Sometimes I get asked for the absolute basics, sometimes I get asked to re-create the world. The simplest web design tips tend to be the same old answers so i figured I would pop them into a blog post!
1. How Do I Get a Host?
This is perhaps the question and it’s the one that scares most people (individuals or small businesses) because a good host will cost you money - yes really.
Saying that, I have good experience with both FASTHOSTS which is paid service, as well as 000Webhost which is free.
Both other similar services and depending on your website needs will depend on which one you want to go with.
2. Don’t Use Microsoft Word
There is a feature of Microsoft Word to save your documents as html files which while handy for some easy-access, isn’t a good way to design your site purely because it absolutely butchers the underlying code - and that means it will render completely differently depending on which browser using. Just don’t use it!
3. Set Out Your Goals
Set out a list of around 5 features/areas of your site that you want to have and keep on updating. If you have a news page, do update it as there is nothing more annoying than a news site that is never updated.
Clearly defined goals helps you set out what you site is about, which in turn leads to some more intelligent choices when it comes to menu structures, the design and basically anything related to your site.
4. Don’t Be Scared to Ask
Some sites that I have picked up are terrible from a professional stand point, but I can also appreciate the effort someone has taken to create it. I guess this isn’t really a tip but more of a bit of guidance where you should be proud that your site has grown to a stage where you need it done professionally.
5. Save Money
It’s a myth that a website will cost you thousands, but you can really save money if you do your research. If you only plan on having a small site you really don’t need to be spending £40 a month for hosting when you can get it for free. Good content is king on the intenet, and noone knows your business more than you so writing about it and chucking it online will get you visitors (we hope!).
Summary
These are perhaps very, very basic tips but they are the tips I would provide to anyone who asked me. I find the simplest solutions to be the best, and web design is no different. My job is to make websites come alive, so if you already have a website don’t be afraid to pass it on as your hard work and sweat is apparent, and the mere fact that you are getting it done professionally shows how seriously you are taking your website.
