Create Your Own Web site

Designing your own Web site has never been easier, whether it’s for your band, to display your crafts or to post your nature photographs. Sure, you can trick out your social network page if you don’t mind getting lost in the clutter of millions of others; but instead, why not launch your own Web site that allows your individuality and creativity to flourish without network restrictions? It’s super-easy--here’s how.

Tools for Building

Most Web sites that offer domain hosting also offer WYSIWYG (What You See Is What You Get) Web site creation tools. GoDaddy , iPower and Register.com are three popular domain hosting sites to consider. WYSIWYG software is extremely easy to use because you don’t need to understand HTML or have any previous design experience. Select a template, then begin customizing.

If you expect to regularly post pictures or personal musings, blog software is another option. Just because it’s for “blogging” doesn’t mean you have to blog. The advantage of blog software is that it already has an easy-to-use content management system in place. Once you’ve signed up, you can put whatever facelift you want on it.

The last simple solution may already be on your computer. Microsoft and Apple both offer software to build your Web site. Microsoft’s FrontPage software can get the job done quickly; Apple’s iWeb works seamlessly with its MobileMe hosting service.

Getting Started

To get started, first consider the type of content you’ll publish on your site and how often. For example, if you’re posting a new photograph every day, include a space for that on your homepage (the most visited page of your Web site). These decisions will help in your next step: developing a site map (the architecture of your Web site) and the site’s navigation. You’ll also have a better idea of what elements need to be included in the template you select.

Navigation

There are two types of navigation for Web sites: global and local. Global navigation provides links throughout the entire Web site to access your main channels. Local navigation links are found within the individual channels. For example, you may have a “Photographs” button at the top of your site in the global navigation bar, and within Photographs, have local links to Kids, Sports, Vacation and so on. As a general rule of thumb, your global navigation should have no more than five to seven buttons. Most templates have navigation buttons already in place; don’t add more if you don’t need to.

Color, Design and Layout

In WYSIWIG software, professional designers have already used their expertise to put together stylish layouts, so you don’t have to worry about color combinations, typography or background design. Even so, make sure your header reflects what your site is about—this is prime real estate and the first place a visitor’s eyes will go. So if you are building the Web site for your band, for example, be sure to use your band logo, which can typically be done in a drag-and-drop process or by uploading the file.

For other changes such as font color or background image, the process is as easy as changing the font in Microsoft Word. As you work through your Web site’s design and layout, make small changes and then reflect on each change before moving forward. Small changes can have a big impact.

Adding Media

In today’s Web 2.0 world, adding pictures, videos, music and more is a breeze. For pictures, many WYSIWYG tools come with slideshows built in; just upload your images. If you find the process cumbersome or already use another third-party photo sharing service such as Flickr, use their “embed code” feature to put your pictures on your site. This requires no coding; just copy and paste their code onto your new page.

The “embed code” can also be used to add video from third-party sites such as YouTube. Your WYSIWIG software likely has a built-in video player, which can also play music files. If you want more control over your music, add a music player widget/gadget. You can find these with a simple Web search, then paste the code to add the player on your site.

Adding Pizzazz

To put your Web site over the top, use the many free tools available on the web. Feedburner helps promote your blog or podcast and allows visitors to subscribe to your RSS feed. Add This adds social bookmarking buttons such as Digg and StumbleUpon. Lastly, use WidgetBox to add a widget that lets you add things like stock quotes, news feeds, games and more. All of these tools can be added by simply cutting and pasting a small snippet of code. Are you ready to get creative?