Website Design Basics: Essential Knowledge for Beginners
Here are the basic things that those who want to build a website need to know:
Understanding Basic Web Technologies
1. Basic Web Technologies:
HTML (HyperText Markup Language): This is the primary coding language that defines a webpage’s structure. Developers use HTML tags to display text, images, links, forms, and other elements on a web page.
CSS (Cascading Style Sheets): Developers use CSS to adjust colors, fonts, layouts, and spacing, enhancing the visual presentation of a webpage.
JavaScript: This scripting language adds interactivity to web pages. Developers use JavaScript to respond to user actions, manipulate data, and dynamically update content.
2. Design Principles:
Usability: A well-designed webpage should be easy to navigate and use. A clear layout, simple navigation menu, and straightforward content improve user experience.
Accessibility: Designers should ensure that everyone, including people with disabilities, can use the webpage. Proper HTML structure, image captions (alt text), and keyboard-friendly navigation help achieve this.
Responsiveness: Webpages must adapt to different devices, such as desktops, tablets, and mobiles. Responsive design techniques ensure optimal viewing across all screen sizes.
Visual Appeal: An attractive and well-designed layout enhances user engagement.
3. Design Tools (Optional):
Figma & Adobe XD: These tools help designers create webpage layouts and interactive prototypes before development.
Photoshop, Canva, & GIMP: Designers use these tools to edit images and optimize them for the web.
Choosing the Right Platform (WordPress & Elementor)
WordPress is a popular content management system (CMS) that lets you build websites without coding knowledge. Elementor is a widely used “drag-and-drop” page builder plugin for WordPress. Below, you’ll find more details about both.
What is WordPress?
WordPress is the world’s most popular CMS (Content Management System). This free, open-source software lets you build anything from simple blogs to complex e-commerce websites. Its user-friendly interface makes it easy for anyone—even non-technical users—to manage their site.
You can customize your website’s design and functionality using thousands of free and paid themes and plugins.
Key Features of WordPress:
One-click installation – Set up WordPress quickly and easily.
Ready-made themes – Control your website’s appearance with customizable designs.
Plugins – Extend functionality with add-ons like contact forms, SEO tools, and e-commerce features.
SEO-friendly – WordPress follows best practices to help your site rank well in search engines.
What is Elementor?
Elementor is a powerful “drag and drop” page builder plugin for WordPress that lets anyone create professional web page layouts without coding knowledge. It offers both free and premium versions to suit different needs.
Key Features of Elementor:
Intuitive Drag & Drop Editor – Easily arrange text, images, buttons, and videos on your pages
Widget Library – Access numerous ready-made widgets to add diverse content and functionality
Template System – Build pages faster using pre-designed templates
Responsive Controls – Customize layouts separately for desktop, tablet and mobile views
Beginner-Friendly Interface – Simple enough for non-designers to create professional-looking pages
How Do They Work Together?
To build a website, users first install WordPress. Then, they can install the Elementor plugin to use its visual editor instead of WordPress’s default editor.
Who Can Use It?
People who don’t know how to code but want to design websites.
Those who need to build websites quickly.
Web designers looking for greater customization and efficiency.
WordPress and Elementor help users create professional websites without coding knowledge.