Web development is an ever-evolving industry. That means we’re constantly adapting to what’s new, all while maintaining quality and efficiency. No sooner are we comfortable with something than it changes on us.
This applies to our workflow just as much as it does to other parts of our business. The way we build websites must align with modern best practices. The good news is that you don’t have to scrap your tried-and-true processes. Rather, it’s about adjusting to your project’s needs.
Your workflow should reflect the tasks you perform and the technologies you work with. It should also improve your productivity. For example, writing code by hand was once a common practice. However, it’s no longer realistic when tackling large website builds with custom functionality. There are tools and frameworks to help you increase your efficiency.
Everyone’s workflow is different, so there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. There are some universal methods for identifying bottlenecks and making improvements, however.
With that in mind, here are our tips for streamlining your web development workflow.
Use Tools With the Integrations You Need
Modern web development often means using multiple third-party tools and services. We connect to social media APIs, track projects in productivity apps, and manage remote data sources.
For instance, we don’t just write code in an editor these days. We may first generate it via an AI model like Claude. Such code might be pushed to a remote Git repository.
Wrangling these different tools and sources manually isn’t easy. It could mean logging into multiple websites or downloading a collection of apps. There must be an easier way, right?
That’s why tools with built-in integrations are so valuable. VS Code is a prime example, as it can interface with your repositories and use AI for inline code editing. Everything you need is within a singular interface.
If you’re stuck working in multiple places, look for tools that bring them together. There will be a learning curve, and you’ll need to invest time setting things up. However, you’ll save time in the long run.
Be Consistent in How You Build Projects
There are so many tools and services available to developers. It may be tempting to dabble in several of them and experiment. For example, perhaps you want to try a different content management system (CMS) for a project. Or you may look for a WooCommerce alternative on your next e-commerce site.
Curiosity is a positive thing, but it can also wreak havoc on your workflow. These issues often creep up during the maintenance phase. What happens when something breaks, or you need to build a new feature? What if your chosen tool no longer exists? You may be left scrambling to find a solution.
Consistency is one way to prevent this type of scenario. Repeated use of plugins, themes, and hosting platforms creates familiarity. You’ll have a better understanding of how things work. That knowledge will serve you well when troubleshooting or making changes.
This approach also benefits your business. The expertise you gain can turn into a niche. From there, you’ll have the skills to replicate these processes for your clients. Plus, becoming an authority in a specific area has great value.
None of this means you shouldn’t try new things. But it’s better to conduct those experiments in low-stakes situations, like a local website. Learn as much as you can before using a tool or technology in a production environment.
Think About How You Work
The above ideas aren’t groundbreaking: Use better tools and create repeatable processes. They’re simple ways to level up.
However, pain points in your workflow aren’t always easy to identify. Sometimes, you might not realize how certain tasks or tools impact you. That’s when a decidedly low-tech approach can help.
Take a moment and think about how you work. List the tools you use and the steps you take to get things done, like launching a new site or updating software. Write it down on a piece of paper if you want go fully retro!
Merely seeing these items in front of you can help you identify what’s working and what’s not. For instance, you might notice an unnecessary step or a tool that has fallen behind the times. You might be surprised at what you find.
A better option may immediately come to mind. If not, at least you’ll know where to make changes. That’s the first step toward improvement.
Use Your Workflow To Work Smarter
It’s easy for developers to become overwhelmed with tasks. It’s especially relevant in a time when websites are more complex than ever.
As such, we need every advantage we can find. Our workflow provides a great starting point. We can improve it by removing inefficiencies and adopting tools that save us time. Things like automation, AI, and third-party integrations can help. Rethinking your strategies and processes also makes a positive impact.
Our work is often difficult, but a better workflow can simplify it and make life easier. Even better, these solutions are within our reach.
So, what are you waiting for? Invest a little time now to streamline your workflow and save a lot of time later.
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