Top Website Tips

Basics of Web Development

We use a type of programming language called HTML which stands for Hyper Text Markup Code. Many developers also use CSS to help color and style their websites, to make them look nice. JavaScript can be integrated to make your site even more functional.

• At the most basic, you put different words like html, head, body, etc. inside of two '< >' symbols, and text, links, and more go after that, with "<_/>" to close.
• Headers can be used to make larger text, to start off your website and divide text into sections.
• In angled brackets, if you type "p", follow it with text, then close it, you can type normal, small text, like this.
• The "img" inside agled brackets can be followed by an image link after 'src="your_image_link_here"'. There is no closing tag for the img, and all of the information goes inside the lone tag.
• Styling can be used to color, size, change font, and more, so your website doesn't have to be boring!
• HTML Attributes can send your reader to a certain place on your website, or to a new website. The tag for this is "a" inside angled brackets.
• Using RGB (red, green, blue) and putting a certain number from 0 to 255 for each of the three parameters, you can color your website. This can go into the styling in the head or directly into an opening tag.
• After the "ul" tag, you can put multiple "li" tags (closed) to make bullet points. You can type text, and then even change the type of bullet points. If you scroll down on this page, you can see that there are more points, however, the bullets are squares instead of circles which are on the text you are reading.
• If you are a beginner trying to learn to code, I recommend checking out W3schools, with many lessons on all the aspects of learning HTML and CSS.

Formats for your Website

There are multiple types of ways to format your website, and in this video, I list some of the best formats for your website, like the brochure, online store, and more! At least one of these five formats will fulfill your business's website needs.

Additional Tips to Add to your Website


• There should be ads for larger websites, and it needs to be simple. There should be one to two ads on a page if that is one of your only sources of revenue. Otherwise, your webpage may become laggy and the viewer or customer will not have a great experience.
• However, you want to update very frequently and let your clients join websites and email signups.
• There can even be popups, however, you don’t want your reader to get to overwhelmed with them, whether they are email signups, promotions, discounts, etc.
• You should use strong word choice, with exquisite adjectives and make it fun and exciting for the reader. Add interactives so the reader/customer can get every detail about what your are trying to sell/tell.
• At least update a few times a month, so your readers aren’t left hanging for whatever you are trying to achieve. Write new articles on a diverse set of topics, or provide newer versions of your product.
• Not everyone is using a computer nowadays, so your website needs to be compatible with mobile devices so everyone can view it.
• If your website includes instructions, a lot of people learn by watching videos, so a short one is always great. (Like the one above!)
• You can use embed to put videos, animations, and even websites on your site.
• Create different types of text, subtitles, and headings, not just one straight font, with all of the same font size.
• Use words like 'you' so your audience feels like you are talking to them. In addition, make the site more personable.
• If you are trying to get clients, use a bio, so they can get to know your personality, along with an about page which should be included on every website (unless you are trying to be anonymous).
• Do deep research to try and find information that is not included elsewhere, especially if you are trying to teach something to someone, or create a product that is not similar to anything in its field.
• Use colorful photos that aren’t straight from shutterstock. People like to see something of you, and not something of someone else that is a little bit different than what your business is.
• Include your brand a lot, whether it is a logo or your company name, or a watermark if you have an online service.
• Finally, keep it simple, with more detail as the reader clicks further onto your page. Don't forget to have a creative touch!

Where Should I Buy and Host a Website?

Google domains is a great way to get a website, for under 20 dollars per year. Github repositories also can give you a free web hosting service, however, if your website is extremely javascript oriented, this might not be the best way for you. But, if you have a simple website to teach something or a publication website with a few ads, this may work out. Then there is GoDaddy and others for a slightly higher price, but those can help you make your website as amazing as possible for your customers and/or your readers. On the other hand, if you are planning to program your entire website from scratch, Bluehost is a great web hosting company. Starting at around $3 a month, you can get a WordPress builder, and over 300 design templates. It can also include a free domain for your first year, with decent customer support 24/7. Their domains cost around 10-20 dollars, however, you will have to pay an additional fee for privacy and protection. You can opt out of this. If your website is for a larger store, or company, the last option will fit your needs a little bit better. There is also always Shopify which can range from $30-300 dollars a month, with a 14-day free trial.

Credits


Video Credits



Crazyegg.com for information

Other video credits included at the end of the video.


Research Sources:



counterintuity.com
Forbes
brainpop.com
katescott.co
W3schools
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