It is important to have a good web design if you want to keep your visitors interested and coming back for more.  There are a number of ways to get started with a site including templates, open source scripts, and regular old HTML programming.  In this section we will focus on the do-it-yourself website creation as most of our readers enjoy the challenge and excitement of learning how to do things like this.

1. Templates

Templates are generally pre-built layouts that you can modify and personalize to make them your own.  There are thousands of free templates and paid templates available on the web.  We recommend before making a selection that you first look at what your goal is with your website.  If you are building a professional site you will probably opt to purchase a template that has no guidelines and requirements for it.  Many free templates require you to leave some code on the site such as “This site was created by…” or another type of ad.  While this is not a bad thing per say, a professional business may not want to advertise for 3rd parties all over their site.

2. Open Source Programs

There are a huge number of open source projects aimed at making your life simpler.  My favorite resource for open source scripts is: http://www.simplescripts.com.  SimpleScripts has created a library of free open source software ranging fom blogs, photo galleries, ecommerce stores, forums, and many other categories.  Their system also allows you to setup these scripts with no programming knowledge.  All you do is click the script you want to install, tell it where you want it and you are done.  If your host is integrated with SimpleScripts it is the best.  If not, you will have to setup an FTP account that will allow SimpleScripts to work on your hosting account.

3. Web Designers

The last and most custom method of setting up your website is hiring a private designer or design team.  There are a large number of people in this business including your neighborhood teenager who may be a viable option for a short term site.  If you want to continually develop your site and add/remove content it is highly recommended you go with a company that charges a one time fee to build the site and offers hourly or monthly consulting to help you with ongoing projects and updates.