Who does what: web roles explained
Designers, developers, SEOs, project managers, copywriters: what each web professional actually does, in plain English.
Working with a web agency means working with a range of specialists. This page explains what each role does, so you know who to ask about what, and what to expect from each person involved in your project.
The core web team
Project Manager (PM)
The project manager is your primary point of contact during a project. They coordinate everyone on the team, track deadlines, and make sure the right work happens in the right order.
At Chykalophia, this is your project lead.
What they do:
- Keep the project on schedule and on budget
- Communicate progress to you
- Escalate issues to the right specialists
- Facilitate approvals and feedback rounds
When to contact them: For general questions about project status, timelines, scope changes, or anything you're not sure who to ask.
Web Designer
The designer is responsible for how your website looks and feels. They work in tools like Figma to create mockups and design systems before any code is written.
What they do:
- Create wireframes and mockups
- Define colors, typography, spacing, and layout
- Design page templates and component libraries
- Ensure the design is accessible and on-brand
- Create responsive designs that work on mobile and desktop
What they don't do: Write code (unless they're also a developer), write copy, or set up hosting.
When to contact them: Feedback on how something looks; brand and style questions; requests to add new page sections or design elements.
Web Developer / Front-End Developer
The developer turns the designer's mockups into a working website. They write the HTML, CSS and JavaScript that browsers read, and often the server-side code that builds each page before it's sent (PHP, on a WordPress site).
What they do:
- Build pages and layouts in WordPress, Webflow, or the chosen CMS
- Set up plugins, integrations, and custom functionality
- Fix bugs and performance issues
- Ensure cross-browser compatibility
- Connect payment gateways, forms, APIs, and third-party services
What they don't do: Write copy, design the visual look (unless they're also a designer), or manage marketing.
When to contact them: Technical issues, broken functionality, new features that require code.
Back-End Developer
Where a front-end developer works on what visitors see, a back-end developer works on the server side: databases, APIs, application logic, and infrastructure.
What they do:
- Build server-side functionality and custom integrations
- Manage databases and data models
- Set up APIs and automation
- Configure server environments and security
Many projects at our scale don't need a separate back-end developer: the front-end dev handles everything. For complex custom builds, a back-end specialist joins the team.
Copywriter / Content Strategist
The copywriter writes the words on your website: headlines, body text, CTAs, product descriptions, and blog posts. A content strategist also plans which content you need and in what order.
What they do:
- Write clear, persuasive website copy
- Craft headlines, subheadings, and calls to action
- Write or edit blog posts, case studies, and landing pages
- Structure content for both readers and search engines
What they don't do: Design or build pages. They deliver copy in a document; the designer/developer formats it.
SEO Specialist
The SEO specialist works to improve your site's visibility in search engines over time.
What they do:
- Research keywords and content opportunities
- Optimize page titles, meta descriptions, headings, and on-page content
- Set up and monitor Google Search Console and analytics
- Fix technical SEO issues (crawlability, redirects, sitemaps)
- Build a content strategy and measure results
What they don't do: Guarantee rankings or produce instant results. Google is blunt about this: "No one can guarantee a #1 ranking on Google." Its own guidance is that some changes show up in search within hours while others take several months, and that you should wait a few weeks before judging whether a change helped. SEO is a long-term investment.
Account Manager
The account manager focuses on the overall relationship between you and the agency. At Chykalophia, this is often your main strategic contact.
What they do:
- Understand your business goals and map them to web work
- Help you prioritize new requests and investments
- Identify new opportunities and recommend next steps
- Escalate urgent issues
Other roles you may encounter
| Role | What they do |
|---|---|
| UX Researcher | Interviews users, runs usability tests, and analyzes behavior to improve user experience. |
| QA Tester | Tests the site systematically before launch to catch bugs, broken links, and display issues. |
| DevOps / Systems Admin | Manages servers, hosting environments, deployments, and infrastructure. |
| Motion Designer / Animator | Creates animations, video, and interactive effects. |
| Photographer / Videographer | Provides original photo and video content. |
| Digital Marketing Specialist | Manages paid ads, social media, and email campaigns. |
| Analytics Specialist | Sets up and interprets analytics tracking and reports. |
How Chykalophia is structured
We're a small, senior team: most of us cover multiple disciplines. Your project lead will tell you clearly who is responsible for what on your specific project. If you're ever unsure who to contact, go to your PM first.
For any support request, email us at support@chykalophia.com and we'll route it to the right person.
Common questions
Do I work directly with the designer and developer, or through a project lead?
Typically through your project lead for day-to-day communication. For design feedback sessions, you'll often speak directly with the designer. For urgent technical issues, we escalate to the developer as needed.
What's the difference between a designer and a developer?
A designer decides what it looks like. A developer makes it work in a browser. Some people do both: called a "designer/developer" or "full-stack designer." These are separate skill sets, though they overlap.
Can I request changes from whoever is working on my project?
Please send all requests through our support portal or email support@chykalophia.com. Direct messages to individual team members can miss tracking and delay work. See How to request new work or changes.
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