How To build a website on the cheap.

Every business owner interested in growing their brand definitely needs a website. This is because a website not only helps in increasing sales but happens to be a form of free advertising. The number of web development technologies is outstanding but some of them are, obviously, more popular. Moreover, JavaScript is the most popular programming languages overall while Angular and React are the most popular JS frameworks. Thus, no wonder dedicated React.js developers are in great demand as well as Angular devs.

Anyways, there are two methods of creating websites. Using a web builder or hiring a developer to create a customized website. So, you don’t have to actually hire anyone to get a simple website of your own.

Using Website Builders

Website builders do not require you to have any programming or technical skills in order to build a website. They allow you upload images, type in text, and even move any element using the drag-and-drop methodology – all without FTP handling or even editing the code. And since they are online based, the web files can only be hosted on the provider’s servers. Website builders are ideal for businesses looking to build websites quickly and economically.

WordPress

WordPress.org is one of the widely used website building platforms. More than 28% of all the active websites are powered by this platform. It comes with two versions the WordPress.com and the self-hosted WordPress.org. The latter happens to be a darling to many thanks to the ease of use, powerful features, and scalability. It’s open source and free meaning you have the freedom to control your website.

Wix

Second on the list is Wix. This cloud-based builder has powerful features and one of the easiest to use. It also features multiple editable templates to match your website’s design.

Shopify

Powering over 1 million websites, Shopify is specifically designed to build e-commerce websites and online stores. Nothing comes close to the versatility of this builder as it does require software management and update installations.

BoldGrid

Although relatively new, BoldGrid has gained a massive following almost instantaneously. The builder is anchored on WordPress and comes as a standalone WP plugin. As a result, you get to work with a customized user experience.

Weebly

Weebly is another great website builder packed with great designs. It’s a fully hosted platform meaning you don’t have to manage any software or install any updates.  The platform comes with a beautifully crafted page builder that gives you the freedom to edit your website with zero coding skills.

Customized Websites

These websites can be altered or modified even after the initial implementation. They are suitable for businesses looking to grow and do online business as they can be changed to increase website conversion optimization.

One of the best ways to get a great customized website is offshore development if you don’t know how to build a website. Working with an external service provider not only drives the development costs down but brings the added benefit of working with individual/s who can come up with a responsive website design.

What is Offshore Software Development and How Does it Work?

Offshore software development is the business practice of sending development projects to be done remotely by a third-party. Typically, it can be done in different ways:

  • Sending the project to an individual developer or to an agency.
  • Delegating certain features or the whole project.
  • Hiring a dedicated team of developers.

Where to Get Remote Developers

There are multiple service providers vending website development services. A simple Google search will give you back a countless number of such companies. Alternatively, there are freelance workers sites like Upwork, Guru, Freelancer.com, and many others.

How to Successfully Work with Remote Dedicated Developers

Working with outsourced workers seems like an intimidating topic for many entrepreneurs. But it shouldn’t be rocket science. The first step in successfully running an outsourced project begins with the job description. You need to be as succinct as possible in your description so that the developer establishes what is required of the project and whether they can actually deliver the specifics. Vague descriptions can lead to miscommunications and erroneous assumptions.

Evaluate their Skills

Once you have your project description ready, proceed to probe the outsourcing partner’s skills.

Although the process is subjective, it should be pretty much like that of hiring a full-time worker. Ask as many questions as possible and request feedback from their previous clients. This is also important in setting the web developer salary you will be paying them.

In case you detect deficiencies in their capabilities, voice your concerns instead of stewing about it and hoping everything will turn out fine.

Communicate Throughout the Process

Once you’ve settled for a particular individual or company, you will need to keep constant communication to establish their progress. Additionally, you may consider setting up milestones and deadlines where they can deliver the project in small installments.

To prevent major setbacks, provide clear and constant feedback throughout. If you feel anything should be changed, be specific on the changes you want. This prevents the buildup of issues which may be hard to pinpoint and treat once the whole project is completed.

Web Development and Design Trends

For the last one decade, website design ideas have continued to evolve. Right from desktop-centric designs to more of mobile-oriented designs. Here are a few trends making headlines in 2018.

Increased Acceptance of One-page Web Design

The traditional methodology of website creation embraced the multi-page setup. Typically, it meant creating a single page for a particular topic. This is slowly disappearing and more single-page websites are emerging.

Progressive Web Apps

Progressive web apps featuring regular web pages with a twist of native mobile app design are slowly becoming a norm. They combine both the benefits of mobile devices and desktop while eliminating the drawbacks.

The Prominence of Push Notification

Push notifications are slowly but surely becoming more prominent with many sites incorporating them in their designs. Essentially, they notify the target audience when new content becomes available without having to check their emails. They are also an excellent passive engagement tool that a business owner can utilize to bolster the average website conversion rate without conducting massive marketing.

Buy Buttons

Amazon’s single-click-buy patent is set to expire. This means the businesses will have an opportunity to explore and implement other shopping experiences even extending to the website conversion funnel.

Parting Thoughts

As an entrepreneur, it’s easy to now see why your business should have a website. Without it, it’s almost impossible to keep up with competition in today’s market. Even without prior knowledge on how to design a website, you can still have one thank to the page builders. The success of your website relies on small minor things like having an excellent user interface or even learning how to write a call to action.