How to Create a Website


create a website

There's basically three ways to create a website yourself. I've been creating websites for a living for the last 7 years and have made dozens of sites by each of the following methods.

1. Make html pages using a text editor or html editor software. You don't need an html editor, it just makes coding easier. Dreamweaver is the best in the industry. This site has tips for creating columns, site layout, formatting, etc. After you create web pages and link them together into a website, you'll need a web host to store your files and make them available on the internet. There are lost of good quality cheap hosting sites available. Typical cost is about $5 per month to host any number of pages and receive any amount of traffic. I have used Hostgator for years and really like their service. They have been around a long time, offer quality hosting at an affordable cost, and have great customer service (which is something you may need more of when just starting out).

Advantages: Get to learn a new skill, the most hands-on approach, no black boxes - you see how everything works, cheapest way to make a website

Disadvantages: Most time consuming, most difficult to learn

 

2. Create a website by using a Content Management System (CMS). There are lots of content management system applications available for creating a website. Some are free and some are quite expensive. One of the most popular CMS platforms available is Wordpress. It's gotten to be so popular because it's free, it's really easy to setup and use, and it has such a large user base.

ways to create websites

Having a large number of users is nice for at least two reasons. First, thousands of different applications have been created for Wordpress. So no matter what type of site you want, or no matter what type of functionality you want for your site - someone has already figured it out and makes the solution available for free or low cost. Second, no matter what problem you may have with your site, someone else has already had the problem and solved it. Just visit any of the numerous Wordpress forums to find the solution to any problem.

You'll still need to sign up with a web hosting company to make your cms website available on the internet. Most web hosting companies offer a '1-click install' of wordpress on your web hosting account. This means you can just sign up with a web hosting service, click one button to have Wordpress installed, and then start adding text and images to your website. It really couldn't be easier. You'll still need to learn the basics of wordpress, but again, since there's so many users, lots of great wordpress tutorials already exist for free.

Advantages: Interior site linking is managed for you, ability to quickly make changes to your whole site by editing the site's theme, lots of free plugins available to extend your site's functionality

Disadvantages: Not many, Wordpress is one of the best ways of creating a website. (I recommend installing Wordpress through Hostgator.

 

3. Create a website with a website builder. Website builders are online software and web hosting companies in one. These companies make it super easy to create your website in no time. There's no programming required and no separate web hosting company to deal with. Just start making your website right away by selecting a professionally designed template and adding text and images. You can upload your own images or use some of the thousands that website builder services have available. Create any number of pages (photo albums, newsletters, catalogs, etc) and click Publish and you're done. You can also setup an online store and start selling products easily.

Advantages: Nothing to learn - just start designing right away, make your website fast

Disadvantages: Must keep your website hosted with the web builder company, more expensive (slightly)

 

Creating a Website with HTML - Tutorial

 Free Websites

If you've always wanted to create a web site, but you just didn't know where or how to start one, I built this little tutorial just for you.

It starts right at the very beginning and shows you how to make a free website with HTML code using tools that you already have.

If you are a Windows user, you already have NotePad and if you're running a Mac, you'll also have some kind of simple text editor in your accessories.

That's all it takes. A simple text editor and your browser.Demo site before Phase II

First timers should start with the 3 lesson Beginner tutorial.

This is the web site you'll learn to build in the Intermediate tutor. The code is all copy and paste, but by the time you're finished, you'll be writing code by hand.

You can download the tutorial, open it in your browser, open your text editor next to it and work at your own pace. I set it up just so you could do that.

Go to Download Page

Create a Free Website Now!

DreamTemplate - Web Templates

Click to Start

Hundreds of colorful web templates to choose from. Click Here to Browse a few more.

Can be used as FREE Web Hosting!!


Free Web TemplateI'm also developing a series of free web templates using the HTML and CSS presented in the tutorial. When you complete the tutorial, you'll have the basic knowledge needed to take a template and turn it into your very own website.

You'll learn how to create a website template and then use it to create a three page working web site.

You'll learn about hosting your web site and putting it on the web. There are many website hosting options to choose from.

You'll see how to link your pages together, use color and add pictures to your web pages.

We'll explain how to set your web page up with a style sheet so that it can be redesigned just using the style sheet.

There is even a simple quiz at the end of each lesson to help boost the learning process.

The tutor is divided into 2 phases. In Phase I you'll create your web site template.

Demo site afterIn Phase II you'll take your template, create a website (3 pages) and then convert the site to the one on the right using only the style sheet.

Most people are surprised to see how fun creating a website can be. I'll bet you like it too!

Let's Get Started!! on the tutor.

 

Ways to Create a Website

Nowadays, it has become a must for small businesses and enterprising individuals to have a website. It’s a simple matter of whether they want to create a simple, static website or a dynamic website with a comprehensive set of features. The former would be a lot cheaper and quicker to implement. Simple websites are also most suitable for small businesses and offer good value for money.


It is just a question of how you want the website to be built. There are now a lot of companies are offering one-click install website builder and there are various platforms available. On the other hand, you can also opt to hire a web developer if you want the website to look more professional and have added features.

 

Website Builders
If you have a tight budget, then the obvious solution is to build the website yourself. It’s not as difficult as it sounds. As was already mentioned, you can opt to use website builders. Most of these packages offer a drag-and-drop system that lets you place texts, logos, videos, and other content where you want them on the page.
Depending on the website builder you choose, the system can also come with tools that let you optimize for the search engines, submit to social media sites, and integrate a lot of other features into the page. Website builders are indeed a great solution for complete beginners.

 

WordPress Sites
If the features available on website builders aren’t sufficient for your needs, then building a site that is based on the WordPress platform may be ideal. WordPress is an open-source content management system (CMS) that is available for free. It is highly rated and even some of the most successful bloggers and internet marketers use it to fulfill their needs.


One aspect that makes WordPress a great choice is that it has a variety of themes and plug-ins that are created by an avid community of web designers and developers. It takes a bit of know-how to operate these sites but the result is a better and more powerful option. Since the platform is available for free, you just need to register a domain name and select a hosting provider.

 

Hire a Developer
Although hiring a developer is the most expensive choice, it should not be taken out of your options altogether. It is now cheaper to get websites developed by a professional because of the sheer number of people who offer the service. Check out outsourcing websites to hire offshore web developers. If you decide to hire a developer though, it is critical to set the guidelines beforehand.


The web developer should understand your expectations and provide assurance that they can deliver the work on time and within the agreed-upon budget. To protect yourself from unscrupulous developers, sign up only to outsourcing websites that offer protection to employers.


As you can see, there are many ways to create a website for personal or business purposes. Any of these choices can let you build a professional website from scratch. It all depends on your needs, time constraints, and budget.

 

HTML Editors

I'm often asked what HTML editor I use to create websites and manage them.

I used one that I built myself for a long time because I couldn't find one with the features I wanted.

I also experimented with all the free editors I could find.

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