Hi Everyone,

 

I'm a new designer in the US, and I just have a couple questions. I apologize if these have already been asked, but I searched here and couldn't find good answers. I'd appreciate a little help. (Apologies for length as well lol).

 

I've run 3 websites before, a couple years ago. One was a self-hosted Wordpress site, using bluehost hosting and a namecheap domain.

 

I really liked design and started to get into this, but discovered that I didn't love coding and would like to limit the amount I do.

 

I recently discovered Wix and have build a couple sites there. I don't feel right offering client services until I'm good with both platforms. But I'm a little confused on when to use one vs the other.

 

I understand that Wordpress is superior for SEO, scalability, customization, site portability, price, and if the client is in this for the long haul, since they completely own a WP site. I've also discovered site builders for Wordpress like beaver builder, which I've read is good, and divi.

 

On the other hand, I've seen small sites designed for individuals on WP that I'd think could be done just as well, and maybe faster in Wix.

 

If my goal is to build relatively small, simple sites for individuals and small businesses, (and maybe offer some content writing) how much effort should I put into each platform? Should my main focus be on improving my Wordpress skills? Should WP be my platform most of the time? Should I put effort into getting good with Wix and Shopify?

 

There are only so many hours in the day, and I want my efforts to be focused in the right place.

 

Thanks so much for your help!

Edited April 4, 20179 yr by A76

It's a simple rule really.. here goes.. Avoid Wix! It is not a good solution under ANY circumstances except maybe for a personal non commercial website.

 

Wordpress is a little different, although not the best solution under most circumstances, it is far more suited to what you want to do than wix.

 

If you like design and still want to do the web, you can get away with being a front-end designer, you design and code, but you are only really expected in general to know HTML, css and javascript.

It's a simple rule really.. here goes.. Avoid Wix! It is not a good solution under ANY circumstances except maybe for a personal non commercial website.

 

Wordpress is a little different, although not the best solution under most circumstances, it is far more suited to what you want to do than wix.

 

If you like design and still want to do the web, you can get away with being a front-end designer, you design and code, but you are only really expected in general to know HTML, css and javascript.

 

Thanks for your reply. I realize developers probably laugh at the mention of Wix lol. I'm trying to learn as much as I can though.

 

You say WP isn't the best solution under most circumstances? What platform is? What else should I be learning for fairly small sites?

 

I've read a number of articles, but so many of them have disclosures about how they're paid for referrals, and I'd like some UNBIASED advice for once lol.

 

For instance, a small, local doctor's office has a really poor, ugly site. It was done by GoDaddy's design service, and I can't believe they paid for it. Say I want to pitch them with a mockup eventually. How would I go about something like that?

Edited April 4, 20179 yr by A76

Avoid Wix at all costs.

 

Don't pitch to the doctors office with a mockup (it's the wrong way to approach site development).

 

Approach the doctors office and point out that you tried to use the site on your cell phone and found it difficult. Or that you couldn't find the information you wanted. Or the layout was broken. Or whatever the problem is. Once they acknowledge the problems you can offer a solution.

 

The trick with wordpress is getting the content, navigation and calls to action sorted before messing with the theme. Just use a simple theme as a placeholder.

 

The other thing to watch out for with wordpress is plugins. The fewer you use the better. It's far bettewr to add to functions.php than to add a plugin.

Avoid Wix at all costs.

 

Don't pitch to the doctors office with a mockup (it's the wrong way to approach site development).

 

Approach the doctors office and point out that you tried to use the site on your cell phone and found it difficult. Or that you couldn't find the information you wanted. Or the layout was broken. Or whatever the problem is. Once they acknowledge the problems you can offer a solution.

 

The trick with wordpress is getting the content, navigation and calls to action sorted before messing with the theme. Just use a simple theme as a placeholder.

 

The other thing to watch out for with wordpress is plugins. The fewer you use the better. It's far bettewr to add to functions.php than to add a plugin.

 

Thanks for responding. I'm familiar with the adage "you get what you pay for." Wix doesn't seem to be taken seriously, and there must be good reasons for that.

 

Should my focus be practicing WP and re-learning basic coding, tutorials, etc.? Other platforms? I know WP is the juggernaut with most major companies using it.

I'll lay it out in 2 different ways for you

 

• Designer/Front End Coder - Learn Html 5,Css 3 and basic JavaScript and a JS framework like Jquery
• If you are more interested in the Dynamic side of websites such as Database interaction and complex web applications learn Html5,Css3,Javascript,Jquery,PHP 5+ and how to interact with a database using MYSQL. You will also need to know basic design skills as well and how to make your websites responsive for all devices. This is where learning Twitter Bootstrap comes in

 

PS:Avoid Wix like your life depends on it

Edited April 4, 20179 yr by webdesigner93

I'll lay it out in 2 different ways for you

 

• Designer/Front End Coder - Learn Html 5,Css 3 and basic JavaScript and a JS framework like Jquery
• If you are more interested in the Dynamic side of websites such as Database interaction and complex web applications learn Html5,Css3,Javascript,Jquery,PHP 5+ and how to interact with a database using MYSQL. You will also need to know basic design skills as well and how to make your websites responsive for all devices. This is where learning Twitter Bootstrap comes in

 

PS:Avoid Wix like your life depends on it

 

Thanks for your response.

 

I'd love a way to practice building WP sites and coding, but I have to buy a domain and hosting each time, right? I read about a way to practice on your desktop (MAMP), but read that there were problems with this, like it getting randomly shut down.

 

Is the advice to avoid Wix due to what I said in my original post?

 

"I understand that Wordpress is superior for SEO, scalability, customization, site portability, price, and if the client is in this for the long haul, since they completely own a WP site."

 

I was drawn to its ease of use, but it doesn't seem to be taken seriously. There's obviously a lot for me to learn.

Edited April 4, 20179 yr by A76

 

Thanks for your response.

 

I'd love a way to practice building WP sites and coding, but I have to buy a domain and hosting each time, right? I read about a way to practice on your desktop (MAMP), but read that there were problems with this, like it getting randomly shut down.

 

Is the advice to avoid Wix due to what I said in my original post?

 

"I understand that Wordpress is superior for SEO, scalability, customization, site portability, price, and if the client is in this for the long haul, since they completely own a WP site."

 

I was drawn to its ease of use, but it doesn't seem to be taken seriously. There's obviously a lot for me to learn.

 

If you use windows get xammp to build your websites locally. If you use Ubuntu or any type of linux based platform get Lamp to build your websites locally. Never heard of Mamp. Is that for use with a Mac? Because with Xammp and Lamp no one shuts you down at all these aren't even used over the internet. You can use them even when offline to build your sites.

Thanks for your response.

 

I'd love a way to practice building WP sites and coding, but I have to buy a domain and hosting each time, right? I read about a way to practice on your desktop (MAMP), but read that there were problems with this, like it getting randomly shut down.

 

Is the advice to avoid Wix due to what I said in my original post?

 

"I understand that Wordpress is superior for SEO, scalability, customization, site portability, price, and if the client is in this for the long haul, since they completely own a WP site."

 

I was drawn to its ease of use, but it doesn't seem to be taken seriously. There's obviously a lot for me to learn.

Wordpress is a solution some businesses use all the time but any who know what they are doing would simply pick the best cams for the job, for example you will find that something like expression engine more suited for slightly more complicated websites but not nessersarily e-commerce (don't worry, the more you learn the more you can explore these options)

 

As for your question, yes, MAMP is one of many that you can use, I personally find it faster to learn from online videos, so YouTube is a great resource, personally I like the channel devtips https://www.youtube.com/user/DevTipsForDesigners?app=desktop but more to the point of your question, I would look there to see how to install Wordpress using wamp if that is the one you choose to use.

Yeah, it's for Mac, I use a macbook pro.

 

Description:

MAMP installs a local server environment in a matter of seconds on your computer. It comes free of charge, and is easily installed. MAMP will not compromise any existing Apache installation already running on your system. You can install Apache, PHP and MySQL without starting a script or having to change any configuration files! Furthermore, if MAMP is no longer needed, just delete the MAMP folder and everything returns to its original state (i.e. MAMP does not modify any of the "normal" system).

Yeah, it's for Mac, I use a macbook pro.

 

Description:

MAMP installs a local server environment in a matter of seconds on your computer. It comes free of charge, and is easily installed. MAMP will not compromise any existing Apache installation already running on your system. You can install Apache, PHP and MySQL without starting a script or having to change any configuration files! Furthermore, if MAMP is no longer needed, just delete the MAMP folder and everything returns to its original state (i.e. MAMP does not modify any of the "normal" system).

Then I would just set that up so you can test wordpress etc.. locally. Of Course make sure you install PHP and MYSQL

Don't necessarily need to learn PHP and MySQL to do backend... especially if you are a front-end dev versed in JavaScript.

JavaScript can be used across the entire stack and is a great choice. SQL also is not necessarily the best choice, you need to look at whether or not you need a relational database vs a document based one.

 

If you are looking to build some kind of API without question I would go with Node ahead of PHP.

 

In fact you might even be better off with a static site generator and just use markdown files for content, that way there's no database to worry about - it's the simplest way to have a well managed website, and it can be hosted on GitHub pages for free, there's no security to worry about, load performance will be better as there's no DB to query.
My blog (although it's not been updated in ages) runs this way.

Edited April 4, 20179 yr by rbrtsmith

Wordpress is a solution some businesses use all the time but any who know what they are doing would simply pick the best cams for the job, for example you will find that something like expression engine more suited for slightly more complicated websites but not nessersarily e-commerce (don't worry, the more you learn the more you can explore these options)

 

As for your question, yes, MAMP is one of many that you can use, I personally find it faster to learn from online videos, so YouTube is a great resource, personally I like the channel devtips https://www.youtube.com/user/DevTipsForDesigners?app=desktop but more to the point of your question, I would look there to see how to install Wordpress using wamp if that is the one you choose to use.

 

Awesome, I will check out that channel and expression engine. Thanks for being so helpful, there's a lot more to this industry than I realized. It seems that there's a wide variety in knowledge and abilities. If I'm gonna do this, I wanna do it right.

 

My impression is that builders like Wix and Squarespace aren't real threats to the field, as long as you can sell yourself, and articulate why you can give clients a much better product.

Don't necessarily need to learn PHP and MySQL to do backend... especially if you are a front-end dev versed in JavaScript.

 

JavaScript can be used across the entire stack and is a great choice. SQL also is not necessarily the best choice, you need to look at whether or not you need a relational database vs a document based one.

 

In fact you might even be better off with a static site generator and just use markdown files for content, that way there's no database to worry about - it's the simplest way to have a well managed website, and it can be hosted on GitHub pages for free, there's no security to worry about, load performance will be better as there's no DB to query.

True there are many choices however I was just recommending what has worked for me over the pass 7 years Even tho I know python I rarely touch it I always go with PHP. And as for Java I'm not to sure that would be a language I would recommend to a beginner so that's why I didn't

Edited April 4, 20179 yr by webdesigner93

Don't necessarily need to learn PHP and MySQL to do backend... especially if you are a front-end dev versed in JavaScript.

 

JavaScript can be used across the entire stack and is a great choice. SQL also is not necessarily the best choice, you need to look at whether or not you need a relational database vs a document based one.

 

In fact you might even be better off with a static site generator and just use markdown files for content, that way there's no database to worry about - it's the simplest way to have a well managed website, and it can be hosted on GitHub pages for free, there's no security to worry about, load performance will be better as there's no DB to query.

My blog (although it's not been updated in ages) runs this way.

 

Thanks for your response, even though some of that was basically greek to me lol.

 

My understanding is that some people focus on design and front-end development, and then hire or work with a developer who does the bulk of coding. However, what I'm more interested in is building moderately simple, beautiful sites that I could do myself. I find that what I really enjoy is design and having creative control. Hopefully I can find a way to make that work after some more practice and learning.

Edited April 4, 20179 yr by A76

For somebody just starting out I would recommend to start with JavaScript as it's a single language to learn that can be used across the stack rather than learning JavaScript and PHP True Java might be a bit heavy for a beginner to get started. PHP is starting to lose popularity now too so I wouldn't want to invest too much of my time in it https://stackoverflow.com/insights/survey/2017#technology-programming-languages. Salaries for PHP devs are considerably lower than JavaScript devs right now also as it's used so heavily in modern application development.

 

Markdown and static sites are really simple like I said, so until the OP feels comfortable with JavaScript on the server that might be the best approach to get up and running quickly.

 

Thanks for your response, even though some of that was basically greek to me lol.

 

My understanding is that some people focus on design and front-end development, and then hire or work with a developer who does the bulk of coding. However, what I'm more interested in is building moderately simple, beautiful sites that I could do myself. I find that what I really enjoy is design and having creative control. Hopefully I can find a way to make that work after some more practice and learning.

 

Places I've worked at typically hire designers who only design, frontend developers who write code on the client and backend developers who work on the server. It's common for people to be multi disciplined but these are the typical normal roles. Companies preferring to have teams of domain experts. It's really really hard to get good across the entire stack and design, those people are incredibly rare, many claim but few actually can do it to a high standard.

 

 

Edit:

It does seem that your main passion is within design so why don't you start doing some designs and putting them on a service like Dribble, then seek out developers you can work with? Or look for employment as a designer if you'd prefer that to freelancing?

To get anywhere with development you really need to have a passion for it, IMO stick to what you enjoy the most - that will leave you feeling most fulfilled.

Edited April 4, 20179 yr by rbrtsmith

For somebody just starting out I would recommend to start with JavaScript as it's a single language to learn that can be used across the stack rather than learning JavaScript and PHP True Java might be a bit heavy for a beginner to get started. PHP is starting to lose popularity now too so I wouldn't want to invest too much of my time in it https://stackoverflow.com/insights/survey/2017#technology-programming-languages. Salaries for PHP devs are considerably lower than JavaScript devs right now also as it's used so heavily in modern application development.

 

Markdown and static sites are really simple like I said, so until the OP feels comfortable with JavaScript on the server that might be the best approach to get up and running quickly.

 

I thought the basics that I need to know would be HTML and CSS, especially for WP? Should my first steps be getting familiar with those two and then JS?

For somebody just starting out I would recommend to start with JavaScript as it's a single language to learn that can be used across the stack rather than learning JavaScript and PHP True Java might be a bit heavy for a beginner to get started. PHP is starting to lose popularity now too so I wouldn't want to invest too much of my time in it https://stackoverflow.com/insights/survey/2017#technology-programming-languages. Salaries for PHP devs are considerably lower than JavaScript devs right now also as it's used so heavily in modern application development.

 

Markdown and static sites are really simple like I said, so until the OP feels comfortable with JavaScript on the server that might be the best approach to get up and running quickly.

Mmm honestly didn't know PHP was below in popularity like it shows in that chart. But to be fair I myself enjoy Java and JavaScript quite a bit more. Soo I may think about using strictly Java as the base for my next project! Thanks for the link

 

I thought the basics that I need to know would be HTML and CSS, especially for WP? Should my first steps be getting familiar with those two and then JS?

 

WordPress is a CMS built on top of PHP, you should really know PHP before using it, otherwise you are just hacking around. You should look at why you would want a CMS in the first place? If you want to showcase designs and front-end coding skills there's no need for a CMS. A static site generator will do you better here. Or just put your content into your HTML initially until you learn how to use a static site generator.

 

Places I've worked at typically hire designers who only design, frontend developers who write code on the client and backend developers who work on the server. It's common for people to be multi disciplined but these are the typical normal roles.

I am a front-end developer and I rarely do design. I prefer to collaborate with designers.

 

Edit:

It does seem that your main passion is within design so why don't you start doing some designs and putting them on a service like Dribble, then seek out developers you can work with? Or look for employment as a designer if you'd prefer that to freelancing?

To get anywhere with development you really need to have a passion for it, IMO stick to what you enjoy the most - that will leave you feeling most fulfilled.

 

That's interesting, I'm just trying to narrow down and focus on what I'm good at. Based on various experiences, I think I have an eye for design in general. I've done some logo design, video production, and basic site design. I like to focus on the big picture, so to speak.

 

With that in mind, it is possible to eventually handle building small sites for clients on my own, correct? Especially if I stay away from eCommerce. Like for my local, small doctor's office I mentioned?

Thanks to all who have responded, this has been really helpful.

 

I've been reading about UI/UX designers and job descriptions trying to learn more about how this process works. It appears that it would be best for me to focus on design - Photoshop, Sketch, InVision, etc. and hone these skills.

 

This seems like good advice:

 

"It does seem that your main passion is within design so why don't you start doing some designs and putting them on a service like Dribble, then seek out developers you can work with? Or look for employment as a designer if you'd prefer that to freelancing?
To get anywhere with development you really need to have a passion for it, IMO stick to what you enjoy the most - that will leave you feeling most fulfilled." - rbrtsmith

 

Any additional thoughts are welcome.

Talented designers, especially those with a really good understanding of UI/UX and those who are able to callaborate effectively with developers are in great demand. I recommend you also learn agile processes, and if you can find a developer you can pair with to see how designing in the browser works.

 

This is what most of the big tech companies do - BBC, We do it to a degree at my work and did it in my previous.

 

A designer and dev will bounce off high level ideas sketching out UI components on a whiteboard or paper and the developer will spike them out in the browser to test their validity and essentially iterate on from there. Not many designers are comfortable with this way of work initially, so those that are can command a good salary due to the demand.

 

For now focus on learning design the traditional way, but also learn about agile ways of working (Scrum, Lean, Kanban) and don't be closed off to the collaborative way of working I touched on above and you will become and in demand asset.

 

Learning some basic HTML and CSS coding will help you gain a little more appreciation for what kind of designs are possible - or even sensible. Just because a design can be coded doesn't mean it should be, the resulting code should be clean and not all designs can be coded in a clean fashion. This is why pairing and design in the browser works so well as the result is clean code and a design that matches the user needs also.

Edited April 5, 20179 yr by rbrtsmith

I've found that a lot of small clients that utilise off the shelf Wordpress themes or Wix will want something custom at some point. This is why I'd avoid both of those options. Honestly, the amount of work we've nicked off freelancers and agencies that can't do any development (outside of basic theme customisation) is ridiculous. The problem is if the client is on a theme, then we can't do anything for them. Clients often find this frustrating, because they've been sold something that apparently can do everything. The reality is that it's such a mess no one wants to touch it, and this can lead to some difficult conversations for the original creator and the client.

 

Some people will try and fill the gap as best they can with plugins, but this ultimately leads to more issues either with security or performance, which has a knock on effect with everything from SEO to hosting. It's like taping over a hole in an already sinking ship.

Way to many cowboys in the industry; honestly it's so nice to be out of the agency environment and not having to deal with this stuff anymore. I don't miss having to worry about SEO either

Edited April 5, 20179 yr by rbrtsmith