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Web Development Wizard: Building Your Dream Website

What role does a web developer play in my website?

A web developer is responsible for programming the code that tells websites and web applications how to operate. They program technical instructions dictating functionality. A developer may design or create content, but their main role is to build and maintain websites.

There are three types of web developers, each type has a slightly different area of expertise. 

  • Front-end developers deal with the parts of the website you see as visitors or users, also called the client side of development.
  • Back-end developers who work more behind-the-scenes systems and structures. They also tend to work more on mobile applications. 
  • Full-stack developers who can code both front-end and back-end formats.

A web developer’s day-to-day life is constantly different. They must collaborate with other team members, solve problems, adapt, and review, which is what our Full-stack Developer, Daniel Dunevant, does here at VIA Marketing. With his expertise, we make clients’ ideas and well-thought-out user experiences come to life with a well-functioning and efficiently running website. 

Daniel stated, “A website is essential for businesses because it helps consumers understand your story and mission. Make an impact on potential customers with a great first impression.”

Daniel does this by:

  • Translating wireframe designs into working code.
  • Creating the architecture and content of a site.
  • Building functionality and responsiveness.
  • Taking care to make sure the site downloads fast.
  • Making sure ADA compliance strategies are in place.
  • Strategizing keywords and meta tags for good SEO.
  • Placing a site live and testing it in the various browsers.
  • Updating and renovating sites.
  • Troubleshooting, fixing bugs, and glitches.

We decided to gain more insight by asking Daniel a few questions.

How long does a web development project take to complete from start to finish?

 That’s like asking me how long it takes to build a barn! It depends on how many features are implemented and the design’s complexity. A relatively simple site, though, could be turned around in about 20 hours if I have all the content ready.

Can I edit my website without consulting you?

It depends on your site’s content management system (CMS). We give our clients a login so they can edit content. We meet with them and provide a tutorial on how it works. Some clients prefer to just let us do it, and others want more control. Most page content is editable on our websites.

What was your favorite project, and how did you approach it?

One of my favorite projects was putting together Nardo Builders’ website. The design was challenging to implement. The features are dynamic, valuable, and appealing to viewers. 

When approaching any project, I start with understanding the problem, then I can proceed to address it. Nardo wanted to have easier access to adding photos while keeping them neat and organized. I had to modify our CMS in order to simplify the management of uploading photos. After a few updates, I achieved this new feature. I love a challenge and the reward you feel after accomplishing something.

What is the most significant difference between developing for Desktop and Mobile?

For desktops, multiple columns, left-aligned text, and navigation span the page’s width. Mobile, however, mostly has single columns and centered text with hidden navigation until the user clicks to show it. There are always apparent exceptions when it comes to mobile setups. I go back and forth from desktop to mobile views to ensure everything looks and runs smoothly. Over 55% of website traffic comes from mobile devices. 92.3% of internet users use a mobile phone, showing the importance of making your website mobile-friendly.

Do you use a template to create your websites?

I prefer to create my websites from scratch, but if you insist, you can work on a variety of canned platforms like WordPress, Squarespace, etc. Sometimes, I use a website we have previously created as a framework for a new one. This allows for a more efficient construction process but still gives you a smartly tailored site that fits your needs.

What If I need a new or updated website for my company?

We’d set a time to hear what you like and what you don’t like about your current website. The next step is submitting it for design. After you approve the design, I go to work. Making your vision come to life technologically takes time, effort, and maybe a little magic. You will see a test link before anyone else sees those pages. We will go through a revision stage before going live and training you on how to make updates. 

Here at VIA, our goal is to create a website you will love, and your customers can easily find and navigate. Contact us today so we can help you be proud of your website.

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Social Media Seen Through Our Expert’s Eyes…

How Can I Build My Online Presence?

Social media has increased in popularity since its humble beginnings in the late 1990s. With the introduction of platforms such as Myspace in the early 2000s, social media has evolved into a greater digital universe than ever imagined. Now, social media is one of the primary ways to engage with customers and potential customers, making it a crucial part of your marketing strategy to ensure the success of your brand.

You probably know that building your virtual presence online takes more thought and planning than it may appear. Users can engage directly, helping you develop a stronger relationship with them and a better understanding of what they want or expect from you. As you may have experienced, they also expect replies     

Trying to be on top of the latest trends and crafting fun, meaningful messages for your viewers can be overwhelming. Luckily, we have Ashley Williams on staff, our very own digital media specialist. She creates customized strategies that are right for your brand, working side-by-side with you to ensure she meets your goals and expectations. 

Some of her strategies are:

  • Creating interesting social media postings (crafted for your target audiences)
  • Administering content across all social media platforms
  • Monitoring posts results
  • Organizing results/analyzing data
  • Developing social media and display network paid ads
  • Optimizing company social media pages                                                          

We decided to gain more insight by asking Ashley a few questions.

How do I get more followers?

Building a following on social media takes time, consistency, and creativity. Every company’s audience is different, and you must keep that in mind when growing your platform.

What are some techniques I can use to  hold my audience’s attention?

One technique to hold your audience’s attention is to post consistently. Create a content schedule with a detailed outline of your ideas, keeping your audience in mind. Also, less text is more in most cases. Most viewers want to read the main points of your posts on social media, so be quick and straight to the point. 

How often should I post?

You have to consider a few things when posting on social media. First, what kind of business do you have, and what information are you trying to put forth? Second, what platform are you posting on? These are just a couple of questions we use as a guide when advising on how often you should post. As a general guideline, I recommend posting at least once a week to get started. 

Here is a handy list based on the various platforms:

  • Instagram: Post between 3 and 5 times per week
  • Instagram stories: Post two times per day
  • Facebook: Post between 1 to 2 times per day
  • X (Twitter): Post between 2 and 3 times per day

How do I know when to pay for ads or to boost my post?

Even though paying for ads or boosting your posts seem similar, they have a lot of differences. Boosting your post is when you want to introduce more people to a specific post that already has good exposure and success. Paid ads, however, are for reaching a wider group of people and converting visitors to your page or website by driving traffic there.

What makes a successful paid marketing campaign?

Sometimes it’s as simple as targeting your customer demographics, posting consistently, and frequently staying engaged with them to increase exposure. There is a lot of thought in setting a campaign up. There is also a lot of babysitting and tweaking along the way to ensure success. I’d say I learn another nuance every time we run one.

Are paid ads worth the investment?

Paying for social media advertising allows you to extend your messages inexpensively compared to other kinds of advertising, making it an overall great value for growing your company’s brand awareness or selling a product, event, or service.

What if I need help with my social media or have questions?

The world of social media can be very intimidating and overwhelming at times, especially since social media is not one size fits all. Here at VIA, we will make your experience much more straightforward. Contact us today, and we will help you reach your goals!