How to Set Up a Basic Website

using Microsoft FrontPage 2003

If you're considering developing a website, having a few inside tips may help make the process a little easier.  While we're not experts in this field, we have confronted all of the problems, roadblocks and exasperations of a new webmaster.  With a lot of determination and dedication, you too can create a website.

This is our basic step-by-step guide:

Step 1:

You must first find an Html editor that's easy to use and not too "proprietary"...meaning you don't want to develop your website using some of the free software that will only work well within the provider's network.  They are very limiting and worth every penny you paid for them.  Purchasing the software will pay off in the long run with fewer headaches and roadblocks.  There are many good ones on the market, but we use Microsoft FrontPage 2003 because we knew less than nothing in the beginning and needed a good WYSIWYG (what you see is what you get) software to help us find our way.

Step 2:

Pick, purchase and register your domain name now.  Don't wait and hope you can get what you want later...the odds are really stacked against you with so many millions of people starting websites every day.  Although you won't be using it for a while, it will give you a direction when planning your new website.  And above all, BE FLEXIBLE.  You will probably have to go through many variations of your "perfect" domain name before you find "the winner".   

If you have a definite subject in mind, try to get a domain name that best describes it rather than using a "cute or clever" name that means nothing to your visitors and will be easily forgotten.  This is a lesson we learned too late and it has been an uphill battle to create web site name recognition.

Step #3:

Begin creating your website by opening a blank page.  Insert a "layer".  Right-click the layer and select "layer properties".  In the box on the right of your screen titled "Layers", select "Positioning..." and set your width and height to 1000 and your left and top to "0px" (this is just a size to get you started.  They can be customized after you become familiar with the software).  Now Insert a Table within the layer.  Set rows to ten (10), columns to one (1) and specify width to 1000 In Pixels.

Step #4:

Now you're ready to design your website.  Input titles, images, menus and anything else you wish to use on your website.  It's a matter of trial and error, so just get use to the software by utilizing this table or try creating new ones while you investigate each option.

Step #5:

When you're satisfied with your design, it's time to get a Web Host.  Prices and features range from the very basic to the overindulgent, so compare until you find a hosting package that includes all of the "bells and whistles" you think you'll need.  And keep in mind, if you're not happy with your host, there are many more who want you as a customer.  We use HostGator.com for all of our websites...but they weren't our first.

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