Website Building

One reason the Internet has grown so quickly is because it is so easy to add websites today. Even if you know nothing about programming and computers, you can learn enough to get started quickly.

In my research I saw a lot of help for beginners online, but nothing so easy as my "Easy Webmaster System". I make it easy and free for you to get started with enough knowledge to be your own webmaster in plain language.

To get started building your own website, you can check out MyMinisites Network with my "Easy Webmaster System". It has step-by-step instructions to help you build your own website. You can download my free template and "ALittleHTMLGuide" as a tutorial.

You can learn how to add graphics and links to more pages or other websites, and add all the content you want. With these few simple instructions and free templates, anyone can have a website for the least possible cost..

If you would rather start today to build a professional-looking website quickly without HTML and make changes yourself quickly, I have another option to recommend.

I "totally love" and recommend my new xSitePro software package for building websites for everyone who wants to be their own webmaster!

There are free packages within some hosting systems that build a website with a simple interface, but they are very limiting, produce a "cookie cutter" looking website, and you won't learn a thing that will help you maintain it over time.

Most people who start with those free tools will scrap them quickly and decide to "dig in and learn" or hire out the work to a webmaster.

That's why I wrote "ALittleHTMLGuide". Then I found xSitePro and I love it. See what xSitePro can do for you.

Starting Templates

Even when you have a great tool like xSitePro, or do the HTML coding yourself, you will still appreciate having a great template to help get you started with your design. While my free template in my "Easy Webmaster System" is handy, it is also very basic and not really professional looking.

Actually templates can be difficult to implement and I explain them in the Templates page here.

UGLY WEBSITES - Does Website Design Matter?

At this point I want to mention that it is NOT necessarily important that your website be fancy or professional-looking to meet your needs. For instance, if Einstein wanted to use the web today to author some fantastic theories to the world, he probably wouldn't care about the design of the website.

A few years ago most websites were downright ugly. Today many of them are still downright ugly. It doesn't matter if the website is basic or UGLY, when the information provided is useful and helpful to the traffic it receives, and the potential customers it attracts. It all depends. I do think website design WILL become more and more important in the next few years as web traffic becomes more savvy.

There are many useful and profitable websites that "convert", or provide information and sell their products with an acceptable Return on Investment (ROI) and that are not professional-looking. It is really "words" people are seeking and words that sell most products. The website design is more of a "credibility" factor, pretty important for me, but perhaps not for everyone.

I put together a Website Design Guide to help you work on your website design when you are in the planning stages.

Domain Names and Hosting

Before you get your domain name and Hosting account, you should read my tips. I learned some lessons about selecting both that I shared with you. See Domains and Hosting.

Project Management Basics

When you get started on your website project, be sure to create a physical file folder and keep all your website information handy. This file should contain all the information on creating your website from design through implementation and maintenance. It should be maintained always. Cross reference any related notes on competition, research, and your Business Journal/Log.

Make copies of purchase orders for this physical folder. Add the Hosting and Registration services websites, all account numbers and passwords to login to maintain the services. Include printouts of style and html files that are usually .txt or .html files using the Notepad editor.

Be sure to make notes about links, keywords, products, endorsements, etc. made on the website and keep them in the physical file folder(s) for your website.

Remember, there may soon be another set of files for another website project someday. You want to be certain that you will not have to rely on your memory to maintain a website that has been "put aside" for awhile.

As Always - "Good Luck with Your PlanB!"
Karen