There’s over 360 million registered domains worldwide. Hundreds of websites are published every 60 seconds and without one, businesses are likely to fall behind.
Step one begins with figuring out the right domain name and making sure it's even available. Certain terms for a particular slug can inadvertently start a bidding war between current domain holders and new LLCs.
From there, the behind-the-scenes operational tasks come into play.
Mobile responsiveness, payment authorization methods, and a reliable backend server are only scratching the surface for what’s needed to get things off the ground. Which is why coding has become an in-demand part of the mechanics.
The truth is that poorly designed websites and “dead” webpages are excessively prevalent. When considering first impressions, these mishaps can say a lot about a brand’s reputation and integrity.
Outsourcing web projects to a programmer or graphic designer can be one option.
Although, time, cost, and the unexpected might stand in the way of getting a site up and running.
What’s more surprising about this side of the internet? Despite their existence, many webpages remain dormant or untouched.
Web Building Has Its Challenges
Every website needs the fundamentals. From visual designs, to contact pages and customer testimonials, there’s a reason why big ad agencies can lead a relaunch for their clients every few years. Expecting to finish all of this in a day or two probably isn’t pragmatic. The work is ongoing and both compliance standards and data protocols need to pass the test.
For example, failing to include the correct cookies language on an opt-in form or leaving out a privacy & terms page violates the legal requirements of those who are simply visiting that URL.
Coding a website from scratch sounds great in theory. While novice designers have advanced AI techniques and website builders at their disposal, this skillset is often underestimated.
Hitting an “under construction” page isn’t uncommon, either.
Conceptually, web design is far less moving a mouse around the screen or completing a line of script. Constructing a code involves logic, syntax, and plenty of ad hoc problem solving. Coding jargon itself reads similarly to a mountain of made-up words and licensed engineers encounter their fair share of human error. Still, there’s mass appeal for people to try their hand at web design.
A 2025 All About Cookies survey found that only 32% of people have successfully built their own website without any help. Ninety-one percent consider web building to be frustrating and not everyone has the mental fortitude to carry on with the tough elements and hard parts.
Learning to code isn’t for the weak and throughout this process, one’s patience will be tested. Nearly one-quarter (24%) of those who crossed the finished line with their website said it took much longer than anticipated.
Some of their biggest obstacles include design and layout, security, and implementing custom functionality. Keeping up with content creation, in particular, proves to be a taxing category for those who aren’t as well-versed.
The less difficult aspects relate to SEO optimization and performance speed. Becoming knowledgeable in proper keyword selections and using website analysis platforms are key tools to master these areas.
Most DIY Websites Get Scrapped
The survey’s findings indicate a strong interest in website builders (i.e. Canva, GoDaddy, and Wix) due to their affordability and integrated user experience.
Seventy-four percent of people make use of these mainstream applications, however, there are downsides to attempting a self-build:
- The basics require a clear understanding and complex requests are probably best left to the experts.
- Beginners risk jeopardizing their web project altogether.
More than half (51%) give up entirely and abandon their website before finishing it. This means the odds of hiring an engineer are high and non-coders should be on the lookout for a pro to get the job done. Or at least ask someone that they trust for support.
HTML Outshines Other Programming Languages
One guess as to why HTML stands out against the rest of programming languages is because it’s universal and works in agreement with all types of web browsers.
Converting HTML to various types of files doesn’t pose an issue whereas this can be problematic when coding in Cascading Style Sheets (CSS) or Structured Query Language (SQL).
HTML is also the recommended stepping stone when building mobile apps and templates. Once coders feel comfortable and well-equipped to handle technical formatting or sophisticated algorithms, they should then advance onto a different codebase. Not the other way around.
Fortunately, learning to code is becoming purely digital. Younger generations especially are turning to unconventional programming courses through YouTube tutorials and articles or videos they find online.
One-third (33%) of coders are learning these skills in high school or college, while roughly the same (31%) have the advantage to undergo adequate training at work.
The majority of paid courses and coding bootcamps are self-led, giving users the opportunity to complete them on their own time. Being able to earn a certificate in a matter of months is ideal for those with busy schedules and active careers.
Cracking The Web Design Code
Coders and non-coders tend to have parallel perspectives about their need for functioning websites each and every day. Social media and news aggregators require the same level of standards. Whether for work or leisure, websites serve an important purpose and many have grown accustomed to watching them evolve over the years.
Homepages, for instance, act as an open invitation for companies to give their behind-the-screen sales pitch. Furthermore, signup boxes aren’t just an anchor for online businesses and their digital storefronts. They can allow people to reach millions of consumers without maxing out on their advertising budget.
Proper security measures are paramount and although maintaining a blog or resource center necessitates some extra legwork, the impact on a domain’s site traffic could be worth the effort alone.
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