Web design question..

[crossrhythm]

Hi...I'm sure this is a common question, but hopefully someone can give me some helpful info. I am looking to move a few of my projects online, and want to do the web design myself. I have no experience in web design, but am very computer proficient...what software can you recommend? Is it possible to create really fantastic looking sites with Dreamweaver, and would it be too complicated for someone with no experience to learn? Is there some software that is easier but is a little more interactive than just filling in text boxes in pre-designed templates?

I'm not looking to hire a web designer, so please don't offer your services here. Thanks!

ALSO...I should add that if you have created a site using dreamweaver or another comparable program, could you post a link to it so I could just see what's possible with programs like it? Thanks again..

[Chris B]

Honestly, unless you have the experience, it is hard to create a "very fantastic web site" but don't let that get you down. I have been a web designer for 5 years and I have a lot of experience in the field. Usually, without a mentor, progression towards a skill level that is both useful and produces great results is hard.

If you are looking to skip all the learning, and jump right into some great web designs your best bet might be getting a template and using Dreamweaver. But if you want to pursue learning some more I am here to help you out!! Let me know if you need anything and best of luck!

[jmeijers]

Like the post above, I would advise you to not do it yourself. Building a 'fantastic website' includes HTML, CSS and Javascript programming and if you're not a programmer, don't get into that stuff.

Dreamweaver does NOT create great websites. No matter what others say, it just doesn't. Please take this from me, I have 10 years experience in building websites and webapplications.

If you just want to do the design, I would suggest doing that in Photoshop and handing over the graphics to the webprogrammer. If you want to also make a prototype, which would be a good idea if the site is somewhat larger, I would suggest using Axure RP (an easy find on Google).

Since you are 'computer proficient' I would guess that neither Photoshop nor Axure will prove a big challenge to you.

[BLewis]

like the above it will be hard to make a fantastic site first time round, but ive been playing with sites for 4years now and i new nothing about them, infact i knew nothing about computers either, everything ive ever done in these fields is down to trail and error and now people are seeing my work and paying me to do there sites!

best advice for you, dont try and build a template from scratch buy a pre made one and edit it to your company!

if you would like to see some templates ive got a few hanging around much much cheaper than good old template monster, pm me if your intrested

ben

[Alexishost]

the simple solution for you is Soholaunch site builder

[peteVA]

There are thousands of templates available, many free. Here's a place to start - Download free CSS templates - Free CSS Templates

You can use these as a base and modify as you wish.

[hippie_wantab]

I did my very first website in Dreamweaver - Natural Health - focus on natural cleaners, Finger Lakes outdoor fitness and saving money by being green. It's pretty good but not fantastic. I don't even promote this site, never even fixed the spelling errors. But it was a good experience and Dreamweaver is a pretty basic program to learn with just a walk-through book

[abeer]

i think you can try artisteer
this sof will be easy for you...
here is the link www(.)artisteer(.)com

[ameeker]

I totally disagree with everyone above. You can use WORDPRESS to create amazing sites on your own. If you can write an email or make a Word doc, you can use WordPress.

Check it out at www dot wordpress dot org.

Read this entire next paragraph before you stop - I'm in the process of writing an ebook for beginners on how to use WordPress - I expect to be done in the next week. If you would like to see for yourself how easy it is to get started, I'd be happy to forward to you what I have done already, for free, if you will also dialog with me about what you think about it so far.

Many companies, small and large, use WordPress. To see examples, visit the Showcase link at wordpress dot org.

You can learn more about me, and follow the release of the ebook at www dot mynameisangie dot com.

[Jagella]

Dreamweaver does NOT create great websites. No matter what others say, it just doesn't. Please take this from me, I have 10 years experience in building websites and webapplications.

What makes you say that using Dreamweaver cannot result in a great website? Dreamweaver is just a tool, and how that tool is used is what makes a great site, in my humble opinion. The web page layout, color scheme, choice of appropriate images, SEO, and copy writing is what determines the appropriateness of a site to accomplish the client's goal to reach the target audience.

That said, it is possible to get into trouble using Dreamweaver. If the designer doesn't know how to code, then Dreamweaver can be difficult to understand especially when it does something that's unexpected.

I respect your opinion, of course, but I'm just curious as to why you don't believe Dreamweaver can result in a "great" site.

Jagella

[Jagella]

You can learn to use the basics of Dreamweaver without too much time and effort. Feel free to ask me for help if you need it.

Jagella

[my_misyel]

As a newbie, I know that it is really hard to create a one good web site. You have to study and practice the techniques you've read. You can research for tutorials for html, css and other programs online.

Hope this site will help you - W3Schools Online Web Tutorials

[Pwdrin]

It is easy to learn how to work with dreamweaver, many many websites are made using dreamweaver. You will need to learn some .css though, but after that you should be fine.

If you need help pm me.

[karlhadwen]

For Beginners I recommend using Adobe Photoshop to create your website then export it to HTML. Probably the easiest way for beginners even if it does consist of tables. It takes time to learn HTML/CSS and also takes time to learn Adobe Photoshop so I do recommend learning Photoshop firstly then Just export your website to html then edit it in Dreamweaver, pretty simple.

[Pwdrin]

It depends how you want the websites to gain traffic, if you intend on getting all your traffic from search engines... you will have a hard time. Design is just the start you also have SEO.

If you intend to gain traffic through direct traffic, and your any good at photoshop. Then you could just make the design write on it then just slice it up. Using very basic html, you can then place it all togeather.

A lot of web design is .css to make it look riight. Find a good free .css template site, then all you need to do is add your images, pick your colours etc.

If you need advice just ask me.