Reading Time: 4 minutes

When creating a website, the first questions that are often asked by website developers is to choose between of a Static Website or a Content Management System (CMS) Website. Static websites is the basic form of website where there isn’t a custom coding, databases, and it is the easiest to create. Basically, a static website is a site with contents that cannot be altered without the developer editing its codes. A CMS website or also known as a dynamic website is a site that is able to show different contents from the same source code making it more dynamic and sophisticated. In another words, a dynamic website is a site that contains informations that changes depending on the audience, time, time zone, the audience’s native language, and other factors. Here are our unbiased views and comparisons between the two websites and educating the audiences on which is a better option in designing a website.

What is a static website?

A static website is the simplest website that’s embedded with HTML codes with no customized coding and dynamic features. Having a static website does not require the user to use server-side scripting, only client-side scripting such as JavaScript, HTML, CSS, etc. A simple small-scale company website only two to three pages of information without any bells and whistles can be classified as a static website. They are easy and low cost to develop and host without maintenance cost and additional skills except HTML. Each page is an individual file composed in HTML without interactivity features except hyperlinks and images. In short, static websites are generally just websites that remains the same unless the source code is changed.

What is a Content Management System (CMS) website?

A CMS website is also known as a dynamic website that contains pages that are characterized by changing contents that would be more operational, something the viewers are able to interact with, than just reading it. Designing a CMS website would need more than client-side scripting, it’ll need a server-side scripting language like ASP, PHP, JavaScript, JSP, ColdFusion, etc. When the viewer accesses a CMS website, the codes are separated and divided on the web server and the final HTML page is shown on the client’s web browser. To simplify, a CMS website is a combination of a server-side scripting and a client-side scripting specifically an e-commerce site and social media site.

Difference between Static Website and Dynamic Website (CMS)

1. Coding of a Static and CMS Website.

A static website is made up of a fixed number of pages and format which is displayed to the viewer. In order to build a Static website, there isn’t a need for a special software however all that is required is knowledge on HTML and CSS and can be easily built on a simple text editor software like notepad. A static website is a collection of texts, images, and multimedia elements that has marked up contents created from HTML and CSS. A CMS website generates contents to the users based on their preference which is purely composed by a server-side programming skill. Coding for CMS website is also more costly as there is a need to create webhosting, databases or servers.

2. Content in Static and CMS Website

A Static website has contents delivered to the users without having the need to be modified or processed because the website shows the same page to each viewers as there is a same HTML file to each viewers. Therefore, the developer of the site must have knowledge on HTML coding in order to change or update the page. In a CMS website, the contents are ready made to serve the viewers based on the requests of the clients and also make changes occasionally. Hence, the contents of a CMS website is subject to changes which is convenient for non-expert person to make changes and updates to the content of the website as the contents are differently catered to different viewers.

3. Flexibility in of Static and CMS Website

A Static website is differently designed and created for each page and contents in order to match the layout for each their respective page. Thus, the web designer is at ease to add in special effects on different pages which can be more flexible and adaptable based on the preference of the users. In contrast to the Static website, the CMS website is more limited in terms of flexibility as the entire development of creating a unique mix of a dynamic content and an interactive feature requires a demand for a high-end web server and content management system for each page.

Summary of Static vs CMS Website

A CMS website offers a wide range of advantages when it comes to a dynamic content, interactive features and multimedia elements because of its convenience and the efficiency which highly reduces the cost for maintaining the website in the long run. Furthermore, it also allows the website designer to include in future plug-ins and add-ons. Nevertheless, a Static website is comparably faster in terms of building as they are simple without the extra bells and whistles. Also the static website has more flexibility because of the pages being customized individually which eases the task for the website designer to be creative on different pages making them special. The CMS website is more always chic and refined and also more interactive.

Photo credit by unsplash

Reading Time: 6 minutes

The starting of any kind of websites can be a real hassle. It gets tougher when you have to meet with your client’s expectation when both styles do not match.

Your struggle and challenges increase when you have to decide on what to charge, which then turns into a horror when you’re taking on a client as a freelance web designer. But we all know when we nailed our part into realizing the expectations of our clients, the project and relationship between the client and you become fruitful and rewarding.

It is never too late to revise a bit. Here are 15 MUST ASK Questions to kick-start on a website project.

1. What is your client’s business about?

One of the toughest obstacles that frequently comes up is understanding what the client does. It can create a whole lot of misunderstanding to which can be solved when you do little research on your client’s business and ask them for further clarification.

2. Who is the target audience?

Having a target audience is something that every company should have regardless of the size of operations of the business. Therefore it is important for you to know who the target audience are. Imagining the characters and personality of the audience to outline the elements needed for the project. For example, the font type, color, image, the vibe and the approach of the website which has to be suitable for the target audience.

3. What is the purpose of the website?

Different types of websites has different conversion goals but it is clear that all websites have conversion goals. What are the expectations that the client has when his customers visit the website?

Commonly used types of conversion goals can include:

Clicking into a link which is informative or educational
Purchasing of a product or service
Answering or filling in forms or questionnaires
Bringing the customers to a particular page
Downloading of an app or software
Sharing an article or the page of the website via social media or email

There are many things that the users can do when they are on a website.

Mini-Goals	Overall Goals
Actions from each page where leads the user to the overall objective of the website.	The one thing that you would like the users to do only. What is it?

4. Does your client own a website now?

If they do, what is the URL or the link of the website?

5. What would your client prefer/not prefer to have in the website?

This is one of the biggest and crucial parts of the project. Have your client list down a list of things that they like and dislike about their current website.

This will then become a guide for you to plan out the new design and elements on what to put in and not put into the project.

6. How is your client’s company different from other companies?

After having a blueprint on the design and elements to incorporate into the website. Ask about the company’s specialty on how are they different from other companies. If the concept of the company is “sold” to you, you then need to incorporate the value of the company into the website’s design. It may sound easy but it can be really complicated because understanding the exact value of something can be tough for clients that are not in the sales industry.

7. Who are the competitors of your client?

Always ask on the competitors of your client if their competitor share the same platform as your clients. How are they a competitor? Then you can research that information and look through the website of the competitor to gain a deeper understanding.

8. What are some samples of the website that your client really likes?

In this part, you can ask your clients to do a bit of research on the type of aspirational websites that attracted their attention. Have them list at most 3 to 5 websites and have your clients to explain on the features and the functions that he/she likes about that website. What are the features or functions or elements that they’d like to have on their website?

9. What are the features that the website should have and the must have?

Usually, the clients are already prepared and aware of the things that they want their website to do. The things on the list often times will vary from client to clients based on their needs and wants. Some can be as simple as having a mobile version and a desktop version on the mobile device, parallax scrolling, and a more in-trend design.

10. Is there an Analytics?

Having insight on your website is important because this can help you understand how to arrange the navigation of the pages. Going through the current analytics can create a deeper understanding of what the users are actually doing on the website. A full analytic audit can help your client to understand their audiences and the interaction between their customer and the website.

11. Do you have imagery?

Will there be images, videos, or audios as a part of the website element? This is where you need to ensure that the pixel count is high enough for the resolution to be clear. This is where your client will have prepared the materials for you. However, for some clients, you will need to discuss with them on the pixel count and resolution level for the image, audio, or video.

12. Is there a color or a typography palette?

Be sure to ask your clients if they have a preferred color or fonts that they want to use currently and for their new website.

This is because if the company would like to rebrand or refresh then you should ensure that the design is made up of new elements.

This part is trickier because you need to look up for typeface substitutions when the typography palette is not a common HTML or CSS font. You will then need to look for a close substitute that are used online than the fonts used for print brandings.

13. Is there a brand book or style guide?

If your client owns a brand book regardless of it being new or old, you should own a copy as it can give you a deeper insight on the information about the persona of the company and the style of the company.

14. When do they want it?

How fast your client wants you to hand in the project can often time be the deal breaker question because the having to build up a website that meets the expectation of your client would often time require a lot of trial and error. Therefore, is the dateline convenient for you? Of course, this can be avoided when there is a clear image of what is expected and needed for the projects to flow smoothly to meet its dateline.

15. Are there going to be any plans to make changes after the launch?

Based on how you formed and created the website, sometimes having followed up’s is essential. Follow up’s such as…

Giving training to your client’s staff
Teaching them the ability to add contents and features
Managing the back end of the website
Maintenance of the website

Therefore, in the process of building a website, you should always keep in mind that the purpose of the website is for your client not for you or your portfolio. It is always important that the back end is kept organized with easily located codes structures.

Conclusion

We certainly hope we’ve gotten you covered with all the basics. We’ve spoken our mind, now we want to hear from you!!! Is there a go-to project question that you would like to ask or share? Is there anything in particular that you would like to share or know? Let us know at www.webbit.com.my/contact or email us at [email protected]. Photo credit by unsplash

Reading Time: 2 minutes

Web Designer vs Web Developer

Most of the time in Malaysia, people are confusing between web designers and web developers. In their mind, they are thinking both of them are in the same position. For instance, they will think web designers can develop a CMS website or eCommerce Website. But, they are wrong, a Web designer cannot develop a CMS website and eCommerce website. This is only the web developer who can do that.

What does a Web Designer do?

Job Scope

A Web Designer job scope is focused on the look and feel of the website, In other words, we call it as User Interface (UI), some of the expert web designers will consider of the User Experience (UX) as well.

Skill Needed

Their main skill is Creative Graphics Skill, Layout Design, Color Palettes, Typography, HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Their personality is Strong Intuition, creativity, and imagination.

Software Commonly Used

Web Designer Salary

According to JobStreet, for a Web Designer salary in Malaysia as below:-

0-3 Years of Experience – Average Salary RM2,900
3-7 Years of Experience – Average Salary RM3,300
7+ Years of Experience – Average Salary RM3,600

What does a Web Developer do?

Job Scope

A Web Developer’s job scope is focused on creates the inner workings of websites.

Skill Needed

They mainly skill needed are CSS preprocessors (ie. LESS or Sass), Front-end Frameworks (eg. jQuery, Bootstrap), PHP, .NET, Python, C, Ruby, MYSQL, SQL &, etc. Their personality is Logic, Linear thinking, and Technical.

Software Commonly Used

Web Developer Salary

According to JobStreet, for a Web Developer salary in Malaysia as below:-

0-3 Years of Experience – Average Salary RM3,000
3-7 Years of Experience – Average Salary RM3,300
7+ Years of Experience – Average Salary RM4,000

Web Designer and Web Developer Workflow

Normally Web Designer and Web Developer are work together. Web designers create a mock-up of a website. Once the client-side confirm the mock-up, the Web Designer will proceed with the HTML, CSS & JavaScript coding. Then the completed set of HTML will pass to the Web Developer. Web Developers will do the integration with the CMS system such as WordPress. Both web designers and web developers only have one goal – to create a simple and user-friendly website to enhance the web experience.

Conclusion

So you should now have more knowledge about web designers and web developers. Please help us share this article if you like it. Thanks!

Vectors graphics designed by Freepik

Top Web Hosting Company

IPSERVERONE

IPServerOne provides a comprehensive range of hosting solutions for customers to accomplish operation success on the Internet. The company’s key strength is demonstrated through its proven technical expertise to seamlessly integrate systems, network, and software applications as a complete solution for today’s competitive environment. Generally, the solutions offered are in these key areas:

Dedicated Server Hosting
Cloud Hosting
Web Hosting
Domain Name Services

Best CMS (Content Management System)

WordPress

If you want to building a website, there’s only one content management system that you should consider: WordPress.

If you’re growing your traffic with content and your site isn’t on WordPress yet, we strongly recommend making the switch.

Best Ecommerce Platform

WooCommerce

WooCommerce is now the most popular eCommerce platform on the web (stats from Builtwith), if you planning to start your online store in Malaysia, we strongly recommend WooCommerce.

Best WordPress SEO Plugin

Yoast SEO for WordPress

There’s only one WordPress SEO plugin that we trust: Yoast SEO Plugin. It handles a lot of routine SEO tasks automatically and makes on-page SEO items a lot easier.

They do have a paid version of the plugin, but we don’t use it — the free version is more than enough.

Best Email for Beginners

Mailchimp

For beginners or sites that need to keep costs low, MailChimp is the best email tool. It has a drag-and-drop email builder, a free plan to start, and is one of the most popular choices.

It’s the easiest and cheapest email tool. If you’re not sure what to pick, start on Mailchimp.

Best Analytics Tool

Google Analytics

We’ve used just about every website analytics tool out there and nothing comes close to Google Analytics. Even the paid user analytics tools aren’t worth getting — they’re too complicated and require too much customization.

The best part is that Google Analytics is completely free. Get this installed immediately if you haven’t yet.

Best Search Data

Google Search Console

Years ago, Google Analytics had all sorts of amazing search data. Then Google removed it. All that amazing search data is now in Google Search Console. That’s right, you can get all your keyword data again. There’s also a goldmine of error reporting and crawl data in Google Search Console.

Every serious SEO marketer we know uses Google Search Console heavily. Go get it, it’s free.

Free Online Hex Color Picker for Web Designer

UI Designer / Web Designer searching for that perfect color has never been easier, use our hex color picker to browse the color that you like.

Fast and simple

Your can select the color or search by color name.

Copy and Paste

Just click the color & the code will automatically copy into the clipboard. Paste it into your code editor.
Web designer always needs that for their website project.

Enjoy.

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Make sure your website is mobile-friendly

It’s more important than ever to make sure your website looks good and performs well on mobile devices.

How can you tell if your website is mobile-friendly or not? Check out the example below from Google.

What is Responsive Design (RWD) ?

Responsive web design (RWD) is about using HTML and CSS to to make the website content is automatically adjusted for optimal viewing based on all devices (desktops, tablets, and mobile phones). Google improves your page ranking when your design is responsive!

Still not sure if your website is mobile-friendly? Just check it out our free Mobile Testing Tool

Here’s what webbit site looks like on different view:

Desktop View

Tablet View

Mobile View

Free Responsive Website Tester

Responsive Website Design Tester is a quick and easy way to test your responsive website.

Quickly preview your responsive website designs at the dimensions they will be seen on popular mobile devices.

Includes presets for iOS (iPhone , iPad, iPad Mini, iPad Pro).

Enjoy the FREE Responsive Website Tester.

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Convert your design into mobile devices just a few clicks!

MockUPhone is FREE for Web Designer to convert the screenshots into different mobile devices. Web Designer can use the PNG files to create the design for websites or online uses. MockUPhone currently supports iPhone mockup, iPad mockup, Android mockup, and TV mockup.

Step 1

Pick a device that you wish to convert.

Step 2

Upload your file. Currently, It supports Jpeg, PNG & PSD files.

Step 3

After uploading, click on “Generate product mockups” for the preview

Step 4

Below the preview screen, you can click the button and insert your email to download your zip file. That’s it!

Here is our Artwork! Simple & Easy! 🙂

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“If your business is not on the internet, then your business will be out of business.” – Bill Gates

Reason #1 – Showcase your products and services.

Not only can you display your products or outline your services in detail with beautiful images, but you can provide short video tutorials or downloadable PDF instructions to give hesitant customers no reason to go elsewhere to purchase.

Reason #2 – More customers

More than 4 billion people use the internet every day, and some 90% of those have purchased something, or contacted a company, online in the last 12 months. So by not having a website, you will be missing out on a big piece of the pie.

Reason #3 – Business value

Have you tried getting a business loan recently? It’s not easy, but if you try and the bank manager asks to see your website, you better have a pretty good one. It doesn’t just stop with the bank, the perceived value of your business will be lower in everyone’s eyes – especially your customers.

Reason #4 – Influence Customers While You Sleep

By having a website potentially thousands of people are going to see it. You are able to influence people’s decisions and educate them.

Reason #5 – Your competitors all have company websites.

Consumers typically start their buying journey with research and recommendations from peers and social network connections.

Studies show that once a consumer has an idea of what they need or want, they start researching, and 72 percent of them go online to find educational material, reviews, and testimonials, according to a recent report.

Reason #6 – Helps with business goals

That’s right! When it comes to writing the content for your website you are going to revisit things about your business that you haven’t in years. You will most likely reassess your business goals.

Reason #7 – 24 hours per day

Your website runs 24/7 without any supervision or need to lock it up. You can always be there for your customers.

Reason #8 – Communication with customers

By having a blog or even just a feed on your website, you can update customers on your newest offers, products, promotions, events, photos, or any other content.

Reason #9 – Marketing

Websites are accessible from anywhere in the world provided there is an internet connection. Since more and more people have access to the internet, even in remote locations, you can target a much wider audience if your business has a website.

Reason #10 – [email protected]

I know there are other ways to do this, but by having a website you can have your own email [email protected] It is more professional and easier to remember. I know you love your [email protected] , but it doesn’t really resonate with customers.

What is Google Analytics?

Google Analytics is critical to any digital marketing strategy, it is a free, statistics tool available in the market. It monitors all numbers related to site traffic, can capture geographical, demographic and various statistics, such as how many visits a site receives, where does the site come from, which region most accesses the site, which pages are most accessed from the website. With this information, you can improve the website’s interaction with your visitors, thereby gaining a greater return on your objection.

Why use Google Analytics?

Google Analytics offers more than 500 different metrics, not counting reports with custom crosses you can create. All of these reports and graphs provide insights about content, site structure, and the sources that generate visits to the site.

With the information one can draw conclusions by interpreting the generated graphs and tables. This is what we call Web Analytics.

Through the web analysis and the mastery of available tools you can have a clear reading of all the information regarding numbers and behavior of users of any type of website, be it content or e-commerce.

Let’s look at some of the most commonly used features:

Preview: the path visitors take to get to the Website

Navigation Preview reports analyse the path a visitor takes on the site. Helps visually assess how users interact with pages.

Advanced Segmentation: easy analysis of specific sections of the traffic

Why do some visits generate more sales and others do not? You can find answers to these types of questions through the Advanced Segments. Through predefined segments like “Visits with Conversions” or “Organic Traffic“, you can easily analyze individual segments or compare various segments of all reports.

Really Simple Captcha

Tells how many people are on the website right now, where they come from, and what they are viewing. With real-time analysis, you’ll find out if the new content on the website is popular, whether the promotion of the day is driving traffic to the website, and also the immediate effects of tweets and blog posts.

In conclusion

Google Analytics is the best tool to improve the results of the pages and always attract more and more visitors, it is the mirror of reality and the answer to the questions that can lead us to success online.