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.
Alto Pass chicago limos ..I want to give you a free web page template... Read More
There are many companies who build websites, all of which... Read More
Any kid, and their grandmother too, can make a webpage.... Read More
The top ten fonts for website design might change in... Read More
Web site design has certainly, in the past decade, evolved... Read More
The Questions You Should Be Asking ? The Answers You... Read More
Before you start worrying about marketing your website on the... Read More
I always have people asking me if I know of... Read More
Web usability is perhaps the most important factor in any... Read More
Your website is your tool for showing the online community... Read More
We would all like to have the best looking website,... Read More
The Internet is a relatively new medium. What works for... Read More
Why your site should be developed with CSS and semantic... Read More
So you're on the computer, as usual. Your eyes are... Read More
I taught myself HTML back in the mid-nineties and was... Read More
Well, you've got your product, started your home business, and... Read More
If you need a web designer, but have no clue... Read More
Colors are powerful, and create strong feelings. They can also... Read More
If you're running a website or online business, your number... Read More
I hate to imagine that in your web development project... Read More
The first immutable law of effective navigation: It's gotta be... Read More
Are you thinking that it is about time your small... Read More
When you're self-employed, choosing a website designer is a crucial... Read More
So, what's in a website design anyway? And, how do... Read More
You've come up with a great product. You've got the... Read More
Alto Pass cool limo ..The internet is filled with sites and they are good... Read More
In cascading style sheets you can specify how your web... Read More
Have you ever walked pass a shop that, for some... Read More
A "404 Error" happens when the web server you are... Read More
Getting a customer is not easy.Getting a visitor to decide... Read More
You may not believe it, but people still judge things... Read More
Regardless whether you manage a small business, charitable organization, or... Read More
It is a well-known fact that a successful business depends... Read More
Many people today are tired of the Microsoft software that... Read More
There is a widespread confusion among lots of new website... Read More
Many websites make the mistake of being all flash and... Read More
I'm not a professional web site designer and openly admit... Read More
So you've decided to take the plunge. You know that... Read More
How often, men, have you come home to find the... Read More
This article may come as a surprise to you.Especially since... Read More
Before doing anything on the technical side, you need some... Read More
Building a website can be overwhelming, here are some design... Read More
The best things don't come easy. - QuotedThe finished web... Read More
It's a fact, Page Not Found, known as a 404... Read More
You may not bother with html validation or writing simple... Read More
Tips to brand your websiteInclude your logo in all pages.... Read More
This article gives free tips on how to find a... Read More
In this article I will give a few tips of... Read More
Many Internet sites that try to sell you something have... Read More
So, what's in a website design anyway? And, how do... Read More
Web Design |