The very first steps towards creating a website

**stompeeeee** · 02-11-2010 11:01 PM

Hi All,

I am kind of lost. I have a website idea in my head and want to put it on paper, or on something. Does anyone have any suggestions as to how I should start with the whole thing? I feel like I don't even know where to start because my site is a little bit complex. I have searched "internet website brainstorming" but came up with no solid resources...

If someone could push me in the right direction I would be much obliged.

**Anon206** · 02-11-2010 11:05 PM

Make a list of what expect from the website, and then create a wireframe mock up using 'balsamiq' software

**chanson** · 02-11-2010 11:20 PM

Maybe the project is above your head and you need a team at your dispsal? if thats the case send me a Pm and I can discuss it with you a bit, and let me guys have at it!

**Lambo** · 02-12-2010 10:38 AM

draw out an outline of the website, in temrms of what it will include and then fill in the blanks from there. you might need to hire someone to help you construct the actual website.

sign up at elance.com where you can post your project and ppl will bid on them

**Hot Dog Joe** · 02-12-2010 10:49 AM

If you want to build it yourself to save money, you might want to think about using something like wordpress. Go to wordpress.com and build a blog there. It will give you a good idea of how to put a website together.

Although the format is for blogs, I build websites using that format all the time and they look really good.

Hope this helps

**Encrypted** · 02-12-2010 10:54 AM

Originally Posted by Hot Dog Joe

Stompeeee.

I make websites using Wordpress all the time. It's not very difficult. Try building one first with wordpress.com which is a blog site, but you can make it look like a normal website very easily. Go through the instructions and you will have a free site with the domain name of YOURSITE.wordpress.com

First of all, they don't want to make the website right now, they just want to know how they should go about in putting their ideas on paper. Second, if the idea was somewhat complex, I highly doubt a simple wordpress blog would be the solution.

**brandonmdotnet** · 02-13-2010 03:19 PM

Originally Posted by stompeeeee

Hi All,

I am kind of lost. I have a website idea in my head and want to put it on paper, or on something. Does anyone have any suggestions as to how I should start with the whole thing? I feel like I don't even know where to start because my site is a little bit complex. I have searched "internet website brainstorming" but came up with no solid resources...

If someone could push me in the right direction I would be much obliged.

Don't over think it. Keep the creative process simple. I have found that the "learning curve" for most tools/software can hinder the creative and planning process.

1. Outline your site idea on paper first. Go to Wal-Mart and buy a flip chart (I like the Post-it kind b/c you stick them on the office wall)

Once you are satisfied with what you have planned out on paper, find a graphic designer who can help you create some "mock ups." Design concepts and screen shots will really bring your idea to life.

2. Another suggestion would be to go to Home Depot and buy one of those 6 foot sections of white board. If you think you will be erasing a lot, this might be better for you. Home Depot sells this much cheaper than Wal-Mart and has bigger sizes (which it sounds like you'll need

Good luck!

-Brandon

**jsayers** · 02-13-2010 07:02 PM

Building a website is a creative process. It's not a bad thing that you don't have everything figured out yet. Start by getting all of your ideas on paper. All of them, in no particular order. Then refine what you have come up with into a website with a decided amount of pages. Make sure your website has a clear purpose (ie - building a brand, selling your product, etc).

**jsayers** · 02-13-2010 07:03 PM

w3schools.com is a great resource if you're planning to build the website yourself.

**Anon206** · 02-22-2010 05:17 AM

Originally Posted by brandonmdotnet

Don't over think it. Keep the creative process simple. I have found that the "learning curve" for most tools/software can hinder the creative and planning process.

1. Outline your site idea on paper first. Go to Wal-Mart and buy a flip chart (I like the Post-it kind b/c you stick them on the office wall)

Once you are satisfied with what you have planned out on paper, find a graphic designer who can help you create some "mock ups." Design concepts and screen shots will really bring your idea to life.

2. Another suggestion would be to go to Home Depot and buy one of those 6 foot sections of white board. If you think you will be erasing a lot, this might be better for you. Home Depot sells this much cheaper than Wal-Mart and has bigger sizes (which it sounds like you'll need

Good luck!

-Brandon

Can you expand on number 1 please?