Web Site Basics
Can I build my own web site?
Some people ask me whether they can build a web site on their own. The simple answer is yes, but to really answer this question depends on a number of factors: budget, learning ability, and time. While this is not for everyone, building a one page site is rather easy. I guess you can use the analogy of building a desk. Anyone with any basic experience using a saw, hammer, and nails could build a desk. Though making it look professional and sturdy enough to handle a variety of environments would generally be outside of the abilities of most people new to carpentry.
To build your own web site you need to know how to a) purchase and configure your domain name (that is if you want your own domain name, such as www.mywebsite.com) b) choose and setup a web hosting provider and c) design and upload your site to the web server provided by your host.
There are a variety of template design systems to help you build a web site that make the above steps much easier. But just like buying a do-it-yourself desk kit, you are limited to what shapes, colors, sizes, and functions you are sold. Having a web developer custom design a web site allows you to have complete control over your site's functionality, look, and feel.
If you are interested in building your own site, you have three basic options:
1) Study web design and become an amateur designer
yourself.
2) Use a web design software program to help you design your web site.
3) Design a site using one of the template based packages.
Regardless of your level of interest, I would recommend becoming familiar with the basics of web design and hosting. As time goes on, more and more people and businesses will be designing and managing their own web site.
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