, find a website development firm that’s familiar with these tools.
Website Strategy and Revenue Goals
Full-scale web development services know how to work with the best online strategies and marketing goals. They’ll be eager to discuss your company goals and preferences to deliver the most useful website possible.
Continual Support and Security
Since your company’s sales force relies on a 24/7 web presence on the internet, you need a web and software development partner you can trust. Vet a development company that has plenty of customer support, and upholds a good reputation in the industry.
How Much Does a Web Development Company Cost?
There’s no set price range on how much a web development company may cost. Website value can range from $1,000 to $450,000, depending on the web development services, team, and intensity of the project.
Consider the type of development you need, the average cost for your project size, and the level of custom development you’ll need. Then, take into consideration your website budget to make a final decision.
Website Size & Project Scope | Average Price Range |
3-5 Pages, design | $1,000-$5,000 |
3-5 Pages, full development & maintenance | $2,500-$6,000 |
5-7 Pages, custom development & support | $5,000-$10,000 |
7-10 Pages, custom development & support | $10,000-$50,000 |
10+ Pages, custom development & support | $20,000+ |
Development agencies also charge in different ways. Some charge a flat fee for web development and then hourly for additional revisions and maintenance; others charge per project with an established price that includes set deliverables.
Project-based websites typically cost between $10,000 and $75,000 depending on the agency.
Signs You Need to Hire Websites Development Company
When is the best time to hire a web development firm? Whether you have an existing website or you need a brand new platform developed, here are the sure signs it’s time to invest in professional development services.
You Have No Website & Want to Scale
If your business is ready to grow but you don’t have a website, good luck. A website is a requirement for any company that wants to establish a bigger customer base today.
Your Website isn’t Mobile Friendly
If your website isn’t responsive on mobile or tablet, or you can’t seem to get it to automatically adjust to other screen sizes, hire a web developer. Since nearly 50% of internet users browse websites on their smartphones, lacking a functional mobile site version prevents a large percentage of users from using your site.
Your Company Requires Multiple Advanced Web Platforms
If you run a legacy brand or a large corporation but your current website is inadequate, it’s time to hire a web development company. They can walk you through every step of the process to generate an online sales machine that will grow with your business.