Do-It-Yourself Ecommerce

I’ll start off with a review of the basic types of web design software, then later on I’ll go into detail on some of the web site programs I’ve used.

Let’s start with the two basic categories, web page (or web site) software you use on your own computer and web based software, meaning you create and maintain your site through a web interface. I’m only covering wysiwyg editors because nobody in their right mind creates a web site writing html from scratch anymore. In fact, the term wysiwig is probably outmoded, as all software is now wysiwig. You do, however, want to be able to see and edit the source code directly, if needed.

Most web hosting companies will offer a basic web site design program along with your web site. The most common is a program called SiteStudio (click here for Online Demo). You select a layout from maybe a hundred or so templates, add a color scheme, your business and web site information and in a few steps you have a basic web site up and running.

Hosting companies may have their own in-house web site design software that is a little different, but the principle is the same.

There are some disadvantages though. You may not be able to transfer your site if the hosting company goes out of business or you decide on a different web host. Also, it can be difficult to add javascript or php scripts that may come in handy on an ecommerce site.

The other option, professional web design software on your computer, is more for those who are looking at more than one or two sites. The advantage is a wider variety of layouts and control or your site. You can work on it on your computer and only publish it when you are ready.

There is a learning curve associated with web design software, of course, but once you’ve done a couple of sites you’ll get the hang of it. Plus, there is plenty of help files and tutorials available if you get into trouble.

The three major web site design programs I’ve used are MicroSoft FrontPage, Macromedia Dreamweaver and XSitePro. I’ll review each of these programs in future blogs. Other options are Adobe GoLive (free trial) and an open source web design program called NVu.

Adobe just bought out Macromedia so I don’t know what’s in the works for GoLive vs. Dreamweaver. FrontPage 2003 is the latest version and Microsoft is looking at a major overhaul for FrontPage in the next year or so.