Sometimes, web developers get ahead of themselves when they are talking to their retail store clients about a potential website project. In recent years, the different components required to build a successful website for a store have grown drastically, in lock step with advances in technology. In today’s blog our goal is to breakdown the basic components of most websites. We will explain the different pieces that come together in order to build the finished piece that you see in front of you when you access your website on your computer or smartphone.
Part One – The Platform
The first piece of your website is the platform that your developer builds the website on. In today’s market, your website should rarely, if ever, be built on its own platform. There are so many platforms available that have been built up to run a website that starting from scratch is almost never a good idea. A custom website platform will usually go out of date quickly, not be as good as other available options and will cost a lot more money. For your retail store, it is a good idea to build on an existing platform that has been built to accommodate a retail store. The best platforms available for retailers to build informational websites include Social Samurai throughNew Media Retailer, Social Samurai through Pet Store Websites, WordPress and Wix. The best platforms for a retailer to build their website on for an ecommerce website include Shopify,Lightspeed and Volusion.
These platforms are often referred to as the Back-End or Content Management System for your website. This is where you will have a log in so that you can add information and products to your website.
Part Two – The Code
The second layer to your website is what is known as the Front-End. The front-end of the website is the part that you actually see when you look at your website on a computer, tablet or smartphone. Once your platform has been selected, your developer will then write the code on the system so that your website has the desired look on the front end. The three main languages that a developer will need to know in order to build you an effective front end are HTML, CSS and Javascript. These are the main languages for creating the modern look for your new website. The HTML controls the structure of your website, CSS controls the way your website looks and the Javascript controls the functionality. Make sure that your developer knows how to use these languages to write a Responsive Design website.
Part Three- The Content
In most instances, the content on your website is the area that you will most likely be involved. The content on your website most often means the text, images and videos that are used on your website. The text will include areas such as the About Us page and the product descriptions. If you choose to include information about the services your business offers, that will be content that needs to be written and provided. Content will also include things like pictures of your store, pictures of your products and pictures of your employees or customers. Other forms of content often include things like Circulars, such as those produced by Circulars Unlimited, or pdfs, flyers,YouTube videos or advertisements, or logos.
Finished Product
Ideally, the final version of your website that your customers will see will be built on an appropriate platform. This platform will function and be presented in the way that your web developer puts it together using code. Then the information that will be included and used in various fashions by your customer is the content.
Hope this helps break down the parts of your website!