Web development behind the scenes
Do you need professional web development services? Great! First, though — do you really need web development? Or web design?
That may seem a strange question. So why do I ask?
What Is Professional Web Development?
There’s a lot of crossover between web development and web design. Some designers even call themselves developers even though they can’t code. Still, having been doing this for decades, I find the original distinction works best:
Web design focuses on structure, performance and visual layout. Web development programs website behaviour.
Websites that do a lot more than display information are often called web applications, or “web apps”. Still, common web apps have fairly standard solutions. So those often only need design work, rather than custom programming.
Other web applications need custom programming to enable complex behaviour or to integrate with external systems.
For example, Festival Medical Services needed a secure field triage system and bespoke team management software to handle variable rotas for hundreds of volunteers in multiple teams at major events across the UK. Existing platforms couldn’t do that. So I wrote it from scratch. That’s web development.
Similarly, DogLost needed highly optimised back-end systems to help them manage a large and extremely active community and track down lost and stolen pets across the UK. Several other agencies tried and failed to do this. My code has run for over a decade with minimal maintenance.
Other developers have struggled to meet our needs, but since Peter rebuilt our site and support systems we have gone from strength to strength, winning major awards… We couldn’t have done that without him. — Jayne H. Bespoke Web Development:
Small Business Web Development
Still, custom programming takes a lot longer than most non-coders expect. Web development projects take months, not days.
Smaller firms tend to have tighter budgets than larger ones. Using the right systems can save months of development time and many thousands of pounds. So the first rule of responsible professional web development for small businesses is to consider such alternatives first.
You can’t do that without help from a developer who also offers other options. Specialist coders won’t sell you anything else. Many aren’t even very familiar with standard solutions. Likewise, those who don’t code often assume things are simple when they aren’t. You simply can’t guess at this, or rely on amateur opinions. You need unbiased expert advice.
I’ve been helping firms grow online since 1997, and coding, designing and running businesses far longer than that. So I used to be a specialist, but grew out of it.
So my simple website packages and WordPress development solutions cover most small business website needs. If they don’t fit yours, I can also offer bespoke web development.
Can’t recommend him highly enough. He was extremely professional, laid out exactly what we needed to do and his role within that, setting expectations all round very clearly, and working within our budgetary constraints to set clear boundaries. He was extremely prompt and punctual in his responses and work. He was also extremely patient with his recommendations and explanations, which were clear and simple to follow. Excellent value for us as a charity. We’re very grateful to him — he was a real pleasure to work with. — Emma C. Bespoke Web Development:
The Web Development Process
Still, what does custom web development involve? Well, very broadly, there are six steps:
- Discovery — gathering requirements and analyzing them to outline a solution
- Design — to plan the solution in detail. This includes designing code structures, as well as graphics, user interfaces and overall user experiences.
- Development — actually building the solution
- Debugging (Testing) — code is complex. So are users. Mixing the two is always unpredictable, and reveals things that need fixing.
- Deployment (Launch) — sometimes simple, but not always predictable.
- Review and Refinement — because lessons will be learned, and new features requested. That’s why whole process is called a development cycle.
Still, these steps don’t always take place in sequence, or at the same speed in all parts of a complex project. So some features may get prioritized for an early, “minimum viable product” test-launch whilst others are delayed for a later release.
Approaching Pete to set up a new website was the best move I have made. We wanted a system that was easy to navigate and look good when customers shop online. Pete made the whole process simple and dealing with him was a great pleasure. He can’t do enough to help and solve any problem that may arise. I would highly recommend Pete for his experience and knowledge and total dedication to see the project through to final conclusion. — Steve H. Web Design:
Starting Projects Properly
The Discovery phase is critical. It’s impossible to provide a realistic estimate and schedule for web development projects without it. The more unusual and specific your needs are, the more detail we’ll need to go into before we can work those out.
That takes time — and requires direct input from all decision makers on the project. Trying to delegate all discussions on a large project to people without authority to make decisions rarely works.
However, Discovery sometimes reveals issues that lead you to reconsider your plans. That’s still better than committing to a five- or six-figure project before learning about those issues.
So first, I offer a free preliminary consultation to get to know you, understand your broad goals, and rule out simpler solutions. Then, Discovery is a separate, paid project that precedes the main one. That way, you aren’t committed to the main project until you have an informed estimate.
If you then decide to go ahead with the main project, the cost of the Discovery phase reduces the overall estimate. You get reduced risk, and I get happier clients.
- 5.0 from 28 reviews
- 24-05-2023
Dave M.
Thanks, Pete! Since you updated my site, business has gone crazy – I now have more work than I know what to do with!
- 04-04-2023
Mark R
I use Netcentrics for all my business needs. Always a professional, super-prompt and to date flawless service. Excellent.
- 02-03-2023
Ceri E
A fantastic service! We are a small business just starting out with a new venture. Pete at Netcentrics has gone above and beyond to provide us with not only a fantastic website, but also invaluable business and marketing advice. The whole process has been incredibly positive and beyond what we expected compared to previous experiences. He is incredibly knowledgeable and supportive. His support did not stop at the end of the website build, he has continued to make himself available ensuring that we know how to maximise use of the website for our start up. We wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Pete to anyone.
- 18-11-2022
Janet L
Thanks, Pete — your advice is like gold dust!
- 21-08-2022
Barbara H
Oh my goodness, thank you so much! In over 20 years of online retailing this is the best and most comprehensive bit of help I’ve ever had relating to the dreaded SEO. I really appreciate it — many thanks again
- 07-11-2021
Sam G.
You’re amazing — highly recommended!
- 16-06-2021
Abid Hussain
Amazing service. Professional and outstanding company to deal with. Pete has great understanding with online requirements and core issue’s. Spent hours on the telephone explaining and working on the website to bring it up-to-date. Noting but gratitude and respect to Netcentric. Highly recommend to any one through my experience they have gone above and beyond.
- 15-05-2021
SakineO‑1
Pete is the most professional and knowledgeable web developer I have experienced since 2016 as I have had many since. You won’t regret. I highly recommend him.
- 05-10-2020
Paul Mercer
- 26-08-2020
Susan Baynham-Evans
Peter expertise is exactly what I needed . When I have ideas Pete makes them work. I could not run my website without him
- 09-07-2020
Emma Cunliffe
Can’t recommend him highly enough. He was extremely professional, laid out exactly what we needed to do and his role within that, setting expectations all round very clearly, and working within our budgetary constraints to set clear boundaries. He was extremely prompt and punctual in his responses and work. He was also extremely patient with his recommendations and explanations, which were clear and simple to follow. Excellent value for us as a charity. We’re very grateful to him — he was a real pleasure to work with.
- 05-06-2020
Graham Smith
knowledgeable and professional service designing and building a website for a local SME business.
- 05-06-2020
Keary Birch
Very helpful staff who really understood the problem and dealt with it.
- 05-06-2020
Ali van Dam
First rate! Knowledgeable, professional and creative. I would absolutely use Netcentrics again for future projects.
- 05-06-2020
Barbara Harris
Amazing, professional service and speedy communications. Very impressed and highly recommended.
- 05-06-2020
JWComp Sol
Netcentrics designed, implemented and have maintained our company website for many years.If you want a secure and reliable website I strongly recommend Netcentrics.
- 21-12-2019
Alison van Dam
I can’t say enough good things about Netcentrics.co.uk — thorough, knowledgeable, dedicated and innovative. Highly recommended.
- 05-12-2019
Helen Rich
Very pleased with my new e‑commerce site from Netcentrics. Very professional, knowledgeable, and highly recommended.
- 05-06-2019
Mark Davies
I have been using Netcentrics’ SEO service and they have impressively managed to get over 250 of my keywords onto the first page of the search results. A very friendly and thoroughly professional service. Highly recommended.
- 05-06-2018
andrew cocchiara
Many thank’s Pete for all your advice and expertise over the years. A first class professional service and excellent value for money.
- 15-03-2018
Tim D
Just saw that my site is now in 2nd place on the first page of Google. I’m not sure what you have done, nor do I understand it, but it worked! Many thanks!
- 24-02-2018
Paul G
It is a pleasure dealing with a professional with a high degree of technical skill allied to a ‘can do’ positive attitude. Your ability to explain technical concepts in layman’s language is also a great advantage. I would have no hesitation in recommending your services.
- 03-01-2018
Lisa
Excellent and professional work from beginning to end. Pete was open to ideas and able to make suggestions on how to develop my site.
- 05-06-2017
Ian A
Fast, friendly, efficient service that exceeded the spec and made a complicated job hassle free for me. Five stars, would highly recommend and would happily employ again for all things web and internet based.
- 05-06-2017
Mo Rich
A flourishing web designer, who is thorough and meticulous in everything he does. Will create a great looking unique and professional website particular to your needs.
- 14-09-2016
Ian A
Pete is one of the most creative, reliable, competent and ingenious people it has ever been my very great pleasure to work with. There is no problem he can’t find an ingenious and unexpected way out of, and he has a work ethic you could bend horseshoes around. I cannot recommend him highly enough for his breadth and depth of knowledge and his total commitment to whichever project he is currently undertaking.
- 31-05-2015
Jayne H
DogLost is the UK’s largest community of pet owners and rescuers. Other developers have struggled to meet our needs, but since Peter rebuilt our site and support systems we have gone from strength to strength, winning major awards including the 2013 Innovation Award from the International Fund for Animal Welfare. We couldn’t have done that without him.
- 19-11-2013
Codyspetdeli
Cody’s Pet Deli is an online business that sells pet food & accessories. Approaching Pete to set up a new website was the best move I have made. We wanted a system that was easy to navigate and look good when customers shop online.Pete made the whole process simple and dealing with him was a great pleasure. He can’t do enough to help and solve any problem that may arise. I would highly recommend Pete for his experience and knowledge and total dedication to see the project through to final conclusion.Steve H.
Does that sound like a win-win? Then let’s talk!