How to Build a Website - the Cheap and Easy Way

I have been in the business of making and managing websites for about 10 years, and would like to impart some tips, tricks and wisdom I've learned on to you. Whether you're a beginner, novice or entrepreneur looking to build a website, there are tools ready to help!

Beginner and Novice
If you have no experience building websites, have no idea what HTML is or are just familiarizing yourself with the internet, you can have a site up and running in minutes! Many people are already using these tools to build sites for their family, hobby or online photo albums.

SitesYourself: This is a cheap and easy alternative to having someone else design and build a site for you. Depending on your needs, SitesYourself offers two tools, each with varying features, to help get you started. Both tools have an easy to use point & click wizard help you build a fabulous site in minutes! Don't believe me? Just check out their testimonials!

Google Pages: This is a FREE service. All you need is a Gmail account from Google and you can start developing immediately. Overall this is a great tool for someone looking for a basic site to share photos, information or poetry. However, there are a few downsides to using Google Pages; you have limited design and layout options (compared to other services you'd pay for), you will not have a unique domain name (your domain name will be your email address followed by googlepages.com, so it will be relatively easy get spammed), and this service does not offer any additional functionality like contact forms.

Homestead: Another inexpensive alternative to hiring web designers and programmers. Homestead offers a FREE 30-day trial period with a money back guarantee. So go ahead, try out thier easy to use tools and see for yourself - risk free!

Entrepreneur
Many business savvy individuals are looking to take their business online. If you fall into this category, there are tools out there especially for you! If you know none, a little or a bunch about building a website, these tools can get you started in a hurry.

SitesYourself: In addition to offering family or hobby site designs and layouts, SitesYourself also caters to the needs of business professionals! They have a great e-commerce tool - e-shop - that will put you on the cyberspace map in no time! Depending on your level of experience, these tools will allow you to manipulate your site's code as much or as little as you want.

eBiz Webpages: This is an inexpensive option for anyone wanting to increase thier store's revenue with the addition of an online store. Complete with statistics, secure checkout, order management and PayPal integration, this tool is a gift just waiting to be unwrapped by you!

Tips, Tricks and Wisdom
Nowadays you don't need to hire a professional web designer to build your personal or business website - or pay them thousands of dollars. There are tons of DIY (do-it-yourself) options available that are just as good, if not better - for a fraction of the cost. Plus you get the added flexibility of changing content, images, color schemes and layouts easily - all by yourself and without being charged for a redesign!