Got a good idea (I think), a domain, now what?

[the fix is in]

First of all, let me say that I'm a graphic designer and not a webmaster. I came up with what I think is a great idea for a website. I've approached a couple of companies about building the site and hosting. With identical proposals presented, I've been quoted prices ranging from $1500 to $32000. I'd like to try and build it myself, but don't know where to start. I can do basic HTML, but that's about the extent of my knowledge. Please point me in the right direction. TIA.

[trannack]

I don't agree. If you think you have a great idea - and that you can produce good unique content - ie aren't on a get rich quick - scheme then you should go for it. There are many webmasters in here who all had to start somewhere. I think building the site yourself is a good idea - it will give you better control and understanding of how it all works, especially as you have some html experience.

You have posted this in the adsense section - is your plan to monetise it soley with adsense? In which case you may struggle. It would be perhaps sensible as a first shout to build the site. Try to get it listed in the serps first. Hopefully, you have a unique product or service that you are promoting. Once you are getting good traffic, you might want to introduce adsense. But don't expect anything to happen overnight - it all takes time.

You might want to spend some time in some of the other places in WebmasterWorld first to get more information on how to build and seo a website. Why not consider buying a template to start with - this is a good way of learning the basics - and enabling you to expand and improve on skills you already have. Good Luck.

[Eazygoin]

Take a look at Microsoft Publisher. It may not give you everything you need, but it will certainly be able to build an initial website from which you can expand and then perhaps get a web designer/programmer to tweak and personalise for you.

[PowerUp]

Hi, one year ago I knew nothing about websites. Many people in the forum pointed me to the right directions. And today I've put online a website.

You have to know HTML and CSS. Start with HTML first. Learn how to hard-code it in the "HTML view" rather than using the "Design view" when you use programs like MS Frontpage and Dreamviewer. There are other great HTML editors that are free. Check out the WYSIWYG forum on webmasterworld.

Next learn CSS. I picked up CSS from this website called westciv.com. It's basic stuff but the tutorial gave me a solid foundation and made it easier for me when I went on to read up on CSS manuals.

With HTML and CSS, you can build a static website. Do visit this website w3schools.com. They have tutorials on alot of programming languages. This is all my knowledge at the moment.

[edited by: PowerUp at 2:36 am (utc) on May 18, 2007]

[treeline]

I'd learn the basics as suggested above, as understanding how it works makes even working with others much easier. If you need some programming to make your good idea work, take a look at sites like elance that let you hire good programmers on a per job basis at reasonable costs.

[the fix is in]

I believe the programming is my hang-up. I can create the site to make it look good, I just don't know how to program the interactivity that is necessary. I need an interactive calendar for one thing. A zip code searching program is another. If these are programs that can be purchased, let me know. TIA.

[treeline]

Hey Fix,

Any programming can be purchased. There are many off the shelf scripts available cheap, or you can have a bespoke solution designed for you.

Do a Google search for php scripts or for perl scripts to get an idea of what's already done, and search freelance programmer for sites that will connect you, though I have had good luck with this at elance. Just browsing their list of projects posted and looking at the bids will be very educational and entertaining.

Good luck, you can do it. Learn html whatever you do.

[wolfadeus]

Hi and welcome to the World of Website Development,

I am with the posters above that suggested that you should dive into HTML and CSS.

I recommend to get a "what you see is what you get editor" (for example frontpage) for starters and attach yourself to a simple book on basic website development (for example one of the "dummies" series).

The WYSIWYG editor will allow you to start soon, the book should help you to learn the basics whilst you are already going.

Good luck!

[g1smd]

While WYSIWYG will get you online fast, you will have to re-do much of the code, and then unlearn some of the stuff that you pick up along the way.