Website Developer

An outsourced website developer is a remote professional responsible for creating, maintaining, and updating websites for clients. Their tasks vary based on the type of website (e-commerce, informational, blog, etc.) and the specific client needs, but there are common core tasks they typically handle on a daily basis.

Daily Tasks of an Outsourced Website Developer

1. Website Development & Coding

• Writing, testing, and debugging website code (HTML, CSS, JavaScript, PHP, etc.)
• Building responsive and user-friendly layouts and interfaces
• Developing new features or pages for the website based on client requirements
• Implementing design elements and ensuring the website is visually appealing and functional
• Collaborating with designers to turn mock-ups or wireframes into fully functional websites

2. Website Maintenance & Updates

• Updating website content, including text, images, and multimedia, as per client requests
• Ensuring website security by applying updates to software, plugins, and security patches
• Fixing broken links, images, or page elements that are not functioning properly
• Regularly backing up websites to prevent data loss
• Addressing performance issues, including slow load times, downtime, or broken features

3. Debugging & Error Fixing

• Identifying and fixing bugs or errors reported by the client or website visitors
• Troubleshooting issues related to browser compatibility or user experience problems
• Testing websites across different browsers and devices to ensure consistent performance
• Debugging code in real time using development tools (e.g., Chrome DevTools, Firebug)

4. SEO Optimisation

• Optimising websites for SEO by improving page load speed, implementing meta tags, and ensuring correct use of headings (H1, H2, etc.)
• Adding alt text to images, implementing proper URL structures, and creating an XML sitemap
• Analysing and implementing recommendations from SEO tools like Google Search Console or Ahrefs
• Ensuring that websites are mobile-friendly and pass the Google Mobile-Friendly Test

5. Collaboration & Client Communication

• Daily communication with clients to understand project progress, discuss issues, or clarify requirements (via email, Slack, or video calls)
• Presenting work to clients for feedback, revisions, or approval
• Collaborating with project managers, designers, or other developers working on the same project to ensure smooth workflow
• Updating clients on the status of ongoing projects, including deadlines, milestones, and challenges

6. Code Review & Version Control

• Reviewing and testing the code written by other developers (if part of a team) for errors or performance issues
• Using version control systems like Git or GitHub to track code changes, collaborate with team members, and maintain organized codebases
• Committing changes to a central repository and ensuring proper versioning of code for future rollbacks or updates

7. Integrating Third-Party Tools & APIs

• Integrating third-party tools or services into the website, such as payment gateways, chatbots, or social media plugins
• Setting up APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) for external services (e.g., weather data, payment processors, or CRM systems)
• Ensuring seamless integration between the website and external systems, such as e-commerce platforms or marketing tools

8. Website Testing & Quality Assurance (QA)

• Performing manual and automated testing of websites to ensure they function correctly
• Testing website responsiveness to ensure it works across multiple devices and screen sizes
• Ensuring that the website works as expected under various scenarios, including different internet speeds and browsers
• Conducting user testing and gathering feedback on website performance and user experience

9. Monitoring Website Performance

• Monitoring website speed and performance using tools like Google PageSpeed Insights, GTmetrix, or Pingdom
• Identifying performance bottlenecks (e.g., large images, slow scripts) and implementing optimizations for better load times
• Monitoring the website’s uptime and addressing issues if the site goes down or becomes unreachable
• Analyzing traffic patterns using tools like Google Analytics to assess the site’s performance and user behavior

10. Preparing Documentation

• Documenting code changes, design decisions, and updates for future reference or for other developers working on the site
• Writing user manuals or guides for clients to manage content, such as how to edit their website or add products to an e-commerce platform
• Creating technical documentation to ensure that other developers can understand and maintain the site in the future

11. Testing Website Accessibility

• Ensuring the website complies with web accessibility standards (e.g., WCAG) to ensure that it is usable by people with disabilities
• Implementing accessibility features, such as alternative text for images, keyboard navigation, and screen reader compatibility
• Testing and addressing any issues related to accessibility for better inclusivity

Common Tools & Technologies Used

• Code Editors: Visual Studio Code, Sublime Text, Atom
• Version Control: Git, GitHub, Bitbucket
• Testing Tools: Google Lighthouse, BrowserStack
• Project Management Tools: Jira, Trello, Asana
• SEO Tools: Google Search Console, Ahrefs, Moz, SEMrush
• Content Management Systems: WordPress, Joomla, Drupal
• E-commerce Platforms: Shopify, WooCommerce, Magento
• Design Tools: Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD

Key Skills & Traits of a Website Developer

• Strong proficiency in programming languages (HTML, CSS, JavaScript, PHP, etc.)
• Experience with content management systems (CMS) and e-commerce platforms
• Knowledge of SEO best practices and website performance optimisation
• Strong debugging, problem-solving, and troubleshooting abilities
• Excellent communication skills for client and team collaboration
• Ability to work with version control and follow agile development practices