Build a Website 101

When it comes to building a website, you have a number of options.

1).   You can learn HTML and build a website from scratch

2).   You can learn Adobe Dreamweaver

3).   You can learn FrontPage

4).   You can learn QuarkXPress

5).   You can learn the new Google Page Creator

6).   You can use a website template

7).   You can use a website script

8).   You can use a website programmer

9).   You can use a Website Builder

Each option comes with its own list of pros and cons. The method you use choose depends on a number of factors.

(a)   The costs, (some of the applications are pretty pricey)

(b)   Your level of programming skills

(c)   You willingness to learn programming, (HTML, CSS, etc.)

(d)   Your graphical skills or lack thereof

(e)   Your patience or lack thereof

(f)    Are you artistically inclined?

(g)   Your deadline to launch your website

You Can Learn HTML and Build a Website From Scratch

This option could take weeks and even months just to learn the very basics of HTML coding. Burt once you have it, you are on your way to becoming part of a special breed; webmasters who are in total control of the websites they design.

If you don’t feel that you’ll enjoy staring at a computer screen for hours on end, writing code, checking code, rewriting code and rechecking code, I wouldn’t recommend this option. This is solely for computer geeks who get a thrill out of X’s and O’s. The great thing about HTML is that it doesn’t cost you anything. All you need is the knowledge, an editor, like notepad, a browser and a FTP application.

You Can Learn Adobe Dreamweaver

Let’s get these points clarified upfront; Dreamweaver IS NOT for the technically challenged. The learning curve is literally going to be like learning a new language. While you’re going through the instructional process, you won’t be launching ANY websites to write home about. In addition, the barebones Dreamweaver application costs around $400.00. With the much needed add-ons, that price can easily rise to $1400 and upwards. On a good note, if you have the funds and the time, once you learn Dreamweaver, you can take those skills virtually anywhere.

You Can Learn FrontPage

I won’t waste a lot of time here because every true web designer knows that FrontPage has pretty much outlived its existence. FrontPages uses frames and some websites and browsers won’t display websites designed with FP.

You Can Learn QuarkXPress®

Build a website team, I hope you’re ready for this potentially startling news; QuarkXPress® costs around a whopping $800.00 and the learning curve is intense. I wouldn’t suggest purchasing this software unless you can see yourself committing to spending the time, (which could take months to learn) and you can invest the funds without stressing your budget. On a good note, once you learn QuarkXPress® you become part of a highly respected team of web designers.

You Can Learn The New Google Page Creator

Here’s what Google has to say about their new tool, “The Google Page Creator is a free online tool that makes it easy for anyone to create and publish useful, attractive web pages in just minutes.” The good news is that the GPC is free. The bad news is, “You pay for what you get!” And since you are not paying, you won’t be getting much! Only use this option to play around with building a website.

You Can Use a Website Template

Website templates are pre-made, usually professionally designed websites at a fraction of the time and cost of hiring a professional web designer. These templates come with the foundation of the website, (i.e., header, footer and navigation menu pre-fabbed. Usually, all you have to do is add your content. The problem is, you are limited in the type of changes you can make, if any at all, unless you are versed in the software the template was created in. The other drawback is, you’re most likely not the only one who purchased that template. It’s like going to a dance and seeing one or more people wearing your exact outfit.

You Can Use a Website Script

A website script is a pre-built website that serves a particular industry such as: Real estate agents, insurance agents, artists and religious scripts. These websites usually come with online forms, shopping carts and functionality ready to go. Once the script is installed, all you need to do is add your header, footer and content. Website scripts are great for do it yourselfers who are willing to learn HTML and/or CSS basics; you may need these skills to make minor changes to the script.

You Can Use a Website Programmer

Let’s say you like the layout and functionality of a website like CNN.com or YouTube.com… or, let’s say you come up with a website layout that you have never seen before and would like to have it designed, you can hire a website programmer to make your dreams come true. Programmers can literally bring your vision to life, no matter what it is. Just be advised; their services don’t come cheap.

You Can Use a Website Builder

A website builder, sometimes called a “WYSIWYG, What You See Is What You Get,” editor, is a software application designed for individuals and small business people with little or no programming experience to build a website themselves. There’s a lot of information available about this method of building websites; some negative and some positive.

To Your Success

Joe Elliot - YouBuildWebsites.com

Better known as “Average Joe”
I’m Not an Internet Guru