How to Make a Website

by howtomakestuff Posted on September 24th, 2008
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The Internet, whether in business or in social endeavors, is the preferred means of communication nowadays. In a blink of an eye, you can send messages and documents to anyone from anywhere in the world. Given the Internet’s speed and efficiency, individuals and businesses create websites to be recognized all over the virtual network.

Build Your Reputation: Create a Website

The website is your personal domain on the Internet. You can treat it as a freedom board or a platform for your business. If you make a website that appeals to your target audience, you will be instantly recognized, which is advantageous for businesses and those who display online portfolios. An exceptionally done website can always lead to a new job, a good business opportunity or a chance to increase your contacts. Remember, in today’s world, reputation will get you places and the website makes that job much easier.

Website Selection

You will find different types of websites on the Internet. Some sites display the works and ideas of a person, while others feature company profiles, which are used as marketing tools. Some companies even use websites as means of doing business via online transactions. Here are your options, when selecting a website to create:

  • Company Website
  • Online Portfolio
  • Blog
  • Personal Site

Each site has a distinct purpose and a particular target market. You must evaluate your needs, before picking a website to make.

Before Creating a Website, You Should Know About…

  • Languages – Programming and markup languages are the backbones of your website. They dictate the functions, the layout, the content and your site’s overall appearance. For creating websites, you should learn at least the basics of HTML and CSS. You can create the basic appearance of your site at first, then add more details as you get to know more about both languages.
  • Online Site Builders – You can create your website though an online site builder if you do not want to go through the lengthy process of learning programming languages like HTML and CSS. Online site builders offer the easy creation of most types of websites., although the layouts and the designs are limited as compared to creating a website from scratch.
  • Adobe Photoshop – Photoshop is image manipulation software, meaning you can alter and add details to any image using this program. For online portfolio, blogs and personal sites, Photoshop is your quick way to construct visually striking layouts. You can also market your ‘photoshopped’ work on your online portfolio, if you are a visual artist.
  • Your Target Market – Just like in business, the target market is important when creating a website. Your site may have the best layout and content, but if it is geared towards the wrong audience, not many people will notice it. You must recognize your audience and know how to capture their attention. Once you determine both factors, marketing your website will be easy.
  • The Charges – Creating a website sometimes requires you to pay monthly fees. If you want extra storage, a personal email address, and a backup for your site, you may need to pay your web server for those services. The paid services are often used by load-heavy online portfolios and comprehensive company websites.

Company Website

Among the different types of sites, the company website often has the simplest layout. These sites, in return, are content heavy, since they showcase the company’s mission – vision, profile, products, services, awards, and their prestigious clients. Many company websites also offer online transactions to give convenience to the Internet market.

Company websites are often built from scratch, so you should have a good knowledge of HTML coding. Some sites link charts and tables that automatically update when you change information in the company’s database. You must know what HTML tags to type to link the company’s system directly to the site.

Materials Used:

  • computer
  • Internet access
  • Visual Basic/Java (if necessary)

Procedure:

  • Look around the Internet for a server that offers the best features for the lowest possible charges. Company sites store large information, sprucing up the need for a paid server.
  • When you have settled on a web server, read its guidelines.
  • Decide on the URL (web address) of your site. Ex. www.howtomakeawebsite.com
  • Work on the layout of your website using HTML or CSS.
  • Write the content for all of the sections. If you are not adept at writing, you can always hire a writer, at least for editing and proofreading purposes.
  • Link the tables for the product listing and the price lists.
  • Use Visual Basic or Java to build an automated online transaction feature for your site.
  • Create a section called ‘About the Company.’ It will hold your company’s profile and mission or vision.
  • Create a ‘Contact Us’ section that will display the company’s contact information. Probable customers and employees can send messages or job applications to your company through this section.
  • Once your website is complete, look for deals around the Internet so that other websites can promote your online domain.

    Online Portfolio

    Online portfolios are often graphical in nature to impress other artists or to get noticed by possible employers. The content is not as comprehensive as company websites, but the layouts are usually stunning. Before you start posting your photography, poetry or graphical work, you should think of a theme that will blend with all of your creations. Better yet, you can apply graphical programs such as Flash, Photoshop and Corel Paint Shop Pro.

    Procedure:

  • Shop around the Internet for a server that offers good features and low monthly fees.
  • Think of the url of your site. Make it striking and it should have a high recall value, since your aim is to impress your site’s viewers.
  • Think of a cool URL.
  • Create the groundwork for your site using HTML or CSS.
  • Use Flash, Photoshop or any graphical enhancement software to up the aesthetics of your website.
  • Build the gallery page for the works that you wish to display. Make the layout striking, but it shouldn’t steal the spotlight from your displayed items.
  • Don’t forget to place your contact details so that your site’s viewers can send you suggestions, comments and if you’re lucky, job offers.
  • For online portfolios, it is important for you to build a network of contacts. You will eventually meet people who will present opportunities as your network grows Chances are you might get the big break of your career through your online portfolio.

    Blog

    The blog is an online journal where you can write your daily accounts or any idea that pops into your head. It is a haven for writers, since they have the ability to arrange words like they were forming a beautiful montage. Recently, companies have penetrated the blogging world to attract readers with information and a little marketing.

    The blog is the easiest to create among all the options. All you have to do is to sign up for an account with a blog server, which is often free, and design your blog using the features offered. Blogs are highly customizable, so you can use CSS and visual enhancement programs (Photoshop, Flash, etc) to make your blog more attractive. Just so you know, the owner of a well written and well executed blog earns a solid reputation both in the virtual realm and the real world.

    A few popular sites for creating blogs are:

    Or, just type "create a blog" into your favorite search engine and explore more options.

    Personal Site

    The personal site is supposed to be the easiest to create since your only goal is to make yourself or your ideas known all over the Internet. Given all the possibilities for enhancing your site, making a personal website has become a rat race. Nearly everyone tries to outdo each other by adding more graphics, layouts and features. In th end, the best websites become popular worldwide, and their authors become celebrities.

    Creating a personal site is just like building a collage using the other types of websites. An ideal personal site, given today’s standards, contains the following items:

    • blog
    • photo gallery
    • music
    • videos
    • a strong theme
    • graphics-intensive layout and functions
    • links to cool applications/sites
    • online portfolio (if applicable)

    The website serves as your ultimate marketing tool, since many people would rather communicate and do business in their offices instead of meeting other parties physically. The site can establish your reputation in your chosen field and give your career a sizable boost. So, devote a few hours daily to learn the basics of CSS. It may be hard at first, but you will surely reap its benefits in the near future.

    Watch The Video

    How To Make A Website With CSS - Free Template

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    How To Make Website Free

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    How To Create A Website

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