If you plan to create your own web page for personal use or a complete website for your business needs, the first question you must ask is – what kind of features do I look for in a web page editor?
But First – 3 Ways to Build a Website
There are basically three different ways you can create and publish a website on the Internet.
1. Pay a professional web designer to build a site for you.
2. Learn HTML and create your own site from scratch.
3. Use a special web page editing tool to build your site.
Different types of Web Editing Software
WYSIWYG Editors (what you see is what you get) – These can be easy to use but limited in their functionality. To create a decent website you often still need to use CSS or JavaScript elements.
HTML Editors (FrontPage or Dreamweaver) – These give you more control but you will need the appropriate skills to create a site using Hypertext Markup Language plus possibly CSS and JavaScript.
Special Web Authoring Software that allows you to create your own homepage or a complete website using HTML, CSS and JavaScript all within an integrated development environment.
Web Editing Software – Essential Features
When you are comparing software to use for the creation of your web page or website – do you know what to look for? Here are 5 of the most important features to keep in mind.
Try Before You Buy
Buying a software package without trying it out first can be risky. It’s always a good sign if you can download the web authoring software for free. This is a great way to test out the software and see if it allows you to do the things you want to do and to confirm you’re getting value for money.
Easy To Use – No HTML Knowledge Needed
You’re looking for a simple web page editor, so make sure it’s just that – simple and easy to use. The software should guide you through all the necessary steps to create your website. And with a good web page editor, you shouldn’t ever have to enter any kind of HTML code, JavaScript or any other complex programming language.
Templates To Get Your Started
Often it’s quicker to start designing your website from a template than completely from scratch. You can save a lot of time and effort if you choose web editing software that has different, ready-to-use web page templates you can base your website on.
Manual, Samples, Tutorials and Support
No matter how easy a web page editor is, it’s still possible you get stuck somewhere in the process of building your website. Look out for a user manual, some examples, guidelines, tutorials, FAQs and an option to contact support when you’ve bought the software. So you know you’ll succeed in building your own website, no matter what.
