Web Designer Jobs
Web designer jobs encompass a range of computing roles, all of which are based around the creating and maintaining websites for PC, tablet and mobile. There are many web-based professions that fall under the umbrella of web design. These include graphic design, interface design, coding, copywriting and search engine optimisation. Depending on the size of the project, it is not uncommon to have a web designer perform all of these roles. Alternatively, a specialist team may tackle different aspects of the project. Although web design refers to the front-end design of a website, ongoing web development may also be included.
What do web designer jobs entail?
As a web designer, you’ll use a variety of tools to create the elements that make up a website. You’ll have a knowledge of graphic design, markup languages, content management systems, plug-ins and databases. You’ll be expected to create pages that are easy for users to navigate and that can be viewed on a variety of screen sizes and devices. Knowledge of mobile web design will also be important.
To become a web designer, a computer science or design degree will be of benefit. However, if you are planning to work as a freelancer, no formal qualifications are required. If you’ve acquired the skills for the job, you’re already well on your way to becoming a self-employed web designer. Many web designers find work with a web development or digital design agency. Most agencies will split the web design process into its constituent parts, with different teams focusing on such aspects as copywriting, SEO and graphic design respectively.
Web designer: As a general web designer, you’ll be involved with all aspects of the project. You’ll liaise with the client before designing and coding their new site or re-skinning their existing one. You may have to create logos and headers, write web copy, optimise the site for search engines and thoroughly test it. While some client websites will be coded from scratch, others may be based around highly customisable templates. Many web designers will also offer their clients web hosting for a monthly fee. Hosting websites can provide another revenue stream or be used to offset the cost of your own server space.
Copywriter: You’ll be responsible for writing all on-page web content including home and landing pages, meta tags, headers, text boxes and slogans. You’ll have to incorporate SEO keywords and adopt general SEO writing principles. You may also be expected to contribute blogs on an ongoing basis as part of the website’s SEO.
Graphic designer: Your role will be to design the logo, headers, banners, slider images and other graphics that appear on a website. A good knowledge of Photoshop and Illustrator will be required, while coding skills will be an advantage. If a client is having a website reskinned, you will be expected to design the menus, headers, slider and other elements that visually constitute a website.
SEO: As a search engine optimisation expert, you’ll be responsible for all aspects of on- and off-page site optimisation. You’ll ensure that client websites rank prominently on Google for relevant keyword searches. You may also be involved with blogging, social media and other link-building strategies that come under the banner of SEO.
Regardless of which aspect of web design you decide to focus on, you’ll be expected to be familiar with a broad range of skills and programmes. These include using CMS such as Wordpress and Drupal, payment gateways such as Sage and basic search engine optimisation techniques. Knowledge of web languages such as PHP and CSS will also be essential.
What salary can I expect as a web designer?
Web designer jobs average £35K in the UK, though your actual salary will ultimately be dependent on your experience and the aspect of web design you specialise in. Coding jobs, for example, tends to command a higher salary than SEO or copywriting roles. As a web designer performing all of these roles, it is likely you will be invoicing clients on a per website basis. Thus, the amount you earn will depend on the volume and price of the websites you create.
Find out more about our web designer jobs by contacting our team below.
Contact our team specialising in web designer jobs.
What do web designer jobs entail?
As a web designer, you’ll use a variety of tools to create the elements that make up a website. You’ll have a knowledge of graphic design, markup languages, content management systems, plug-ins and databases. You’ll be expected to create pages that are easy for users to navigate and that can be viewed on a variety of screen sizes and devices. Knowledge of mobile web design will also be important.
To become a web designer, a computer science or design degree will be of benefit. However, if you are planning to work as a freelancer, no formal qualifications are required. If you’ve acquired the skills for the job, you’re already well on your way to becoming a self-employed web designer. Many web designers find work with a web development or digital design agency. Most agencies will split the web design process into its constituent parts, with different teams focusing on such aspects as copywriting, SEO and graphic design respectively.
Web designer: As a general web designer, you’ll be involved with all aspects of the project. You’ll liaise with the client before designing and coding their new site or re-skinning their existing one. You may have to create logos and headers, write web copy, optimise the site for search engines and thoroughly test it. While some client websites will be coded from scratch, others may be based around highly customisable templates. Many web designers will also offer their clients web hosting for a monthly fee. Hosting websites can provide another revenue stream or be used to offset the cost of your own server space.
Copywriter: You’ll be responsible for writing all on-page web content including home and landing pages, meta tags, headers, text boxes and slogans. You’ll have to incorporate SEO keywords and adopt general SEO writing principles. You may also be expected to contribute blogs on an ongoing basis as part of the website’s SEO.
Graphic designer: Your role will be to design the logo, headers, banners, slider images and other graphics that appear on a website. A good knowledge of Photoshop and Illustrator will be required, while coding skills will be an advantage. If a client is having a website reskinned, you will be expected to design the menus, headers, slider and other elements that visually constitute a website.
SEO: As a search engine optimisation expert, you’ll be responsible for all aspects of on- and off-page site optimisation. You’ll ensure that client websites rank prominently on Google for relevant keyword searches. You may also be involved with blogging, social media and other link-building strategies that come under the banner of SEO.
Regardless of which aspect of web design you decide to focus on, you’ll be expected to be familiar with a broad range of skills and programmes. These include using CMS such as Wordpress and Drupal, payment gateways such as Sage and basic search engine optimisation techniques. Knowledge of web languages such as PHP and CSS will also be essential.
What salary can I expect as a web designer?
Web designer jobs average £35K in the UK, though your actual salary will ultimately be dependent on your experience and the aspect of web design you specialise in. Coding jobs, for example, tends to command a higher salary than SEO or copywriting roles. As a web designer performing all of these roles, it is likely you will be invoicing clients on a per website basis. Thus, the amount you earn will depend on the volume and price of the websites you create.
Find out more about our web designer jobs by contacting our team below.
Contact our team specialising in web designer jobs.
