Building Your First Web Site

You search the web every day, looking through endless Web sites that leave you wondering "could I ever create something like this?" The answer is yes! But of course, it takes a bit of work, and a willingness to learn! You don't need to be Albert Einstein, but you can't get too easily frustrated when things don't work out the first time.

Building a Web site is ALL about making a test page, checking how it looks, and then trying something different until it all clicks together. The easiest way to make a basic Web site is to go to Google and search for "free Web site templates."

These templates contain all the basics of your first Web site, and can be easily edited using nothing more than Notepad on your computer.

In order to edit the templates, you will need to search for things such as ".jpeg" extensions, and other keywords that you replace with your content. Always keep an internet browser window open with the finished website template open so you can match the pictures to the file names in your Wordpad program.

After every small change, save it as test.html. Then double click that newly created file and it will open in your web browser so you can see if you like the change. It is also advisable to make sure you always have 2 copies named test1.html and test2.html. Only edit 1 of them at a time, in case you make a regrettable mistake, you can just go back to the other file.

Trial and error is the only way to really learn, without reading a ton of boring books or guides. Have fun with it, and keep making small changes and opening them to see your result.

When you finally have something you think is good enough to upload, ask a friend or relative for their advice on it. They may find small spelling mistakes, or colors that make certain text hard to read that you never noticed before.

Have fun and good luck!