By Vishal P. Rao
Home-based businesses need a strong web presence to combat
the inflated advertising and marketing budgets of their
larger competitors, but establishing that presence through a
professionally designed and developed web site may not be an
affordable option. In many cases, the only cost-effective
way to get the web site you want for your business is to do
it yourself.
Even if you are not experienced in HTML (Hypertext Markup
Language), you can find helpful programs which will assist
you in your design efforts. Trust me, it is not as difficult
as it may seem to be.
Here are a few tips for finding software to meet your small
or home-based business's needs.
1) Know Your Options
When it comes to web site creation software, there are three
types to choose from: text editors, HTML editors, and
WYSIWYG editors.
Text editors, which are basically any word processing
program such as Word or Notepad, require extensive HTML
knowledge.
NoteTab Light (Freeware)
http://www.notetab.com/download.htm
HTML editors are much like text editors except they include
additional features to aid inexperienced users, such as
color-coded tags and pre-prepared CGI and Java scripts. If
you have little or no experience with HTML, WYSIWYG editor
is a better choice.
HTML Kit (Freeware)
http://www.chami.com/html-kit/download/
Web-O-Rama (Donationware)
http://www.kevingunn.com/weborama.htm
WYSIWYG, which stands for What You See is What You Get,
programs like FrontPage or DreamWeaver allow you to design
the pages' appearance without writing code. You pick what
you want and the program automatically generates the code.
Macromedia Dreamweaver ($399) (Recommended)
http://www.macromedia.com/software/dreamweaver/download/
NetObjects Fusion ($149.95)
http://www.netobjects.com/products/html/download.html
2) Look for the Features You Need
When you start browsing for web site software, you'll want
to look for a few key features, such as ready-made
templates, wizards (they make many tasks easier and
quicker), auto-backup, and pre-built code.
Remember to also keep in mind your own level of HTML
experience. If you are inexperienced, then you will want
plenty of templates and wizards to help you along. Likewise,
if you feel comfortable working with code, then you may want
to choose programs without all of the bells, whistles, and
help since they will cost you less.
3) Do Some Research
Never buy a program, especially not one for business,
without trying it out first. Most of these programs have
demos or free trials available on their manufacturers' web
sites. You can also check with sites such as CNET.com or
Epinions to get an idea of which programs are being
recommended by users. Check with popular computer magazines
for their experts' input as well.
All of this research will give you a good idea of which
programs to explore and which to avoid when you are making
your final buying decision.
4) Keep in Mind Your Budget
Depending on which type of web design program you choose,
your costs will vary dramatically. Text editors, for
example, are often already on your computer. Notepad, a
feature of Windows, makes a very usable text editor and will
cost you nothing extra.
HTML editors, on the other hand, can cost anywhere from $30
to $100 while WYSIWYGs are priced between $70 to $500 and
up.
Well-known brands, such as Adobe and MacroMedia, will cost
more but the quality of their programs and the stability of
their company make them a better choice than the inexpensive
software from unknown vendors.
Also, be sure to look for programs that offer free or
reduced price upgrades so you continue to get the most from
your software without paying full price again every two or
three years.
With these tips, you should have no trouble finding an HTML
program that fits your needs and your experience level so
you can create your own professional-looking web site
without draining your business's budget.
-----SIDE BAR-----
No matter which software you use, a good knowledge of HTML
will always be helpful. Here are some links that have helped
me tremendously in building my HTML and web designing
skills:
http://hotwired.lycos.com/webmonkey/teachingtool/html.html
http://www.davesite.com/webstation/html/
http://www.w3schools.com/html/default.asp
-----SIDE BAR-----
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Vishal P. Rao is the owner of
Home Based Business Opportunities
- One of Internet's leading website dedicated to starting,
managing and marketing a home based business.
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