Webstie Building Programs.

[James K]

What are some good website building programs? They can be free or paid. Why do you like the one you recommend? I used to dabble in HTML about 10 years ago, so I am not a complete newb, but pretend I am.

While I am gone I plan on working on the website and getting everything up and running for when I come home.

Thanks in advance.

[James K]

Also, what do you all recommend for info on the site. If you would like to post links to your site for me to see, that would be great as well!!!!

[C. Charles Hahn]

Here's my current site, all done in Dreamweaver as straight HTML pages:

http://www.hahn-on-the.net/ (http://www.cchautoappearance.com/)

I'm working right now on building a new WordPress-based site so it's easier to manage content, post updates, have a nicer looking and better integrated picture gallery, etc.

Note that my pricing page and service listings are a bit out of date -- those too need to be updated at some point.

[James K]

Thanks! I like your "Why Detail?" page. Very nice touch.

So you think Wordpress is a good way to go then?

[C. Charles Hahn]

Thanks! I like your "Why Detail?" page. Very nice touch.

So you think Wordpress is a good way to go then?

Thanks!

I definitely think a CMS of some type is a good way to go, whether you choose WordPress, Drupal, or something else. Because everything is based on a "template" you don't have to mess around with making fresh graphics for new pages or defining the font/size/color every time. The admin panel works almost exactly like posting on a forum and takes care of the menial tasks for you.

[James K]

Very nice. Thanks for the advice.

[maximus20895]

I agree, I would use a CMS as well. Wordpress, Drupal, Joomla, etc. They pretty much give you everything you need with plugins, templates, themes, the code etc. All you pretty much do is tell the site how to act and what info you want all in a GUI.

[James K]

Thanks! Looks like it is the way to go. BTW, I love the look of your website. Very good first impression of your business.

[ScubaCougr]

I found Serif's WebPlus and their built-in templates to be extremely easy to use. And since it's a free download, you loose nothing by trying.

While I don't see frequently updating my site, I'm going to have to look at WordPress.

[James K]

Thanks Mike. I will look in to that. You did a nice job on your site.

[AeroCleanse]

I use Weebly - Create a free website and a free blog (http://www.weebly.com/)

The other easy one is Build a Website - Create a Blog - Squarespace (http://www.squarespace.com/)

[MatthewM]

I'm all for "coding by hand". I use Notepad++ with syntax highlighting.

It takes time, but it is necessary if you want to understand the innerworkings of a site. Also it gives you the ability to add more functionality.

WordPress is my platform of choice. This is a bit bias though as I have set up and designed dozens of themes/sites on WP and only one ever on another CMS.

Good luck!

[maximus20895]

I take it you know php?

[James K]

AC, that site looks great as well.

Matthew, wanna build another?! LOL!

Thanks for all the great info guys.

[ChrisJ]

### James...You should have just contacted me...LOL