Basics of Web Design
The basics of a web site are the same no matter if you design
the site yourself or contract with someone to do it. We will try
to keep it simple. Should you need more information, please
contact us.
Internet Address
This is commonly called a domain name. Your address is how
people find your site. The end of the domain can be .com, .net,
.org, .cc, .us, .edu or many more. The most common is .com and
we will use that in examples.
Free Address
Usually, your internet provider will provide you with free space
for your address. Also, sites such as Yahoo or Geocities will
provide you with a free site. The addresses may look like
domainname.com/yourname or something similar. These sites are
intended for personal sites but can be used for a small business
or organization. The problem is that many of the free addresses
either run ads or limit what design techniques you can use.
Also, most have a space limitation of how much space you can use
for your site.
Directory Address
The directory address will look like this: http://ohiowebs.com/yourname.
Notice it is similar to a free address. However, there is
generally a charge for the address and space by whoever owns the
domain name. In the example, ohiowebs.com is owned by Web
Designs of Bath. We can set up a site at the location. See
Custom Pages for more information
Your Own Domain Name
Ideally, this is the best way for a small business or
organization to follow. All of our current clients have their
own domain names. A domain name of yourname.com identifies your
business or organization better. There is an annual charge for
the name and is handled by different registrars. We can get your
name registered. The one problem that arises is that many
businesses or organization find out that someone else already
owns the name they want.
Hosting
Once you have your internet address, you need to get space to
store the site. The free addresses give you a limited amount of
space but also restrict what you can do with it. We can host
your site and provide you with e-mail addresses at your domain
name. You can still keep your old e-mail address and we can
forward e-mail to it. You also can have an autoresponder that
will automatically send information to someone who requests it.
Software
You also need software to create your site. The free sites
provide you with very simple but limited software to construct
your site. Dreamweaver and Adobe GoLive are excellent but
expensive site building software. We use Microsoft Frontpage to
build a site. We use it because if someone wants us to build the
site they maintain it, they are probably using other Microsoft
products and the learning curve is quicker. Also, you will need
graphics software to enhance the site. We have software
available to enhance your site.
Time
You must have time to build your site, make changes and other
tasks that will take time. We give you personal service and most
changes can be made within one day. You manage your business and
let us manage your site.
