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Related Articles + Define a site in Macromedia Dreamweaver MX Related Links |
Webmaster Series Build your own website from scratch. Introduction Website developing might be a daunting task for many people. It has a rather steep learning curve if the approach is not the right one. Some pieces of software are now making it easier and easier to develop professional looking web pages with just a few clicks of the mouse; but even if the WYSIWYG (What You See Is What You Get) editors come in handy sometimes, they are not able to solve all the doubts and questions a web developer may have. No matter how good a program is, it will not tell you which colors suit better your site or which layout is easier to browse, that's where this site comes in, where the difficulties and obstacles are rather creative and not technical. While skipping the technical step by step tutorial on how to handcode a whole site, this set of tutorial embrace the objective of guiding you through the creative process of designing a website from beginnig to end. Step in for the fantastic journey of website building!1. Define Mission / Objectives (If you have absolutely no idea what the website will be about). - This is the total newbie step, if you have just arrived to the web developing world and have just absolutely no idea where to start, this should be your first choice. Targeted level: Beginner. 2. Define Product or Service (once you have the objective clear or if you have an idea on what to do already). - OK so you know what you want to do. Your first step then should be to clearly define your product, service or whatever you are going to put up in the net. Not a very difficult step, but important nonetheless. Targeted level: Beginner. 3. Define Site Map (Flow Chart). - When you have made up your mind, it's time to lay down the basic structure of your site and put it on writing. This will be your basic guideline on the flow of your site. This step will be vital for some of the next ones. Targeted level: Novice. 4. Build written content, the main body of the site. - What is a website without content? This is the moment to start building up the written content; the substance of your website will be forged here. Targeted level: Novice. 5. Define Navigation Style / Features (Frames / Navigation Menu / Links / Navigation Bar). - Most of the users that return to any page is because they can find what they need, the navigation scheme is one of the most important pieces in order to achieve that. Targeted level: Intermediate. 6. Define the Site's colors. - One way to impress the visitors is to imprint your colors on their memory, a good set of attractive yet moderate colors will help you on your way to a great website. Targeted level: Novice. 7. Define the Site's theme (if applicable). - There's more to a site than just colors, some of the most impressive visuals are made of simple images and photographs that are cleverly added to the site's theme. Targeted level: Intermediate. 8. Define Layout. - The content and the colors might be already done, but it is time to merge them into one fully working concept. This is what is called the layout, the union between content and visuals. This step is a must see, don't miss it! Targeted level: Intermediate. 9. Build Template File. - Just like cookies, websites can be made with a base model that cuts and shapes the dough. The template file is the model from which all your site's pages will be built from. Targeted level: Novice. 10. Build each individual page. - With the model done, it is time to match each individual page with its corresponding content. Target level: Novice. 11. Get a hosting provider. - With the website built, what you need now is to get it out in the open and available to all. The hosting provider you choose is the one that's going to make that possible. Target level: Intermediate. 12. Upload the site - You are just about to finish this whole process, just upload the site to the hosting provider's server and it will be available to the public. Targeted level: Intermediate. 13. Promote the site. - One extra step for those who seek more and more. If you were wondering how to get people to see your website, how to attract visitors and how to get listed on the most popular search engines, then this is the place for you to see. Targeted level: Advanced. 14. Conclusion - It's been a long journey, and if you have stayed until the last moment, then your reward is greater; here are a few closing tips to help you in the next steps for you to take. Good luck! |
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