Don't use large graphics for navigation buttons as it makes page slow to download. Rollover buttons can look good but make sure that graphics are optimised first so that they are as small as possible.

Debabblizer is great for optimising images and supports many different file types. http://www.equilibrium.com/Internet/Equil/Products/DeBabelizer/index.htm

If you don't know how to create rollover buttons they are very simple and just require two small images both of which are same size. Make sure that both graphics are in same directory and name them image1.gif and image2.gif

Here is a tutorial that you may find useful, it shows you how to build rollover buttons using javascript. You don't need any knowledge of programing. http://www.p5interactive.com/home2/rolltut/roloverl.html

A good graphics program which is inexpensive and capable of doing lots of things with graphics is Paint Shop Pro. Download it from here at just $99 and get $75 free software http://www.digitalriver.com/dr/v2/ec_MAIN.Entry17c?CID=86740&SID=5152&SP=10007&PN=5&PID=534751&DSP=&CUR=840&PGRP=0&CACHE_ID=86740 You can create images using it's advanced drawing tools or import your own.

Also if you use graphics make sure that you use alt tags with descriptions. this is a good idea as if buttons take a few seconds to download alt tag will appear first. It's also good for visually impaired.

If you use plain text links in your navigation bar instead of just giving page name e.g. "blue widgets", make it more interesting encouraging visitors to click on link. e.g. "For an outstanding, hard wearing blue widget click here"

Logo Design a logo for your site. This will appear at top of every page in your site. Keep it simple and make sure that image doesn't take more than a couple of seconds to download. Design it on paper first and then create it using a graphics program.

Building a website isn't difficult. Knowing what your site is about, carefull planning,(maybe some basic knowledge of HTML) and some software is really all you need. There are also many tutorials and articles on internet which can help.

3 What is your content going to be, and how are you going to present it?

Good content is vital. Make each page theme focused and write as if you were talking to a friend. Think what it is that you are trying to achieve and work towards a most wanted response at end of page.

What do you want your visitor to do?

4 Get yourself a domain name. It looks much more professional to have your own domain name rather than use free space that comes with your service provider.

It doesn't cost much to buy a domain name and it will give you an enormous advantage. Next you will need to find a web hosting company. I can recommend http://www.internetconnection.net They charge $19.95 a month (or just under £12 a month) with a 60 day money back guarantee. I use them for several of my websites and always find them to be helpful and quick to respond to any queries I may have.

When you have made these important decisions then next step is to plan site.

Planning your site

Plan your website on paper first. First plan your pages. Start with index or home page and draw a diagram showing how pages will link from index page. Produce a simple flow chart to show how users can navigate through site. On another piece of paper draw out where you want page elements to go. This includes navigation bar, header, logo, main text area, and any other navigation such as a sub menu.

Good planning will make it a lot easier when you come to construct site on computer.

Do some research and take a look at other sites who have a similar theme to yours. Study their design and note if navigation works well or not. Does it take long to downoad? You can often learn a lot from other webdesigners.

When you are happy with your design then it's time to open up software you are going to use.

In part 2 I will discuss designing page elements of your website.