Beginners Tips for Building Your Web Site

So you want to start a new site right? Maybe this is just an online portfolio to show for future employers, a fun hobby on the side, or something you want for your new business. Your new website could be part of your all ready existing business, or maybe the site is the business itself. Whatever it may be there are a few things to keep in mind to get it up and running.

Buy the domain name
Even if your website is not ready yet, if you have a host name you feel will really be catchy, grab it before someone else does. Normally there are deals on hanging onto a domain name, that keeps your locked in as long as you're paying for it. It doesn't mean there's a site there in use, just that it can't be used by anyone else. If you are on a extremely low budget and you think you could come up with a just as good domain name later, then waiting may not be such a bad idea. But if you got a name of a .com that you feel could be the next Buzz word and household name, pay for it before someone else takes it. It's very cheap and does not cost the same as actually running or having the site up.

Choose a layout and theme
You want all aspects of your site to have a similar feel from page to page. If your home page is yellow with a striped line down the left hand side, don't make other links in your site with blue pages and dots or a sunset background. Be consistent. Simple is good. You don't have to be fancy with crazy layout design. When people browse the web, they scan sites and leave them very quickly. If you don't have a layout that is easy to navigate, people will leave.

Avoid long scrolling websites! I can't stress that enough, unless you want your web site to look like it came from the 90s. Have links with category buttons that goes from section to section. Don't expect people to scroll down for 14 pages to get what they're looking for. They will be bored, and move on.

Take the time to design it well
Whether you have to hire a professional or an aspiring web developer who is still in college, know that your site does need a little love and care. Again, it doesn't need to be a year long project to get it up and running, but at least take time on it. Or if you feel up to the challenge, you can build one yourself. You may need help from programs like Macromedia Flash, Dreamweaver, Adobe GoLive, and Photoshop. These design software packages may be expensive, but if you really feel your site to be the next popular thing, (or to really give your business that added punch) programs like these are worth it.

Don't go live with your site until it's ready
If people keep checking your site over and over, only to get "Under Construction" they may never come back again. Broken links, misspelled words, bad graphic layout, buttons that don't work, all these things can steer people away from your site. Make sure that your web site has been edited and looked at. You must have someone else go through your site too to double check. They will see errors you may not have seen.

You most likely will be updating your site or adding new features later. It happens all the time, and you don't need to hold off on your website all year in case you might want to add more. But your site must look good and 'work' before going live.

Promote your site
If you're a business, make sure you add on your business cards that you have a website now. If it's just you, consider making business cards. Do not make your site look bad by spamming all sorts of forums and sending unsolicited e-mails. You can always post links on your blogs, profiles, or if there is a forum thread that has something in common with your site it could be a good time to bring it up.

There are also ways to advertise your website on the internet by making online ads. You can set up a daily or monthly budget for these ads and make an offer of how much you want to pay per person to click on the ad that goes to your site.

And if you're really enthused you can have hats, shirts, pencils and other merchandise created with your web site name on it.

Additional Tips
Remember to update your site often enough to appear like it is still active. Have an e-mail account set up specifically just for the site. That way you can set up contact information for people to e-mail about problems, suggestions, or praise. Do not give out too much information about yourself, however.

Make your site available to be searched on all the search engines. There are various ways web sites become the top site when key words are being searched. Research ways to get your name to the top.

Keep your viewers in mind. Though you may easily be able to navigate through the site because you know the site, others may get lost. Create site maps, search bars, or even FAQs. It all seems like a lot of complex things to do, but will give your web site credibility if you are seeking to go big.

Web sites are great for your existing business, personal use, or a way to start a new business. It is important to care about the design, layout, and function of your web site before it is posted. It doesn't need to be fancy, it just needs to have function and pleasing to the eye. Having a yellow background with white text is a big no no. Make sure it doesn't bother the eyes by looking at it.

There are all sorts of things you can do to really advance your site, but by following these starting tips you are onto a great start to building your site.