GETTING YOUR OWN WEB SITE QUICKLY AND CHEAPLYWritten by Gini Graham Scott
Continued from page 1
If you have more then a few pages, get a Web creation program like Front Page. This will help you set up a system of hyperlinks and a navigation system, so you can better see what is linked to what on your Web site. Or use Web wizard available on many free sites. Finally, once you have your pages ready to upload, easiest method is using an FTP (or file transfer protocol) program - more technically called an FTP client. You can get these programs free, too. Some of most popular ones are WS-FTP or Cute FTP. Many Web hosts have these programs available, or go to one of software download sites, such as CNET.com. Then, download it to your desktop and double click to install it or run it from its download location. Once your FTP client is installed, click to open it up. Then, open up your files for your Web site on one side of FTP client (it's on left in WS-FTP client). On other side, type in location of ftp site where you are putting your Web site (you will get this name from your server - for instance, Yahoo's geocities' FTP name is ftp.geocities.com.). Finally, type in your ID name and password where indicated, highlight files you want to transfer over, click indicator or arrow to do so. And voila - your Web pages are up on your Web site and you can view them in your browser. Afterwards, you can add new files or revise old ones and send them up, too. And later, when you're ready to move on, you can FTP files for your Web site on your computer wherever you want - whether another free site or to your own domain.
Gini Graham Scott, Ph.D., J.D. She is the director of CHANGEMAKERS, and a business and organizational consultant, speaker, and workshop-seminar leader, specializing in creativity, conflict resolution, and organizational behavior. Her own Web site is at www.giniscott.com. She is also the co-founder of an international corporation with its Web site at www.doyoulooklikeyourdog.com.
| | Let's Get NavigationalWritten by Chrisi Darrington
Continued from page 1
Don't place long descriptions on site map. It's comparable to a street map. Just facts...err... links. Place a link to site map on each page. This will allow your customers faster access. They will not need to go back to your home page, especially if site map is created by adding a simple pop up window code. Keep main page no longer than two page lengths. If it's at all possible your main page should be visible with little if any scrolling. It's pretty hard to do, because most of us want our customers to see everything all at once. However, if you keep your main page focus on quick links, and you don't crowd it with advertisements and other non-essentials, you should be all right. Limit it to no longer than a two-page viewing. A little scrolling is all right. Main page should be fast loading. Nothing will kill your visits faster than a slow loading web page. Keep your main page simple. No more than a few pictures. Remember you don't need to dazzle your customers with animations and colorful banners and pictures. Believe me... people who know this fact are making millions... YES, MILLIONS! Their web sites are simple and FAST loading. * Place "Back to Top" links on long scrolling pages, FAQ, or other subject type references. * Place a "Back to Top" link at bottom of long scrolling web pages to keep your customers happy. This makes navigation so much nicer and it's a crowd pleaser. * Place targeted links. FAQ targeted links is a good example. Use targeted links for anything in this type of setting. A targeted link will take your customer straight to subheading of interest. Use targeted links especially where you have many subheadings or frequently asked questions. Remember, an easily navigated website will impress your visitors. A poorly designed web site will create a frustrated visitor who will not want to come back.
Chrisi Darrington. For more help with web design, tips, and strategies, visit: http://www.netwoozy.com Subscribe to netwoozy by sending a blank email. mailto:netwoozy-subscribe@topica.com
|
