You don't need to be an expert in html to create a site anymore. There are many good programs which you can use to help in site creation.

In many ways, creating your site is the easiest thing about the adult internet

You don't need to be an expert in HTML to create a site anymore. There are many good programs which you can use to help in site creation. While Claris Works, Hot Dog Pro and others have their proponents, I am going to recommend three programs:

For the computer beginner, Microsoft's FrontPage. Yes, it writes somewhat sloppy code. Yes, pages designed on it will not look the same on Netscape. Yes, it will not allow for certain practices such as multiple title lines. However, if you can use Microsoft Word, you can use Frontpage. It is easy and intuitive. And it is fairly cheap.

For the more advanced computer user, I recommend either Macromedia's Dreamweaver or Adobe GoLive. These are both slick programs which write surprisingly clean HTML and allows greater flexibility and diversity. And while keeping in mind that sites should be designed for the lowest common denominator, it is sometimes hard to resist some of the extremely cool things you can do with them.


OK... I have the software... what next, oh wise one!
 Once you have a basic concept for a site, take a piece of paper and sketch out the general site layout. Look at other sites on the internet and see what you like. How do you want to categorize your pictures? How do you want surfers to go from one page to the next. Keep in mind that you should strive to keep each individual page short and sweet. If possible, try to get your entire site laid out so that a surfer will not have to scroll down too far. So more pages, in an easy-to-follow link progression, is generally better than a few, long pages.

Use graphics sparingly but effectively. You need to grab the surfers' attention and make your pitch. Try to steer clear of large images or larger animated gifs. Yes, they may look good, but many people will give up and go to the next site if the loading takes too long.

One easy technique is to make a nice logo and use it on each of your pages. Whatever program you chose to use, make the site look good, but use simple graphics and images which everyone, even on a slow outdated computer, can view.


Site Building Steps
 Organize your pictures/content before you start.

Build your site.

If you use Microsoft FrontPage to design your web pages, and if your server can support the FrontPage Extensions, then you can automatically upload your site as you create it. However, for more control, or if you are not using FrontPage, ftp is perhaps the easiest method to get your page from your computer to the server. Ask your hosting server technical support for assistance.

Once you have uploaded your site, test it! Go to it and click on all the pages to see if the links work and the images appear.  Try to test it from another computer, if possible. Sometimes, if a site may link to a picture on your harddrive. You will see the image when you test it, but no one else will be able to see it.

If you don't want to build the site yourself, use a professional web designer. They may not be as expensive as you think, they will save you time and they know what they are doing.


...or you can let others provide content for you
 Some companies will offer you free content. Their payment is in the advertising they put on this content. While some of these providers offer poor quality or tacky-looking content, this is a valid method to offer your surfers something to look at very minimal bandwidth to yourself. You can get pictures, video streaming, chat rooms, and more this way.

You need to monitor this type of service regularly, though. These companies spring up quickly, then disappear just as quickly. You have to be on the ball to make sure you, as the owner of the site, always have something for your surfer to see.