Web site by novice????

[canichelouis]

How feasible is it for a novice to create a business web site?

I have done some simple print ads with MS word over the years, self taught, with time consuming play, and sort of enjoyed it. This has helped me in having a beginning idea of what I want, which I understand to be a critical starting point.

I have played around with simple designs in word for the simple look I am after. I do not need or want lots of bells and whistles. Being an upscale service industry company in a local market, I primarily need to give basic/ contact information in a professional looking format. I could start out with 3 pages or so, and hopefully add just a few more.

I downloaded NVu from the Mozilla site just to see what a program looks like and have spent hours playing. I then downloaded a template and played with that.

I have zero experience with html, much less CSS, but have learned a bit just playing, all the while wondering what I am getting myself in to.

Yes, I could hire someone to do it for us, and wonder if this is what I should do. But the print ad experience has given me some courage to take this on myself. I understand our business and clientele better than anyone outside the field, and have enough years on me to know that the pr world can sometimes be out of sink with me, especially since we are small.

What would be a good program for me to be working with?
What about templates?
Are those prefab site builders, like the ones offered by Go Daddy a good fit/any good?

I do have some time and interest in the project, and am usually a pretty fast learner. I'm at a cross road wondering how difficult this could be. I could search for some tutoring/help from someone if I decide to go this road. I don't think that would be too hard to find.

Any input from the group members would be much appreciated.

Am I looking for encouragement?

Maybe.

I just need someone in the field/ another 'outside the fielder' to offer me some feedback.

Thanks in advance

[FloridaPat]

1. Front Page isn't bad to work with. You can use the main page or

go directly to the HTML. CuteSite Builder is easy to use, but you can't get into the HTML until you upload the site. Also, all the sites sort of look the same. But you're only talking about one. CuteSite Builder is easier to use, but you can do more with FrontPage. I think FrontPage is a lot more expensive. But check and see.

[Tandalayo_Scheisskopf]

2. I have the easy-peasy answer for you:

Xoops. http://xoops.org

Start small with it and work in features(modules) as you get more comfortable with it. It's very easy on the n00b.

I started with it and now, the following is my fault:

http://worldnewstrust.com

WNT is Joomla and yes, it's a bit harder. You don't want to start with Joomla. Xoops is a great way to get your feet wet.

[FormerDittoHead]

3. My advice...

Considering your situation, I would go with the GoDaddy sitebuilder for now - they're not that bad.

If you really want to branch out from there, I'd look at some of the content mgmt systems out there. Wordpress is riduliously easy to install and use for a single user.

Many webhosts offer Wordpress as a pre-install.

Unless you want to take up a new hobby, and that's all you want to do, it makes no sense in your learning everything from html to web design.