Webmaster Resources

Creating your own website is now easier than ever!

When I first got started back in 1998, I had never heard of HTML (that's HyperText Markup Language, for those of you who don't know either. ;-))

HTML is the coded "language" that web pages are written in, and internet browsers read. It can seem a little confusing for beginners, but once you get the hang of it, it's really very simple.  If you want to learn how to write HMTL, here are a few free resources:  HTML Goodies, DaveSite.com, Webmonkey.

However, you don't HAVE to learn HTML to have your own website!

There are plenty of great "site-builders" out there: software programs that will write the HTML code for you.

THE BEST one I've found as far as ease of use and great features is XSitePro.  In fact, this very website was created with XSitePro!

I've used other programs like Dreamweaver and MS Frontpage, but they were a tad bit confusing to use, especially for a non-technical person like myself.  ;-)  XSitePro, on the other hand, was a breeze to learn, and it continues to be a breeze to use.  If you're looking for an easy to use website builder, you can't do any better than XSitePro.  Learn more about it here.

If your budget won't yet support the purchase of a site builder, you can start with a free webpage editor at Nvu.com.  I've never used it myself so I can't offer any insights into how easy it is to use.

Once you've got some basic knowledge of building webpages, go ahead and play around with it. Build a few sample pages. Experiment. No one has to see your work until you're ready to upload it to the Web. ;-)

Keep in mind some basic design principles:

I highly recommend Hostgator for hosting.  Excellent price and service, reliable and easy to use even for beginners.

AutoResponder/Mailing companies:

If you plan to have a newsletter or notification list on your website (if it's a business related website, you should!), there are plenty of options to choose from.  You can start with a free option if necessary, like YourMailingListProvider.com.  Free up to 1000 subscribers.  They also have a paid option so you can upgrade later if necessary.

However, if you plan to build mulitiple websites or have a large subscriber base, I highly recommend Aweber.com because you can have unlimited autoresponders/mailing lists set up. Besides, they have the best deliverability rates - which means your subscribers will get your emails!  Well worth the price for home business owners and webmasters.