I often get asked what’s the best method for creating a web site design? There are many factors to consider when creating a website design even before you get started on your computer! The procedure I am noting in this post recommends that you are familiar with html and CSS. In order to create a professional looking website, you should know these two essential tools of the trade. There are hosting companies on the web that promote a build your own site with their WYSIWYG (what you see is what you get) editor but there are limitations to what you can do. As we continue to evolve with our web technology, you will also outgrow it in a very short time.
As a website professional, I want to share with you the specific steps I take in creating a website design.
The first thing you need to take into consideration is what type of content you want to include on your website. It’s good to take notes of what you’d like to include as far as general items. Next, check out your competition! Visit others in your field or industry and research what type of things others are including and how you could make it better on your website.
The next step would be to sketch a wireframe of where you want to have specific content, main navigation, sidebar, footer, etc. Once your satisfied with a sketch of how you want your homepage to lay out, then your ready to proceed to the next step. I like to use Adobe’s Fireworks software to create my draft layout from the initial sketch. Begin creating all your graphical images and elements you want to use on the page. After those are created and your page has the look and feel you want to achieve, you will nee to determine how you are going to lay it out on a web publishing tool such as Adobe’s Dreamweaver. Begin coding your website with Dreamweaver until you have all your images and layout transferred.
Lastly, it is very important to make sure your page renders on both PC and MAC OSX systems as well as the major browsers. You never know which computer platform or browser your visitor will use so its best to play it safe. If your looking for website design in California, contact Creative Media Web for a free website consultation.
