Can I Really Build My Own Website?

By Liliana E. González

@LilianaElena

Creating a website is not that complicated, if we compare it to the education of other technical skills. Most people tend to give up and run, as soon as they hear the word “programming” and “technical”. They think it`s a great deal or a big hassle to actually acquire a whole computer “language”. HTML is a computer language, it is a set of "commands" or instructions you give to the computer to display the information in a certain way. It is used to build websites, is actually pretty simple to understand, as long as we have the interest in learning new things.

What is the meaning of HTML?

HTML is the acronym for Hyper Text Markup Language. To keep it simple, just think of it as a language that the computer understands. For example, as humans, we were taught different languages; i.e. HTML as a language, is mostly and specifically used to create a website. The web browser, such as Microsoft Internet Explorer or Mozilla Firefox, will then decipher and interpret the code or rather, language(HTML), and display it in a way we can understand it, just like in a basic webpage.

Coding.

Coding the HTML language might be a bit tough for some people, so we can actually purchase programmes, such as Macromedia Dreamweaver, or even Expression Web 2 from Microsoft (formerly Frontpage) . These programmes are solely created to help individuals in designing professional webpages or websites.

Furthermore, one could also gain access to online web-builders, website builders that are inbuilt and can be directly controlled from the net. There is one that I use and recommend called Website Tonight.

How does Website Tonight work?

1.- Pick a Design.-Choose from 14 page layouts that put your site in the best light… each page can have a different layout.

2.- Make it Yours.- Fine-tune your color scheme or change the color of any site element to create that perfect look. Choose out images from the photo gallery or upload your own images. Format your content with bullets, numbering, hyperlinks… even input and edit your own HTML. Add videos, music, pre-designed Flash animations, RSS feeds, widgets and much more.

3.- Publish it.- Preview your site with one click to view and navigate before you publish to the Web. Publish your Web site with one click – you’re live on the Web. Optimize for search engines with Google Webmaster Tools.

So, you could start and build one right away, get your Website Tonight right now!