Quality assurance (QA) is a crucial part of the website development process that ensures everything runs smoothly and functions the way it should. In web design, QA involves testing and reviewing every element of a site—from layout to loading speed—to make sure it's error-free and user-friendly. It’s all about catching issues before your users do. A well-executed QA process helps you deliver a polished, professional site that meets performance and accessibility standards.

QA isn't just about fixing bugs—it's a broader strategy that helps teams maintain consistency, usability, and even SEO effectiveness. It usually happens toward the end of a web project, but it can (and should) be part of every stage in the build.

Why quality assurance (QA) matters in web design

QA ensures your site not only looks good but also works correctly across all devices and browsers. A site might look flawless on a desktop but break completely on a phone—QA catches those issues early. It also helps maintain a positive user experience by reducing broken links, 404 errors, and slow load times.

Without proper QA, you risk launching a website that frustrates users, drives them away, and potentially hurts your business credibility. It’s much harder (and more expensive) to fix problems after launch, so QA is a great investment upfront.

Key steps in the QA process

A strong QA process is systematic and repeatable. It usually includes the following steps:

• Functionality testing: Make sure all links, forms, buttons, and interactive elements behave as expected.
• Cross-browser testing: Check that the site looks and works consistently in Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and others.
• Mobile responsiveness checks: Test how your site adjusts to different screen sizes, especially mobile devices.
• Content review: Look for typos, incorrect images, or outdated info that could confuse users.
• Performance testing: Measure site speed and loading times to ensure smooth browsing.

Each of these steps helps create a seamless experience for every visitor.

Common tools used in QA testing

Web designers often rely on a mix of manual testing and automated tools to streamline QA. Manual testing is great for catching visual inconsistencies and issues that require human judgment. Automated tools help speed up repetitive tasks like performance testing and code validation.

Popular tools include:

• BrowserStack: For cross-browser and cross-device testing
• Lighthouse (by Google): For checking page performance, accessibility, and SEO readiness
• WAVE: For accessibility evaluations
• Screaming Frog: For crawling your site to find broken links, redirects, and on-page SEO problems

These tools, used together, can quickly pinpoint areas that need improvement before launch.

How QA connects to the broader web development process

Quality assurance is the final checkpoint before a website goes live—but it also influences everything that comes before it. When QA is part of your workflow from the beginning, you catch issues earlier and reduce stress later.

For example, a developer might write cleaner code knowing it’ll go through rigorous testing. A designer might double-check contrast ratios and font sizes to make sure they meet accessibility guidelines. QA also helps align your work with digital marketing goals, like optimizing for SEO or improving page load speeds to reduce bounce rates.

Making QA part of your everyday workflow—not just a final step—can drastically improve your site’s quality and performance.

FAQs about quality assurance

What’s the difference between QA and testing?

Testing is one part of the QA process. QA is a broader strategy that includes planning, prevention, and process improvement, while testing specifically focuses on finding bugs or functionality issues.

When should QA happen in a website project?

QA should ideally happen at multiple points throughout the project, not just before launch. Early testing helps catch foundational issues, while final-stage QA ensures the site is polished and ready for users.

Who is responsible for QA in web design?

QA can be handled by dedicated QA testers, but in many teams, designers, developers, and project managers all take part. Everyone has a role in making sure the site functions as intended.

Can AI tools help with QA?

Yes, some AI website builders include built-in tools that scan for errors, performance issues, or accessibility gaps. They can flag issues early and even suggest fixes, making the QA process faster.

Does skipping QA affect SEO?

Absolutely. A buggy site with broken links, slow load times, or inaccessible content can hurt your SEO. QA helps ensure your site is optimized for search engines and real users alike.

Build a site that works beautifully, every time

QA is a behind-the-scenes hero of great websites. It ensures your visitors have a smooth, seamless experience, no matter their device or browser. If you're building or updating a site, don't skip this step—it can make all the difference.

B12 AI website builder takes a lot of the guesswork out of QA by helping you build a solid, high-performing site from the start. Get started today and launch with confidence!