If you’re new to website building, then you may want to consider using a site template to get started. Finding a template takes a bit of searching and knowing your level of technical expertise.
Free Templates Offer Cookie-Cutter Sites
Many sites online offer free templates for website building projects. You simply check out the templates through a preview window and then download them. Most of these templates are written using CSS files and basic HTML. CSS files are like overall files that make the design of the page look the same on every page of the site without needing to make manual coding changes.
The downside to the free templates is that they are basic. They offer only a bit of difference in design. Most have a header file with a default picture and then have a side or top menu with a spot for body text. There is nothing wrong with beginner website building using these templates, however. If you are just beginning your site, using one of these templates can get you online faster than learning to custom-build a site.
Paid Templates Give More Variety
Should you find yourself unsatisfied with the quality of sites you can find for free, many web designers offer templates for a small fee. You still will need to do the bulk of your work yourself, but the sites have more variety of design forms. For website building with these templates, you will want to become familiar with the language used to write the site. Most paid templates will have notes within the code to clue you in on how to alter the template for your website building needs. The notes will let you know where images are embedded in the code, where you can put your text, and other interesting tidbits to help you out. If you use a paid template for website building, don’t let yourself get frustrated. Just take a bit of time to learn how the template is put together before you get started.
Content Management Systems Are Easy to Use
One of the newer options available is a content management system, or CMS. Literally scores of CMS programs are available, and many of them are free. These programs are ready-made for you. Themes, or templates, are available through directories on many sites, and you can make choices about where you want new articles to post and how you want these articles to appear. You can change the images, fonts, and otherwise personalize your code.
A big bonus to these content management systems is that you can have other people sign into them. You can give writers or editors access to log in and make additions to the site. These people will not have design control to keep you in charge of the main site, but using one of these systems for content creation can take one step out of the process of website building for you.
Whatever template style you choose, know that you are not stuck with it forever. Try something out, and if it doesn’t work, you can change it later as needed.
“Everyone needs a website!”
“Your business simply must have an online presence!”
Those sentiments are part and parcel of basic business advice these days, and that is great news for people who want to go into the business of website building. While every mom and pop store may need a website, most of the owners do the work of running their business themselves. They have neither the time nor the inclination to learn the ins and outs of web design and content creation. That leaves them looking for professionals who understand how websites work and can design them.
Getting Samples of Your Websites
The first step to starting your own website building business is to be able to show samples of websites you have designed. Some website building businesses focus only on the graphic design, using open-source coding to bring the site together. Others focus on just the programming, but some build entire websites, including content, from the ground up. Whatever the focus of your business venture, it is vital to have three to four websites you can show as solid examples of your work.
Finding Blurbs about Your Skills
Begin your website building business by putting together a marketing proposal for potential customers. In this proposal, you should include a few high-quality screenshots of the most compelling work you have done. Also, include the links to sites you have completed and letters of recommendation or blurbs from people with whom you have worked before.
These blurbs should be approved by the clients, and they should speak to specifics about your work as much as possible. Highlight your penchant for delivering work on time or for coming in on budget. You may be soliciting clients who know little about how to design a website, but all business owners understand the basic economics of any business transaction. Speak to this understanding.
Compiling Your Resume
Also include a brief version of your resume. This version should highlight your basic achievements, education, and experience. Don’t spend time on unimportant details. Give information in a format to allow others to glance over it and see that you are qualified. If you are self-taught in website building, then you should focus this sheet on your experiences.
Once you have your portfolio together, connect with other professionals in your area. Contact freelance writers and design professionals who can help provide on-going help to your clients. Though you do not need to work with these people, you should develop a network of other website building professionals to whom you can turn or refer clients when needed.
Creating a Marketing Plan
Finally plan your marketing strategy. Determine local places to run ads and find out how you can pitch your services to local companies in need of a good website. Have business cards printed up and begin to search out your first clients. Seek out opportunities to provide interviews to local media for additional – free – exposure. Be creative in getting the word out about your business. As you grow your website building business, word of mouth should begin to put you in touch with a good base of work.
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