18 FREE web design resources

Here's a breakdown of the steps you need to take to build your
site and make it "live" -- as well as lots of FREE resources you
can use to do it...

1. CHOOSE AND REGISTER A GOOD DOMAIN NAME

Your domain name is your business's "address" on the Internet, so
it's crucial you choose the right one. Try to find a domain that
gives browsers a hint of what they'll find at your site.

Tools to help you find a domain include...

>> Nameboy’s “Gen?(www.NameBoy.com/gen.php) -?to get ideas
for domain names

>> Wordtracker (http://imc.wordtracker.com) ? to locate
possible domain names with popular keywords

>> Domain tools (www.DomainTools.com) ? to see if a domain
name is available

>> For registering domains: www.GoDaddy.com

2. HOST YOUR WEBBSITE

Your web host is responsible for ensuring your web site is always
up and running at top speed. If you site is always down... or if
it takes ages to load... you can be sure you're losing money!

Here's our favorite hosting solution: www.1and1.com

3. LEARN BASIC HTML

While there's plenty of software you can use to build a site
without knowing any code at all, it's actually helpful if you at
least understand the basics of HTML. For some good free HTML
tutorials, check out these sites:

>> www.Davesite.com/webstation/html

>> www.HTMLgoodies.com

>> www.PageTutor.com

>> www.WebReference.com/html/tutorial

4. BUILDING YOUR SITE YOURSELF

For some great tools and information on simple, effective design,
check out these sites:

>> SitePoint: www.sitepoint.com

>> Builder.com: http://builder.com

>> Useit.com: www.useit.com

5. SOFTWARE FOR BUILDING YOUR SITE

"HTML editors" are software programs that allow you to design a
webpage with little knowledge of HTML -- and they're as easy to
use as any basic word processor.

>> Nvu (www.nvu.com): Anyone can use this free tool to
create and manage a website -- even if they have no
technical expertise or knowledge of HTML.

>> Dreamweaver (www.dreamweaver.com): This is the tool we use
at IMC. It's good if you're willing to spend some money to
get additional features not available on the free versions

6. USING AN "ALL-IN-ONE" SOLUTION

If you're a bit intimidated by technology, you may want to
consider an all-in-one website builder, where a company provides
you with all the tools you need to quickly piece together a site.

Go here to find our favorite: www.MarketingTips.com/allinone

7. RESOURCES FOR DESIGNING YOUR WEBSITE

For good articles and resources on developing effective
navigation and designing a simple site that works, check out
these sites:

>> Webmonkey: www.webmonkey.com

>> AnyBrowser.com: www.anybrowser.com

>> WebDeveloper.com: www.webdeveloper.com

>> Web Page Analyzer: www.websiteoptimization.com/services/analyze

>> NetMechanic: www.netmechanic.com

8. ADDING "EXTRAS" TO YOUR SITE

You may want your site to go beyond basic HTML, especially when
it comes to automating chores and making it more interactive for
visitors. You can find "extras" -- like forums, content
management systems, and shopping carts -- at these websites:

>> www.HotScripts.com

>> www.cgi.ResourceIndex.com

>> www.scriptSearch.com

9. HIRING A DESIGNER

If you can afford it, it's a good idea to hire a web designer to
build the initial "template" for your website. Typically, this
should include a logo, navigation menu, and the overall "look"
for your homepage.

For a good, affordable designer, try: www.eLance.com
Good luck with your site,