There are SO many website applications out there, some fabulous, some mediocre, and some so full of bugs they will drive you crazy trying to get them to do what they say they will do. If you are just starting out, and you don't want to learn HTML or XHTML (code in which websites are built), you'll want a WYSIWYG (pronounced "wissewigg," means, "What you see is what you get") program. They will offer pre-built templates into which you paste photos and text. You can build it right on your desktop to look just as it will on your website. Of course, because of setting variations and operating system differences, there may be slight variations from your computer to others out there in the world.
You can do a search to see what's getting the latest raves (Google, "best simple web design applications) (add "inexpensive" if that's important to you) Here are the most often mentioned and reviewed programs out there:
For MAC and PC, the latest rave is Google Sites, (http://sites.google.com). You will not get to use your own domain name, instead your URL will be http:sites.google.com/site/your name. But, hey! it's free! Also, Wordpress (http://wordpress.com) is simple to use, easy to setup and free. Or you can pay a scale of fees for a professional look and operation.
Apps for Windows:
1) Microsoft's FrontPage (less than $100) which was discontinued in 2006 but you can still find it out there, or places like eBay. For a Windows application, it's relatively intuitive and direct. The updated version is Microsoft's Expression (around $300) which is much pricier but also contains more options.
2) There is also "freeware" if you are willing to have ads on your site, or pay a little extra for no ads. Homestead.com is one free software site folks seem to like. Also, may of the website hosts offer free webbuilding software with their packages.
Apps for Mac: three excellent ways to go:
1) Sandvox. (www.karelia.com) I love this program (made this website), from Karelia software. Starts at $59. I bought the pro upgrade ($79 at the time) because I know some HTML and it allows me to customize pages any way I want. Also, they walk you through complete Google integration. User forums are fabulous, and HELP menu is genuinely helpful.
2) Rapidwever. (www.realmacsoftware.com/rapidweaver) starts at $79, has lots of plug-ins, great user forums. A little less intuitive than Sandvox from my point of view, but a great program, and many more add-ons than available for Sandvox.
3) iWeb is part of the iLife suite of products that comes with a new Mac, or you can buy it (or upgrade an older version) for $79. I love this program. Three websites designed on iWeb: www.thebarntopsham.com, www.meredyhamilton.com and www.pattyolds.com.
If you do not own a Mac but know someone who does (like me), you can get them to build you a simple site and then take it over from your PC. I did this for a friend (Packleader Dog Rehabilitation), and she figured out how to make the changes. Click here for a very simple technique to make changes.
