Help Me Build A Website
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A friend recently asked me to help them with their website. They had purchased some software advertised on the TV. They had also signed up to Internet hosting package that included web building software, this also was advertised on the TV.
Rather than using these packages, I advised them to use an online platform and explained the various options available:
- For a very simple 1 page website using a Facebook page or a Google local business centre page.
- For a basic website or blog using a blogging platform.
Blogging platforms are free web-based tools for building blogs and websites. They are easy to use, they utilise SEO (Search Engine Optimisation) and integrate with social networking sites. The most popular blogging platforms are Blogger.com, WordPress.com and WordPress.org
Blogger.com and WordPress.com provide the platform and hosting for free. The design (look and feel) of your website is defined by a theme template. There have limited controls to customise the theme but a wide range of themes are available for free or for purchase. WordPress.org provides the platform for free but external hosting must be provided. The main reason for using WordPress.org will be the ability to customise anything. See WordPress com vs WordPress.org for more information.
Once you’ve chosen your platform, start generating your content. Don’t underestimate this, it may be more difficult than you think.
- Have a look at existing websites for ideas on content and layout.
- Decide what pages you want and what you want on them.
- Use an online guide for writing content – see Writing for the Web and Blog Writing Guide.
- Start writing the content (for a blog, write the about page and contact page first)
