website

[gerkin]

I am looking to start an internet business. I know nothing about creating websites but I want to learn. What is the best way to get started ?

[vehelpfulguy]

This is a good starting point, a book for about �10 that shows you how to create a very simple web site in a step by step approach.

http://www.cookwood.com/htmlvqj/

Once you have been through that then you need to learn HTML and CSS. To do that buy a book like this (same author)

http://www.cookwood.com/html6ed/

There are a lot of products you can buy to buld web sites but many people use Dreamweaver. You can download a trial version here

http://www.adobe.com/products/dreamweaver/

You will probably also need to create and manipulate graphics (pictures etc) so you will need a tool like Photoshop or Photoshop Elements (which is cheaper)

You can download a trial version of Elements from here

http://www.adobe.com/products/photoshopelwin/

[vehelpfulguy]

I my append above I listed all the tools to help you start creating web sites.

It is like saying to someone who wants to be an artist here is a paint brush, here is some paint, here is a canvas.

You can have all the tools you want, but behind that you need some skills and talent.

Almost anyone can create a web site, but to create a GOOD web site, particularly one that you want to run as a business, is not a five minute job.

I have been working in computers for 30 years, I have been doing web design in my spare time for the last 4 or 5 years, I even help a small company look after their web site.

But even I would be reluctant to create a web site that I wanted to run as a business.

By all means learn how it is done, but to do it properly you need to bring in someone who REALLY knows how to design web sites and does it full time.

[vehelpfulguy]

Here is an example of someone who has created a web site, but it is fairly awful.

http://www.jazzwestmidlands.co.uk/

No doubt the site contains lots of useful information, but as you scroll down look at the awful colours, the awful fonts, the flashing graphics.

This is EXACTLY how not to design a web site, certainly one you may want as a business.

Now look at this site, as an example.

http://www.adobe.com/

Subtle colours, lovely graphics, nice fonts, easy on the eye.

Notice how the important info is right in the centre, with white areas either side.

So compare the two sites, which one would you do business with ?

So as I said above, you can have all the tools in the world, but without the web design skills it is unlikely to succeed.

[Machecoul]

I would have said the Jazz website was done using Publisher!! But I had a look and it says AdobePageMill in the source!!!!!! :)))

[rojash]

I am looking at starting a car repair business but I know nothing about engines ;-)

[vehelpfulguy]

Thing is machecoul, a person can use any product they like, even Dreamweaver, but it does not stop them designing a bad website.

If I was given the best paintbrush and paint in the world any painting I did would still be crap.

[gerkin]

Thanks vehelpfulguy, I shall give it a go !

[Machecoul]

Exactly my point VHG.