Even ten years ago, building a website was a major operation. It was definitely a good business decision to have one, but getting your site built, domain name registration and website content management system sorted was also a big investment and major project to get it going. Now, you can get a website going in a single nite … and in many cases you can do it for next to nothing! Today we check out some of the steps you'll take on your single-night journey to being your own webmaster.
- Choose whether you want your site premade or templated
There are quite a few website builders out there that include standard text and photos customised to suit your industry - so you don't even have to have your own content and images to be able to get a website up tonight! Alternatively, you can choose to use a template and upload your own images and content. - Choose your template and fine tune your color scheme
The advent of adjustable templates means that it is extremely unlikely that anyone will ever find a site that uses the same template as yours. In most, color schemes can be fine-tuned. - Upload your images and files
As long as you've optimized your photos for viewing on the web, this is an incredibly simple step. A good provider will arrange your images in a library, rather than a clunky filename ordered list. - Edit and layout your content
The HTML editing interfaces that come with website content management systems has become easier and easier to use over the years. You have an array of options similar to Microsoft Word, in an intuitive interface. You'll be able to insert dynamic elements with the click of a few buttons, such as hit counter, date and time displays and even scrolling marquees! - Fine-tune your color scheme some more!
You may have already changed the basic color scheme away from the default, but you can also individually change the colors of elements of your site using a color picker, if you've chosen the right website content management system. - Add video
Video is the new photo - and websites without it are just missing something! - Add a forum and a contact form
It sounds technical, but is easier than you think with the help of a CMS. - Optimize for discovery in the search engines
If you want your website to not only look great, but actually be seen by people, smart domain name registration is essential!
