Home-based businesses need a strong web presence to combat the inflated advertising and marketing budgets of their larger competitors, but establishing that presence through a professionally designed and developed web site may not be an affordable option. In many cases, the only cost-effective way to get the web site you want for your business is to do it yourself.
Even if you are not experienced in HTML (Hypertext Markup Language), you can find helpful programs which will assist you in your design efforts. Trust me, it is not as difficult as it may seem to be.
Here are a few tips for finding software to meet your small or home-based business's needs.
1) Know Your Options
When it comes to web site creation software, there are three types to choose from: text editors, HTML editors, and WYSIWYG editors.
Text editors, which are basically any word processing program such as Word or Notepad, require extensive HTML knowledge.
NoteTab Light (Freeware)
http://www.notetab.com/download.htm
HTML editors are much like text editors except they include additional features to aid inexperienced users, such as color-coded tags and pre-prepared CGI and Java scripts. If you have little or no experience with HTML, WYSIWYG editor is a better choice.
HTML Kit (Freeware)
http://www.chami.com/html-kit/download/
Web-O-Rama (Donationware)
http://www.kevingunn.com/weborama.htm
WYSIWYG, which stands for What You See is What You Get, programs like FrontPage or DreamWeaver allow you to design the pages' appearance without writing code. You pick what you want and the program automatically generates the code.
Macromedia Dreamweaver ($399) (Recommended)
http://www.macromedia.com/software/dreamweaver/download/
NetObjects Fusion ($149.95)
http://www.netobjects.com/products/html/download.html
2) Look for the Features You Need
When you start browsing for web site software, you'll want to look for a few key features, such as ready-made templates, wizards (they make many tasks easier and quicker), auto-backup, and pre-built code.
Remember to also keep in mind your own level of HTML experience. If you are inexperienced, then you will want plenty of templates and wizards to help you along. Likewise, if you feel comfortable working with code, then you may want to choose programs without all of the bells, whistles, and help since they will cost you less.
3) Do Some Research
Never buy a program, especially not one for business, without trying it out first. Most of these programs have demos or free trials available on their manufacturers' web sites. You can also check with sites such as CNET.com or Epinions to get an idea of which programs are being recommended by users. Check with popular computer magazines for their experts' input as well.
All of this research will give you a good idea of which programs to explore and which to avoid when you are making your final buying decision.
4) Keep in Mind Your Budget
Depending on which type of web design program you choose, your costs will vary dramatically. Text editors, for example, are often already on your computer. Notepad, a feature of Windows, makes a very usable text editor and will cost you nothing extra.
HTML editors, on the other hand, can cost anywhere from $30 to $100 while WYSIWYGs are priced between $70 to $500 and up.
Well-known brands, such as Adobe and MacroMedia, will cost more but the quality of their programs and the stability of their company make them a better choice than the inexpensive software from unknown vendors.
Also, be sure to look for programs that offer free or reduced price upgrades so you continue to get the most from your software without paying full price again every two or three years.
With these tips, you should have no trouble finding an HTML program that fits your needs and your experience level so you can create your own professional-looking web site without draining your business's budget.
-----SIDE BAR-----
No matter which software you use, a good knowledge of HTML will always be helpful. Here are some links that have helped me tremendously in building my HTML and web designing skills:
http://hotwired.lycos.com/webmonkey/teachingtool/html.html
http://www.davesite.com/webstation/html/
http://www.w3schools.com/html/default.asp
-----SIDE BAR-----
Vishal P. Rao is the owner of: http://www.work-at-home-forum.com/ An online community of people who work at home.
executive chauffeured services Bradford .. Madison to Airport carI do site reviews. Needless to say, I see a... Read More
Let's face it; the line from A Field of Dreams... Read More
A "404 Error" happens when the web server you are... Read More
You have created your custom error page so now all... Read More
Making a successful online business can be a long and... Read More
Creating your own website can be fun and easy, as... Read More
Yes, in a world that is obsessed with makeover madness,... Read More
The "Wow" factor that accompanied the introduction of streaming media... Read More
Website design is a very competitive area and there is... Read More
Novice and professional graphic designers, we are aware that you... Read More
If you're not getting a lot of traffic to your... Read More
Should Generating Revenue From A Website Be The Prime Motivator?... Read More
A picture is worth a thousand words.And it still is... Read More
You've come up with a great product. You've got the... Read More
Your web site has been up for a few months... Read More
If you are anything like me, your website is a... Read More
An ongoing challenge for webmasters today is to provide fresh... Read More
If you are one of those who wonder how people... Read More
In this article I will give a few tips of... Read More
Novice and professional designers alike ? you may probably be... Read More
Some wise human once said "Learn from the mistakes of... Read More
When a prospect lands on your website will he or... Read More
Are you in a dilemma whether to create a mini... Read More
You have only 10 seconds to impress your potential buyer.... Read More
You may not believe it, but people still judge things... Read More
O'Hare Chicago prom limo ..You've got a concept for a business, are excited about... Read More
In this article, I will attempt to cover the basics... Read More
When you design a website how do you start ?Do... Read More
Not all links are created equal.While all of your links... Read More
Navigation must be simple. Since it's the backbone of your... Read More
Why is the quality of your text layout and design... Read More
Out there in the WWW there are thousands sites using... Read More
Getting a customer is not easy.Getting a visitor to decide... Read More
In this article you will find the parallel between two... Read More
It's been said again and again, when it comes to... Read More
Since I'm a web designer, I have a tendency to... Read More
Your web site has been up for a few months... Read More
It seems that almost every Tom Dick and Harry do... Read More
We've all read the countless publications about effective web site... Read More
Have you ever been to site with so much ad... Read More
Are you a student of graphic design? If you have... Read More
Many times I've seen a web site undergo a revision... Read More
Want to know what the worst thing to say on... Read More
Content is undoubtedly the most important element of a website.... Read More
What are websites? Are they sales tools for vendors and... Read More
Then it was a choice among crayons, paints and palettes... Read More
There is nothing wrong with making your own website if... Read More
If you have a business, big or small you may... Read More
Websites, there's literally billions of them out there in cyber-space.... Read More
My site is working fine. The links work. Content is... Read More
Web Design |