What Is Website Development?

Website development is the process of creating and maintaining a website.

Depending on your project, it may include:

• Website planning

• Website design

• Front-end development

• Back-end development

• Content management systems

• Database integration

• Forms

• Search functionality

• User accounts

• Payment integration

• Third-party integrations

• Mobile responsiveness

• Testing

• Website deployment

• Maintenance

The right approach depends on what your business needs and what you want visitors or customers to accomplish. 

Types of Websites

Different businesses need different types of websites.

Business Websites

A business website can introduce your company, services, team, contact information, and other important information.

Portfolio Websites

A portfolio website can showcase creative work, professional experience, projects, or services.

Landing Pages

A landing page is usually designed around a specific goal, such as generating inquiries, promoting an offer, or directing visitors toward a particular action.

Blog Websites

Blogs can be used to publish educational, informational, or industry-related content.

Membership Websites

Membership websites can provide registered users with access to specific content, services, or features.

Web Applications

Some projects require interactive web-based software rather than a traditional informational website.

The appropriate solution depends on what you want your visitors or customers to accomplish.

What Is E-Commerce?

E-commerce refers to buying and selling products or services online.

An e-commerce website may allow customers to:

• Browse products

• Search products

• View product details

• Add products to a cart

• Enter shipping information

• Make payments

• Receive order confirmations

• Track orders

• Contact customer support

An online store also requires ongoing management after the initial development.

Types of E-Commerce Websites

Physical Product Stores

Online stores that sell physical products that are shipped to customers.

Digital Product Stores

Stores that sell products such as:

• Digital downloads

• Templates

• Online resources

• Software

• Other digital products

Service-Based Businesses

Businesses can use websites to promote and sell services online.

Subscription Businesses

Some businesses provide recurring products or services through subscription models.

Marketplace Websites

A marketplace can allow multiple sellers or service providers to offer products or services through one platform.

The technical requirements can vary significantly between these models.

Explore Website Development & E-Commerce Services

Different website projects require different platforms, technical skills, design capabilities, and ongoing support. Explore the service categories below to identify the types of professionals who may be suitable for your requirements.

WordPress Development

Explore WordPress development services for business websites, blogs, service websites, content-managed websites, and other projects built with WordPress. Before choosing a professional, clarify the pages, features, integrations, and customization you require.

Explore WordPress Development Services on Fiverr →

Website Builders Design

Explore website builder design services for projects using website-building platforms. Consider your preferred platform, design requirements, required features, customization needs, and the level of control you want over future updates.

Explore Website Builders Design Services on Fiverr →

Website Development

Explore website development services for building or extending websites according to your business requirements. Depending on the project, you may need responsive layouts, forms, databases, integrations, interactive features, or other functionality.

Explore Website Development Services on Fiverr →

Website Design

Explore website design services for planning the appearance, layout, branding, navigation, and user experience of your website. Review relevant portfolio examples and clarify whether you need design only or both design and development.

Explore Website Design Services on Fiverr →

Web Application Development

Explore web application development services for interactive browser-based applications that may require user accounts, databases, dashboards, custom workflows, or integrations. Explain the intended users, required features, and expected functionality before requesting a quote.

Explore Web Application Development Services on Fiverr →

Website Maintenance

Explore website maintenance services for ongoing updates, troubleshooting, backups, security-related maintenance, performance checks, and other support tasks, depending on the provider's offering. Confirm what is included and whether the service is one-time or ongoing.

Explore Website Maintenance Services on Fiverr →

Shopify Development

Explore Shopify development services for online stores built on Shopify. Depending on your requirements, you may need store setup, theme customization, product organization, supported integrations, or other store functionality.

Explore Shopify Development Services on Fiverr →

WooCommerce Development

Explore WooCommerce development services for online stores using WooCommerce with WordPress. Consider your product catalog, store design, payment requirements, shipping configuration, integrations, and ongoing maintenance needs.

Explore WooCommerce Development Services on Fiverr →

E-Commerce Marketing

Explore e-commerce marketing services to support your online store's promotional activities. Depending on the provider's offering, your requirements may involve campaign planning, customer acquisition, advertising, email marketing, or other marketing activities.

Explore E-Commerce Marketing Services on Fiverr →

E-Commerce Management

Explore e-commerce management services for operational tasks associated with running an online store. Depending on the provider's scope, these may involve product listings, catalog organization, order-related tasks, store administration, or other ongoing activities.

Explore E-Commerce Management Services on Fiverr →

Before Choosing a Service

First identify what you need: a new website, a redesign, a web application, an online store, ongoing maintenance, or help marketing and managing an existing store. Compare relevant experience, service scope, deliverables, pricing, timelines, and support before deciding which professional to contact.

Website Design and User Experience

A professional website should be easy for visitors to understand and navigate.

Important considerations include:

• Clear navigation

• Readable text

• Consistent branding

• Logical page structure

• Clear calls to action

• Mobile-friendly layouts

• Easy-to-use forms

• Accessible content

• Fast-loading pages

Think about the main action you want visitors to take.

For example:

Visit Website → Learn About Service → Review Information → Contact Business

For an online store:

Visit Store → Browse Products → View Product → Add to Cart → Checkout

A clear user journey can make a website easier to use. 

Mobile-Friendly Websites

Your website should work appropriately across different screen sizes.

Check:

• Text readability

• Navigation

• Buttons

• Forms

• Images

• Product pages

• Checkout

• Menus

A website that works well on a desktop but is difficult to use on a smartphone can create a poor user experience. 

Website Content

A website needs useful content as well as good design.

Depending on your business, content may include:

• Home page

• About page

• Services

• Products

• Pricing information

• Frequently asked questions

• Contact information

• Blog or resources

• Customer information

• Terms and policies

Write for real visitors first. Avoid filling pages with unnecessary keywords simply to influence search rankings. 

SEO for Websites

Search engine optimization, or SEO, helps search engines understand your website and helps users discover relevant information.

Basic SEO considerations include:

• Clear page titles

• Descriptive headings

• Useful content

• Logical site structure

• Descriptive URLs

• Internal links

• Image descriptions where appropriate

• Mobile usability

• Good page performance

• Helpful metadata

SEO does not guarantee a particular search ranking. Search engines use many factors when determining which pages

appear for different searches.

Website Speed and Performance

Website performance can affect user experience.

Factors that may affect performance include:

• Large images

• Unnecessary scripts

• Hosting

• Poorly optimized code

• Too many plugins

• Third-party services

• Video files

• Website configuration

Ask your developer how they plan to optimize the website and test its performance. 

Website Security

Website security should be considered from the beginning of a project.

Depending on the website, security considerations may include:

• Secure administrator accounts

• Strong authentication

• Software updates

• Access controls

• Secure hosting

• Backups

• Secure forms

• Payment security

• Monitoring

If your website collects personal information or processes payments, discuss appropriate security measures with a qualified professional. 

Hosting and Domain Names

Website Hosting

Web hosting provides the environment where your website files and related services are stored and made available online.

When selecting hosting, consider:

• Performance

• Reliability

• Security

• Storage

• Traffic requirements

• Backup options

• Technical support

• Scalability

The appropriate hosting solution depends on the type and size of your website. 

Domain Name

Your domain name is the web address people use to access your website.

Consider:

• Easy spelling

• Easy pronunciation

• Relevance to your business

• Brand consistency

• Length

• Long-term use

Choose a domain that you can confidently use as part of your business identity.

E-Commerce Product Pages

A useful product page may include:

• Product name

• Product images

• Description

• Features

• Price

• Available options

• Size or specifications

• Shipping information

• Availability

• Customer reviews where appropriate

• Return information

Use clear and accurate information and avoid making unsupported claims about products.

Shopping Cart and Checkout

The checkout process should be simple and understandable.

Consider:

• Product summary

• Quantity

• Price

• Shipping costs

• Taxes where applicable

• Payment options

• Customer information

• Order confirmation

• Return information

Unnecessary steps can make checkout more difficult for customers.

Test the complete checkout process carefully before launching an online store. 

Payments, Shipping and Returns

Payment Integration

An e-commerce website may need to connect with a payment provider.

Depending on your business and location, payment options may include:

• Credit or debit cards

• Digital payment services

• Bank-based payment methods

• Other supported payment options

Payment availability varies by country, business type, platform, and provider. Check the provider's current requirements, fees, supported countries, and terms before choosing a payment solution. 

Shipping and Delivery

If you sell physical products, clearly communicate:

• Delivery areas

• Shipping costs

• Delivery times

• Tracking

• International shipping

• Packaging

• Order processing

• Returns

Do not promise delivery times that you cannot reliably provide.

Returns and Refunds

Clearly communicate your return and refund policies where applicable.

Explain:

• When customers can request a return

• Eligible products

• Return conditions

• Refund process

• Exchange options

• Shipping responsibilities

Your policies should be appropriate for your business and comply with applicable laws and platform requirements. 

Website Maintenance

A website is not necessarily a one-time project.

Ongoing maintenance may include:

• Software updates

• Security updates

• Backups

• Content updates

• Performance checks

• Broken-link checks

• Product updates

• Technical troubleshooting

Before hiring a developer, ask whether ongoing maintenance is included or available separately. 

Prepare Your Website Project

Before contacting a website developer, prepare a simple project brief.

Business Information

Explain what your business does.

Website Goal

Explain what you want the website to accomplish.

Target Audience

Describe who you want to reach.

Required Pages

List the pages you need, such as:

• Home

• About

• Services

• Products

• Blog

• Contact

Features

List important functions such as:

• Forms

• Search

• User accounts

• Booking

• Payments

• Membership

• E-commerce

Design

Explain your preferred visual style.

Branding

Provide your logo, colors, fonts, and other brand assets if available.

Content

Explain whether you already have website content or need help creating it.

Integrations

List external services that need to connect with the website.

SEO

Explain your search visibility goals.

Analytics

Explain whether you need analytics or reporting.

Budget

Provide an approximate budget if you have one.

Timeline

Explain when you would ideally like the project completed. 

Prepare Your E-Commerce Project

Before building an online store, prepare information about:

Products

List the products you plan to sell.

Product Information

Prepare:

• Names

• Descriptions

• Images

• Prices

• Variations

• Sizes

• Specifications

Payments

Identify your preferred payment methods.

Shipping

Define your shipping areas and delivery approach.

Returns

Prepare your return and refund policies.

Customer Accounts

Decide whether customers need accounts.

Inventory

Consider how product availability will be managed.

Notifications

Determine whether customers need order confirmations or other notifications.

Marketing

Consider how you will attract customers to your store.

Support

Decide how customers will contact you if they need help. 

Use AI Tools to Prepare Your Project

AI tools can help you organize your website or online store requirements before speaking with a developer.

You can use AI to:

• Clarify the purpose of your website or online store

• Identify your target customers and their needs

• Organize pages, products, features, and customer journeys

• Prepare requirements for payments, shipping, forms, or integrations

• Turn rough ideas into a structured project brief

• Identify questions to ask potential developers

• Organize the information you need to provide

• Compare different approaches

Example Prompt

I have an idea for a website or online store. Ask me questions about my business, customers, pages, products, features, payments, shipping, integrations, content, budget, and timeline, then help me create a clear project brief that I can discuss with a developer.

AI can help organize and clarify your ideas, but it does not replace professional technical, security, legal, e-commerce, or business advice.

Questions to Ask a Website Developer

Before hiring a website developer, consider asking:

1. Have you built websites similar to mine?

2. What exactly is included?

3. Will the website be mobile-friendly?

4. Will I be able to update the content myself?

5. Will you help with hosting and domain setup?

6. Will basic SEO setup be included?

7. How will website security be handled?

8. Will you set up backups?

9. How many revisions are included?

10. What support is available after launch?

These questions can help you understand the developer's relevant experience, project scope, technical responsibilities, revisions, and post-launch support.

Questions to Ask an E-Commerce Developer

If you are building an online store, also consider asking:

1. Which e-commerce platform do you recommend?

2. How will payments be integrated?

3. How will shipping be managed?

4. How will inventory be managed?

5. Can I add products myself?

6. How will customer information be protected?

7. Will order notifications be included?

8. Can the store support mobile customers?

9. How will refunds and returns work?

10. What happens after the store launches? 

Website Development Budget Considerations

Website costs can vary significantly depending on the project.

Factors may include:

• Number of pages

• Design complexity

• Custom development

• E-commerce functionality

• Number of products

• Payment integrations

• Third-party integrations

• User accounts

• Databases

• Custom features

• SEO requirements

• Content creation

• Testing

• Maintenance

• Project timeline

Compare the complete scope and deliverables rather than choosing a developer based only on price. 

Common Website Mistakes

Building Without a Clear Goal

Know what you want visitors to do.

Complicated Navigation

Keep important information easy to find.

Ignoring Mobile Users

Test the website on different screen sizes.

Poor-Quality Images

Use clear, relevant images that support your content.

Writing for Search Engines Instead of People

Create useful content that answers visitors' questions.

Making Pages Too Long Without Structure

Use headings, short paragraphs, lists, and clear sections.

Forgetting Contact Information

Make it easy for visitors to contact your business.

Not Updating the Website

Keep important information current. 

Common E-Commerce Mistakes

Complicated Checkout

Make the purchasing process as clear as possible.

Incomplete Product Information

Give customers enough information to make an informed decision.

Unclear Shipping Costs

Explain shipping costs and delivery expectations clearly.

Poor Product Images

Use useful and accurate product images.

Unclear Return Policies

Make return and refund information easy to find.

Ignoring Mobile Shopping

Test product pages and checkout on mobile devices.

Not Testing Payments

Test the complete purchasing process before launching.

Ignoring Security

Protect customer accounts and business systems appropriately.

Website & E-Commerce Project Checklist

Before starting your project:

☐ Define the website's main purpose
☐ Identify your target audience
☐ List required pages
☐ List required features
☐ Prepare your website content
☐ Prepare your logo and brand assets
☐ Choose a suitable domain
☐ Consider hosting requirements
☐ Consider mobile responsiveness
☐ Plan website navigation
☐ Plan important calls to action
☐ Consider basic SEO requirements
☐ Consider analytics
☐ Consider security
☐ Plan backups
☐ Identify required integrations
☐ Set an approximate budget
☐ Set a preferred timeline
☐ Prepare a project brief
☐ Research relevant professionals
☐ Review previous work
☐ Read customer reviews
☐ Ask questions before hiring
☐ Confirm deliverables
☐ Confirm revisions
☐ Confirm testing
☐ Discuss maintenance and support

If You Are Building an Online Store

☐ Prepare product information
☐ Prepare product images
☐ Set product prices
☐ Define shipping options
☐ Define return policies
☐ Choose payment methods
☐ Plan inventory management
☐ Plan customer accounts if needed
☐ Test the shopping cart
☐ Test checkout
☐ Test payment processing
☐ Test order notifications
☐ Test the store on mobile devices 

Explore Website Development & E-Commerce Services

Once you understand your website or online-store requirements, use the service categories above to explore relevant professionals on the external marketplace.

Marketplace offerings, features, pricing, and availability can vary by provider and project scope. Review the current service details before deciding which professional to contact.

How to Use Marketplace Search & Filters

Once you understand your website or e-commerce requirements, you can use the marketplace search and filter tools to narrow the available options.

You can search for services before deciding which professional to contact. The available filters and options may vary depending on the category and type of service.

1. Start With a Specific Search

Begin with the service you actually need rather than using a very broad search.

For example:

• Business website development

• WordPress website

• Shopify store

• E-commerce website

• Web application development

• Landing page development

• Website redesign

• Payment integration

A more specific search can help you find services that are closer to your actual requirements.

2. Review the Available Filters

After your search results appear, review the available filter options.

Depending on the marketplace category, you may see options related to:

• Category

• Budget

• Delivery time

• Freelancer level

• Language

• Location

• Service options

• Seller or agency information

The exact filters may change depending on the service category.

Use only the filters that are relevant to your project. Applying too many filters can unnecessarily reduce the number of suitable options.

3. Consider Your Budget

Use the budget or pricing information to narrow results according to what you are prepared to spend.

However, do not choose a provider based only on the lowest price.

Compare the price with:

• Project scope

• Features

• Experience

• Deliverables

• Timeline

• Support

• Relevant previous work

4. Consider Delivery Time

If your project has a deadline, review the available delivery information.

A faster delivery time is not automatically better.

Make sure the proposed timeline is realistic for the number of pages, features, integrations, products, testing, and revisions involved.

5. Review Freelancer or Agency Details

Depending on the marketplace results, you may be able to review information such as:

• Freelancer level

• Language

• Location

• Availability

• Agency status

• Consultation options

• Relevant skills

Use these details to help determine whether the provider fits your project.

6. Review the Profile and Portfolio

After narrowing your search, open the profiles or service listings that appear relevant.

Look for:

• Previous website projects

• E-commerce experience

• Relevant platforms

• Technical skills

• Design quality

• Similar project experience

• Customer reviews

• Service details

• Deliverables

For an online store, pay particular attention to experience with the type of store, products, payment methods, shipping requirements, and integrations you need.

7. Compare Before Contacting

Do not immediately choose the first suitable result.

Compare several relevant options based on:

• Experience

• Portfolio

• Technical fit

• Project scope

• Deliverables

• Timeline

• Reviews

• Communication

• Pricing

• Support

The goal is to find a provider whose experience, scope, quality, timeline, and pricing fit your actual requirements. 

8. Explain Your Project Clearly

When you find a potentially suitable professional, explain:

• What you want to build

• Your business goal

• Required pages

• Required features

• Preferred platform

• E-commerce requirements, if applicable

• Integrations

• Budget

• Timeline

• Expected deliverables

Clear information makes it easier for the professional to understand your project and provide an appropriate response or quote.

9. Ask Questions Before You Decide

Before hiring, ask questions about anything unclear.

For example:

• What exactly is included?

• Which platform will be used?

• Will the website be mobile-friendly?

• Are revisions included?

• Will I receive the website files and access?

• How will payments or integrations be handled?

• What happens after the website launches?

• Is maintenance available?

For e-commerce projects, also ask about products, inventory, payments, shipping, refunds, customer accounts, and order notifications where relevant.

10. You Can Also Use a Project Brief

If you are not sure which professional or service is right for your project, a project brief can help you describe your requirements and receive relevant offers.

This can be useful when your project is more specific or involves several requirements that are difficult to describe through a simple search.

Important Reminder

Marketplace filters, ratings, reviews, pricing, availability, badges, and provider information are supplied by the external marketplace and may change over time.

Use them as tools for narrowing and comparing options, not as a replacement for your own research.

Digital Talent Hub is an independent informational resource. We do not independently verify, employ, manage, or guarantee external freelancers, agencies, or service providers.

The Vetted Pro Guarantee

Fiverr Pro displays the following information about its Vetted Pro service:

• Vetted by the Fiverr Pro team

• Delivers top-quality work

• Experienced working with businesses

• Satisfaction guarantee on eligible orders 

These statements describe information presented by Fiverr Pro. Digital Talent Hub does not independently verify or guarantee these claims.

Before purchasing, review the current Fiverr Pro service information and applicable terms.

Website or Online Store?

Start with your business goal.

A Traditional Website May Be Suitable When:

• You mainly need to provide information

• You want to showcase services

• Customers need to contact you

• You want to build an online presence

• You need educational or informational content

An E-Commerce Website May Be Suitable When:

• You sell products online

• Customers need to place orders

• You need online payments

• You need product catalogs

• You need shopping-cart and checkout functionality

Not every business needs a complex website. Choose a solution that fits your actual requirements. 

Ready to Explore Website Development & E-Commerce Solutions?

Once you have prepared your requirements and understand what you need, explore the relevant service categories to compare available options for your website or online store.

• Explore Website Development & E-Commerce Services on Fiverr →

• Explore WordPress Development Services on Fiverr →

• Explore Website Builders Design Services on Fiverr →

• Explore Website Development Services on Fiverr →

• Explore Website Design Services on Fiverr →

• Explore Web Application Development Services on Fiverr →

• Explore Website Maintenance Services on Fiverr →

• Explore Shopify Development Services on Fiverr →

• Explore WooCommerce Development Services on Fiverr →

• Explore E-Commerce Marketing Services on Fiverr →

• Explore E-Commerce Management Services on Fiverr →

• Explore Resources & Free Guides →
  
  

Important Information

Digital Talent Hub is an independent website and is not operated by Fiverr.

Information about third-party services, pricing, availability, features, reviews, delivery times, security practices, payment options, and policies may change.

Digital Talent Hub does not personally employ, manage, or independently verify professionals available through external marketplaces.

The information on this page is provided for general educational and informational purposes. It does not guarantee any particular service, freelancer, price, delivery time, website performance, security outcome, or project result.

Always review the current information provided by the relevant service provider before making a purchase.

Affiliate Disclosure

Some links on this page may be affiliate links.

Digital Talent Hub participates in the Fiverr Affiliate Program. If you click an affiliate link and make a qualifying purchase, Digital Talent Hub may receive a commission at no additional cost to you.

See the full Affiliate Disclosure for more information.