Welcome back. Have you check out our training programing that teaches you how to Create Your Own Website?
There are many ways you can make your own website and this blog will talk about the pros and cons of the various options. We’ll also introduce ways you can make your own website templates, the various elements of good web design and web graphics and throw in a little SEO (search engine optimization) as well. In this blog you’ll find all you need to decide which is the best way to make your own website as well as the tools to do so.
Options to Make Your Own Website
There are many ways you can make your own website whether it be for professional looking sites or personal web sites.
1. Purchase wizawig design software like Microsoft Front Page or Dreamweaver. This will cost you in the vicinity of $399. It will also take you time to learn the software before you even get to the point of building a site. The software comes with manuals and you’ll also find many websites and blogs that can help you.
The problem for the beginner with this option is that there is a learning curve here as it may take you several months to learn and master before you can build your site. Even the manuals and forums are written in such a way that the jargon is something you’ll need to learn before you even begin to learn how to use the software in some instances. It’s not that easy. However, if you have the time and money and inclination this might be the option to for you.
On top of the web design software you will need a domain name and a webhost to you’re your site. You may also need ftp software or file transfer protocol, to load up your site to your web host. Dreamweaver comes with it’s own ftp protocol, but some versions of Microsoft Frontpage can only be used if your host has frontpage extensions. Sound complicated…. ! It is a bit for the newbie or the person who wants to get their site up and running fast.
2. Purchase and learn HTML editing. This can be costly although there are some freeware html editors out there. You need to be aware that nothing comes from free really though. You might end up with spyware, addware or even a virus if you download the wrong the freeware. Best to keep away from this option unless it comes from a trusted site. HTML editors vary greatly and can cost you from $79 all the way up to $500.
The problem with HTML is the time it takes to learn writing html code, the problems you encounter if you get the code wrong and the time it takes to fix those programs. If you have nothing but time on your hands and you like code rather than visual design you might consider this option. It isn’t the best option for visual people who like to see what they design as they go.
3. Content managements systems you either purchase for around $500 or you get a simple one for free with your web host. A content management system (CMS) will allow you to put in your text, upload images, rich media like sound or video files using their wizawig program. Depending on your web host some of these are easy to learn and others a little more complicated.
This option is by far the simplest way to go to make your own website. Some hosts, like Hostgater, will even let you download ready to plug in templates like Joomla. This all does take some time in learning but a much simpler option that the above two.
The problem with some content management systems is the complexity, but also control. You do not have much control over the design and look of your site the way you would with an html editor or web building software like Dreamweaver. Also, if you want a professional looking site you may have to purchase a template and work within that. However, if you want a simple cost effective solution this is certainly an option.
4. Website builders. Effectively this is wizawig software with visual point and click options for putting together a site. They are generally very simple and easy to use and work well so someone wanting to put together a simply site very quickly. There are many options in this range to make your own website.
The biggest downfall, if you want a professional functioning website is control over the html and meta data for advanced Search Engine Optimization. And what’s the point of having a website that no one can find right? The other issue with web builders or web creators is that you will also need a separate service or software for newsletter integration, email capture and database management. This will all cost you extra money and time. Plus your website builder may not be set up to easily integrate these more advanced website elements.
However if you want a simply site up fast you could consider this option. Be careful if you choose this option as many of them have spyware and add ware attached to them. Especially the free ones. And you always run the risk of catching viruses with these attachments.
5. Using General Public License Software (GPL or GPU). This is where a number of web developers all over the world have developed web templates and content management systems and license it so any one can use it. This ranges in price from free to $299 depending on whether you want to take the time to learn the system through forums or pay for a tutorial that will walk you through the entire process.
The upside of this option is that it is far more cost effective and time saving if you are looking to make your own website look professional. You get the benefits of all of the above mentioned options without the high cost as well as greater control over the look of your site. Some GPL’s offer comprehensive content management systems whereby you get a database manager, newsletter manager, easy email capture forms and even addition of polls and some other bells and whistles. Many of these systems come with free templates and sometimes you can purchase some of the more fancy ones for just $30.
The only downside would be the learning curve for beginners, but it is considerably a lot less than the curve you would have using software or an html editor and in some instances the more complicated content management systems. This can also be counteracted by purchasing a tutorial that walks you through each step of the process.
Regardless of what option you choose to make your own website, the first question you need to ask is what is your web site going to be used for and how soon you want it up on the internet? Knowing what you want out of your site will help you better determine the best option to go for.
No related posts.
