Learning to Make Your Own Website For Free

 

In today's world it's almost a necessity to have a website for your business, but it's also extremely useful as a tool for sharing your thoughts with the world, your pictures with friends and putting yourself "out there" in general.  If someone wants to find something these days, he or she typically heads to the Internet, so if you want them to find you, you'd better be there.  

 

Making A Website

 

When it comes to getting yourself a website, if you want something extremely complex you may need to hire a pro, but otherwise you should consider handling the task yourself.  It’s fun, will save you some money, and you’ll understand how to make all the necessary changes you need to make

 

When Should I Make My Own Website?

 

There are some instances when it's a good idea to make your own website.  I run an online footbag shop and made my own website for the business.  I wanted to be able to control everything myself, make constant updates and know how to make websites.  I'm savvy with online marketing, and wanted to be able to implement my own changes.  My demands for an E-Commerce site were not so complex that I knew it would be over my head. Other good reason to make your own website are:

 

• You are experienced with computers

• The site you need is relatively simple

• You have the time and energy to learn

• You have a smaller budget

• You're making it for friends and personal reasons, not business

• You have time to maintain the site.

• Do I have the tools; software programs, computer, etc to make it happen

 

Search to Learn for Free

 

The beauty of learning how to make websites is that people who understand how to do so are also very good at posting content on the web.  Since they are great at posting on the web, the content is very easy to find.  I think the best tip for figuring out how to build a website is to search.

 

Learning the Basics

 

It really helps to have a good understanding in html and css to make websites.  When you head to Google and do a quick “html css” search you’ll come across www.htmldog.com, which is an amazing resource for tutorials of all kinds.  You’ll immediately see beginner html and css tutorials that literally take you step by step to help you get a great foundation.  If you want a complete resource laid out in front of you, check out the free download over at www.the-web-book.com to get started.

 

Learning Specifics

 

Once you gain a basic understanding, you really can troubleshoot your problems by searching on the Internet.  As you’re developing your website you’ll think, “I wish my website could do this or looked like that.”  Say you want to learn how to create a hover feature for your links or you decide you want a flash intro on your web page.  Hop on over to Google and search “flash intro tutorial” or anything else you’re looking to create and you will come across myriad  information. 

 

Forums

 

Often times your searches will lead you to free forums where online communities of people are willing to help out and answer your questions.  In many of the searches you do online you’ll end up learning from other people’s questions, but when you find your favorite forums feel free to get involved and ask your own specific queries and you’ll be amazed at the response.

 

Videos

 

Another one of my favorite places to find tutorials is over at www.youtube.com.  YouTube is filled with videos and a quick search will make that very apparent.  I’m a visual and audio learner and enjoy being able to see exactly what someone else is doing.  Also, for many videos, you may be able to do exactly what they are doing and follow along with the audio or pause and catch up so that you can go step by step.

 

Using A Free Template?

 

Some free templates are way better than others.  There are great templates out there and if you search around and do some research you can save yourself some money and have a cleaner looking site by using a template.  I use an advanced development software meant specifically for the type of lacrosse equipment I sell on my other website and it's fantastic.  Take a look at  http://dzineblog.com/2008/07/45-excellent-free-web-templates.html  which talks about the best free templates and pick one that is your favorite.  If you run a blog, there are great websites out there for starting your own blog such as blogger.com and wordpress.com.  Search around and you'll find some free templates that will help you take care of the job.

 

About the Author

 

Cooper Elling is passionate about health, computers & blogging. When he's not working out, he writes about Sono Bello cooking and a myriad of other topics. He's also active with Sono Bello on Twitter and Sono Bello on Facebook.