Building Your Website

With the help of WYSIWYG software you really don't need to have much, if any HTML knowledge. In fact, most web hosting services come with a WYSIWYG software that let's you build your website on the server itself.

Or, if you are the adventurous type, you can learn a little HTML and incorporate software programs like FrontPage, Dreamweaver, or any of the other simple HTML programs that if offered for a small price or even free. However, if you are planning on making a living on the Internet you should get a simple HTML book that you can reference.

The basic elements of building a website is relatively, easy if you have the information. If you don't have the information, it can make your life miserable-and with that, you may call it quits before you even begin. So, below you will find some basic information that should help you when building your first site.

Website Elements

There are four website elements that you should try to keep consistent. And they are:

1. navigation
2. layout
3. color
4. speed

Color

If you want people to be able to read your content easily, resist the dark background. Though it may look "Pretty", if it hurts your eyes to read your content, then assume the same for your visitors.

In addition, be aware that colors can have either a positive impact or a negative impact on your visitors. So choose your colors wisely. Here is an example of some colors and their mood.

Green – Money, wealth, prosperity, hope, growth, freshness.

Yellow – Light, purity, organization, happiness.

Brown – Credibility, stability, comfort and strength.

Black – Authority, classy, serious, power, elegance.

White – Purity, goodness, and spirituality. Note: In western cultures white represents marriage, but in Eastern cultures it can represent death.

Red - bold, excitement.

Layout

Keep your layout clean and clear. In addition, try to not overload your readers with too many divergent thoughts on a single page. They will find it hard to follow and will more than likely click away in frustration.

Navigation

Navigation is usually on the left or across the top. Make it easy for your visitors to move from page to page. Though you may not realize it, it also helps the search engines. If it helps the search engines it can help your website. Why? A little know items called "Breadcrumbs" is being offered by Google within the search results-which means your lead url, may follow with a breadcrumb "url". This is a good thing, it gives your website wider exposure to the user(s).

Speed

The speed at which your pages load is important. Remember, just because you may have broadband, doesn't mean everyone else can afford the same cost. Thus, if the pages load slowly, assume the visitor will exit in frustration.

Though many site have gotten bloated with nice "bells and whistles", Google still want the webmaster to remember the user. Which means, Google is going to be, or now placing some emphasis in load speed within their algorithm, which will determine your page rank.

Website Content

If you want visits by the search engines be sure to include quality content on your website. The more content, the better the search engines will like you. And, if you're wanting to use Adsense, content is necessary.

Let me emphasize, that quality content will draw the search engines and traffic to your website. Why do I emphasize "quality content"? Quality content gives not only the traffic, but the creditability you need online. Will you get rich overnight? No, but with hard work and persistence you can begin making money with your website.

Affiliate Website Content

An affiliate website can inform, as well as, promote products and services. And this is important to remember. You need more than a website just chuck full of urls. Why?

Though people may be looking for something specific, they usually like to know something about the product or service. In other words, what can this product or service do for me.

And the search engines will more quickly index your pages if they (your web pages) have quality content and not just urls. In fact, too many urls can signal a spam page.

There is another important element that you must not ignore- your domain. Online, you have to remember that your domain name is your calling card-and thus, the name of your business.

Next: Domains and Subdomains

Previous: Website Overview Main

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