| Home-based businesses need a strong web presence | | | | Some ResearchNever buy a program, especially not |
| to combat the inflated advertising and marketing | | | | one for business, without trying it out first. Most of |
| budgets of their larger competitors, but establishing that | | | | these programs have demos or free trials available on |
| presence through a professionally designed and | | | | their manufacturers' web sites. You can also check |
| developed web site may not be an affordable option. | | | | with sites such as or Epinions to get an idea of which |
| In many cases, the only cost-effective way to get the | | | | programs are being recommended by users. Check |
| web site you want for your business is to do it | | | | with popular computer magazines for their experts' |
| yourself.Even if you are not experienced in HTML | | | | input as well.All of this research will give you a good |
| (Hypertext Markup Language), you can find helpful | | | | idea of which programs to explore and which to avoid |
| programs which will assist you in your design efforts. | | | | when you are making your final buying decision.4) |
| Trust me, it is not as difficult as it may seem to | | | | Keep in Mind Your BudgetDepending on which type of |
| be.Here are a few tips for finding software to meet | | | | web design program you choose, your costs will vary |
| your small or home-based business's needs.1) Know | | | | dramatically. Text editors, for example, are often |
| Your OptionsWhen it comes to web site creation | | | | already on your computer. Notepad, a feature of |
| software, there are three types to choose from: text | | | | Windows, makes a very usable text editor and will |
| editors, HTML editors, and WYSIWYG editors.Text | | | | cost you nothing extra.HTML editors, on the other |
| editors, which are basically any word processing | | | | hand, can cost anywhere from $30 to $100 while |
| program such as Word or Notepad, require extensive | | | | WYSIWYGs are priced between $70 to $500 and |
| HTML knowledge.NoteTab Light (Freeware) | | | | up.Well-known brands, such as Adobe and |
| editors are much like text editors except they include | | | | MacroMedia, will cost more but the quality of their |
| additional features to aid inexperienced users, such as | | | | programs and the stability of their company make |
| color-coded tags and pre-prepared CGI and Java | | | | them a better choice than the inexpensive software |
| scripts. If you have little or no experience with HTML, | | | | from unknown vendors.Also, be sure to look for |
| WYSIWYG editor is a better choice.HTML Kit | | | | programs that offer free or reduced price upgrades |
| (Freeware) | | | | so you continue to get the most from your software |
| (Donationware) | | | | without paying full price again every two or three |
| which stands for What You See is What You Get, | | | | years.With these tips, you should have no trouble |
| programs like FrontPage or DreamWeaver allow you | | | | finding an HTML program that fits your needs and |
| to design the pages' appearance without writing code. | | | | your experience level so you can create your own |
| You pick what | | | | professional-looking web site without draining your |
| you want and the program automatically generates | | | | business's budget.-----SIDE BAR----- |
| the code.Macromedia Dreamweaver ($399) | | | | No matter which software you use, a good |
| (Recommended) | | | | knowledge of HTML |
| Fusion ($149.95) | | | | will always be helpful. Here are some links that have |
| Look for the Features You NeedWhen you start | | | | helped |
| browsing for web site software, you'll want to look for | | | | me tremendously in building my HTML and web |
| a few key features, such as ready-made templates, | | | | designing |
| wizards (they make many tasks easier and quicker), | | | | skills: |
| auto-backup, and pre-built code.Remember to also | | | | |
| keep in mind your own level of HTML experience. If | | | | |
| you are inexperienced, then you will want plenty of | | | | |
| templates and wizards to help you along. Likewise, if | | | | -----SIDE BAR---------------- |
| you feel comfortable working with code, then you may | | | | Vishal P. Rao is the owner of Work at Home Forum, |
| want to choose programs without all of the bells, | | | | an |
| whistles, and help since they will cost you less.3) Do | | | | online community of people who work from home. |