Guide to Do-It-Yourself Web Site Design

Use a Web-based site builder

Web hosting companies are in fierce competition for customers, and many of them now offer professional-quality templates or design builders that help you create a site included in the low monthly price of hosting your space.

I recommend: GoDaddy.com offers Website Tonight, a quick, easy and low-cost step-by-step Web site builder that you can buy in conjunction with your hosting and domain. Network Solutions offers an easy-to-use Web site builder that is ideal for small business. Choose from hundreds of customizable designs that include use of royalty-free images. An annual package includes a free domain name, site hosting and email. Check options and pricing.

What you see is what you get

HTML editing software gives you a lot of control over the finished design. It can also allow you to design your own site using a platform that looks and feels like desktop publishing or word processing software.

I recommend: Microsoft Front Page is an easy-to-use HTML editor that includes themes, templates or the ability to create your own site from scratch. The tips and tricks for using FrontPage are like having your own Web design professional.

Try content management software

If you need to feature frequently changing information or want to include interactive features, content management software may be a good option.

I recommend: Joomla is powerful open-source software that allows users to include items like surveys and polls, news feeds and easily updated content.