By Tanya Ganian · · 3 min readA web designer focuses on how a website looks and how people experience it: layout, colours, typography, navigation and mobile layouts. A web developer focuses on how it works: code, features, databases, integrations and performance. For a straightforward small-business website, one experienced professional who covers both is often enough; complex projects need several specialists.
What does a web designer do?
Short answer: a web designer makes your website attractive, understandable and easy to use. They work on:
- Page layouts
- Colours and typography
- Navigation
- Visual branding
- Mobile layouts
- User experience (how easily people find things and take action)
What does a web developer do?
Short answer: a web developer makes the website work. They may handle:
- Coding
- Technical functionality
- Database connections
- Custom features, like calculators or member areas
- Integrations with booking, payment or CRM tools
- Performance and troubleshooting
Side by side
| Web designer | Web developer | |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | How it looks and feels | How it works |
| Main tools | Design software, website builders | Code, frameworks, databases |
| You need one when | You want a clear, credible, easy-to-use site | You need custom features or integrations |
Do I need both?
Not necessarily. Modern platforms like WordPress let many professionals design and build complete websites without extensive custom code. Some designers also develop; some developers also design. For a straightforward small-business site, one experienced professional may be enough. For a complex project, like a large online store or custom integrations, you may need several specialists.
What about SEO?
Neither title guarantees SEO knowledge. Ask whether page structure, speed, headings and structured data are part of the build, or bring in an SEO specialist early. See should I hire SEO and web design together?
The bottom line
A designer shapes the experience. A developer builds or customizes the technology behind it. The job title matters less than whether the person has the skills your project requires.
Point7 Digital handles design, build and SEO together for small-business sites. See our web design and WordPress websites, or read how to choose between web designers.
Frequently asked questions
Is a web designer the same as a web developer?
No. A designer focuses on appearance and user experience; a developer focuses on code and functionality. Many professionals do both for simpler websites.
Do I need a web developer for a small business website?
Usually not for a standard site built on a platform like WordPress. You may need one for custom features, complex integrations or a large online store.
Who handles SEO, the designer or the developer?
Either may handle basic SEO setup, but neither title guarantees it. Ask explicitly, or involve an SEO specialist from the start.