How tough is it to create a website?

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Lots of variables...

by John.Wilkinson Jun 24, 2010 10:48PM PDT

Regarding your questions:

1.) It depends on both your level of experience with computers, programming, etc. as well as the language(s) you intend to use. Note that each host decides which languages to support, so that factors into the decision. In addition, it depends on how advanced/complex you want the website to be; some simply create a static yet elegant page that displays basic company information while others have feedback forms, user accounts, shopping carts, etc.

2.) Templates are ideal for those who do not have the time and expertise to design a page, both graphically and programatically. They're great if you want to use them as-is, but but keep in mind that there's often a steeper learning curve should you want to customize them since their logical approach may be far different from your own.

Note that templates are often created, and customized, using Dreamweaver, Expression Web, etc, so you should focus on the quality of the design and developer rather than the tool used.

3.) There is a learning curve for the user interface (where the options are, what each one does, etc.), just as there is for any new program. The most challenging part is learning the development languages and implementing proper solutions.

4.) It can go either way, depending on your business, your customers' desire/need for the website, your knowledge of programming, your dedication to the site, and the intended depth of functionality.

Bottom line: Start with a solid template to reduce the initial workload, use the template creator's customization services if available, and keep it as simple as possible while still giving your customers what they need.

Hope this helps,
John

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Re

by Rob10 Jun 24, 2010 11:22PM PDT

The questions you returned made me realize I don't have the time to learn what I would need to create a site myself. Think I'll go with a hosting site's templates, at least for starters. All I really need is an introduction page, a few pages of photos (with possible some fades or zooms), and a place for links to my customers' websites/store info. The big question is, with so many choices out there for the novice, how does one pick a host? I assume there isn't a reliable website that reviews web hosts. I feel like I'm trying to pick a doctor out of the ads in the yellowpages.

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Try out Web design & Hosting forum...

by John.Wilkinson Jun 25, 2010 3:38AM PDT

You will never receive a consensus answer as each has has/her own opinions, experiences, and biases, but the members there have a large combined knowledge of the hosts available and can answer any questions you may have regarding particular ones.

Good luck.
John

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Why Dreamweaver?

by r. proffitt Forum moderator Jun 24, 2010 10:54PM PDT

You said money was an issue, so why not simple like a godaddy and use their site creation tools?

Many get it going this way and save time and money.
Bob

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Godaddy

by Rob10 Jun 24, 2010 11:11PM PDT

I have heard a few bad things about Godaddy, so trying to stay away from them. The tough part is there are so many choices out there and I don't know enough to pick a host other than from recommendations. The only other site for hosting I heard a little positive info on was Squarespace. I think that, at least to get things started, I'll figure on using the host site's tools.

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Good idea.

by r. proffitt Forum moderator Jun 24, 2010 11:18PM PDT

But first, you will hear bad press about any and all hosts. A new web author may slam a host over "support" because support doesn't include one on one "how does the html element style work?" or other questions we can research on the web. That is, it was not a question about the host and its services. That is where I see the most complaints. You can see the same complaints about PC makers and Windows questions. LONG discussion follows.

OK, I think you are on the right track. For much less than a copy/license of Dreamweaver you can get a site on its feet and see where you go from there.

Bob

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Thanks Bob

by Rob10 Jun 25, 2010 12:52AM PDT

I happened to catch Leo Leporte on our local radio talkshow and asked him about Godaddy. He said they were notorious for constantly trying to upsell you on everything and were more expensive than what you could get from other places. I do always try and take radioshow advice with a grain of salt .

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Go .. free, at least at first

by diggathedog Jul 7, 2010 6:41PM PDT

Since you're only starting out, and may well not want to make a future career change to web development (or even long term 'hobby'), I'd recommend you start out simple: pick out a free website maker (there are plenty to choose from, so try out a few), slap together a few pages using a ready-made template then see how it works for you. If your needs are basic (as you said - a page or few and some photos), then keep it simple. Don't go out spending money until you're ready to move onwards and upwards, and have more than a beginners understanding of web coding. Using a simple website builder also has the advantage of hiding the complexities (the code and structure), whilst allowing you to start peeking into the code and build knowledge for a later move to a more complex (or in house) solution.