Getting Started
Once you have chosen the web editor you are most comfortable with then you are ready to apply your outline and sketches to creating your actual pages. A few quick tips:» Like Printed documents; make judicious use of "white space".
» Keep in mind that the more page elements you have like pictures, etc. the longer it takes the page to load and some people have a slow connection.
» Keep the same look and feel on all pages.
» Once you create your home page use it as a template for other pages. This way you don't have to redo menu links, backgrounds and other common elements.
» Avoid distractions such as blinking and moving objects as much as possible. Avoid a music loop background sound; that can become very annoying.
» Use common fonts like Arial and Times new roman because most people don't have some of the fancy fonts you may want to use and their computer will substitute with common fonts.
You will find one annoying fact about placing text and elements on a page: objects don't stay where you put them. A quick and easy way to overcome this is to use a table with non-visible cell lines. A better way is to learn how to use divisions (div). With the use of divs you can apply layers, text over artwork, and elements stay exactly where you place them. Tables can be a bit capricious and lack flexability.
Don't be discouraged when making your first page. Like anything else practice, practice and you will get better. Get familiar with your editor. I recommend doing your first page multiple times trying different techniques and formats. This way your first page will end up being more polished.
Test your pages in multiple browsers. Some browsers display pages differently from others. I test in the major five: Internet Explorer, Firefox, Google Chrome, Opera, and Safari.
To use pleasing combination color schemes see my Graphics page for tips.
See also:
YOUTUBE for video tutorials
Wesite Design Tips
Top Ten Tips To A Great Web Page
8 Tips For Designing A Great Website
KompoZer is a complete web authoring system that combines web file management and easy-to-use WYSIWYG web page editing. KompoZer is designed to be extremely easy to use, making it ideal for non-technical computer users who want to create an attractive, professional-looking web site without needing to know HTML or web coding. Download
Choosing A Page Editor
There are many free web page editors. If you have little desire to learn HTML many editors are WYSIWYG (what you see is what you get) and write the code for you and you are free to concentrate on the page content and layout. I do recommend learning a few tricks in HTML. See HTML & Code page for some tips and tricks.Below is a list of free WYSIWYG editors. Try them out and see which one may be best for you.
If you want to purchase a commercial editor I can recommend Microsoft Expression Web for around $150 for the basic version which is what I use and used to create this website. I can also recommend top rated Adobe Dreamweaver for around $400 if you want one of the best.
PageBreeze Free HTML Editor is a powerful HTML editor which has both visual (WYSIWYG) and HTML tag modes. PageBreeze's design emphasizes simplicity and ease-of-use. You'll find that you'll be creating great looking Web sites almost instantly with virtually no learning curve. It offers the kind of power you would find in the leading commercial products. It's visual editor is actually powered by Microsoft Internet Explorer, so you can always be certain that you are seeing exactly what you will get when your Web site is uploaded to your server. PageBreeze HTML Editor includes a drag-and-drop form builder which makes it easy to build powerful Web forms and get them working almost instantly, without the need for programming or scripts. You can switch between HTML source and visual modes at any time with a click of the mouse. Version 4.0b may include unspecified updates, enhancements, or bug fixes. Download