How I did it: I'll only include how I made a site using methods available to you today. What I used several years ago was pretty basic but the focus and pathway is still the same.

• I focused on the purpose of my site.
• Began to learn how to code basic HTML
• Copy and pasted a lot of code from other sites to try out on my own. This way I did learn quickly how certain code snippets work!
• Used a good HTML editor e.g. WYSIWYG
• Used an old copy of Photoshop to learn how to make my own simple graphics, banners, headers etc.You can try the free Gimp software which works the same way using layers etc.
• I kept reading and learning new design skills from books and online.

That's a short list but it was my main starting point. To make a final point here, I did a degree which included website design and development. I was surprised to find that my skills and knowledge after a few years was more than enough to pass these University papers with ease.

So yes, you can do it well, self teach and succeed.

Lessons & tips: In todays online world the most important things to remember when creating your sites are:

• Use free hosting first. This might seem obvious but I wouldn't pay for anything till I'm ready to use it properly. There's a whole lot more to learn when you have your own web domain and hosting to look after. You'll know when the time is right to move over to paid services.
• Legal stuff, don't go downloading and using an image, music etc without permission. Get to know Copyright and the Creative Commons levels. Just be certain you have the right to use that picture or whatever... Finding a nice image in Google images is not permission.
• Keep your personal details off the website till you know what you are doing. Everything you post on your website/online is often permanent, even when you can no longer see it or delete it e.g. closing your Facebook account, err not going to happen, you just can't see your info anymore but it's there alright.
• If you decide to buy one of those, "one click wonders" or templates to make a site... I'd suggest you at least know the basics in HTML and CSS so you can fix things yourself.

You don't really HAVE TO learn to code and create your own graphics but it sure helps.

Resources: w3schools.com was and still is a good site for learning about code.
The free version of AceHTML provides a code and design view, I found it easier to use than most editors. I've never used Dreamweaver but you could use that instead.
If you cannot get Photoshop then use Gimp for your graphic design needs.
Get a Dummies book from your library and try the exercises given. Might seem like a simplistic suggestion but the code and/or photoshop Dummies books will highlight fundamentals that still exist today and probably tomorrow. It's not a waste of time doing this.

Everything you learn from Day One builds on your skillset and confidence and knowledge and ninja-ness.

A mistake is a good thing when you catch it out and fix it. I hope some of this made sense or was helpful, all the best in your website endeavors.

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Oct 27, 03:47AM PDT | 0 comments | 3 cheers