Ever been surfing the site and go "Wow! That is one great site!" and wonder just how did they do that? I'm sure we've all been there before. Perhaps you have an idea for a web site, have something to say, or want to just tell everyone how you feel using a web log (or Blog). Maybe you already have a web site but are thinking it can sure use some new goodies to attract more visitors and keep the ones you have coming back for more. Here at Active Web Hosting, we will do what we can to give you a little head start! But please, don't ask us to design your site for you. We have an aversion to taking the fun out of owning a web site. :) We do however, have some resources that may help you learn to do it yourself. Once you learn the basics, you'll be well on your way to your very own web site. Maybe you'll even get fan mail saying "Wow! This is one great site!"

Ok, so let's get started. First, a web page is basically a text file which contains HTML code. HTML code is easy to learn. It involves using tags around words or links to display text, images and links to other pages. You can type in HTML code in any text editor, even Windows Notepad! However, we recommend you try using a text editor designed specifically for HTML editing since they usually change the color of HTML code in the editor so you can easily see what is a tag and what isn't. Two such editors for Windows are Edit Plus and 1st Page 2000.

Next, there are a few Basic HTML Tags you'll want to learn. Don't worry. They are easy. By clicking the link we just gave you, you can learn all about these and experiment with them yourself. Of course if you want to get really fancy, you can learn more advanced HTML techniques.

Ok, so a fantastic site isn't all full of text and links. In fact, we do admit that can get rather boring. You might want to create some titles, lines, bars, bullets, and even edit those cute photos of your new pet to show the world. For this you'll need an image editing program. There are many commercial and even a free one out on the web. We recommend trying Adobe PhotoShop, Paint Shop Pro, or the free GIMP.

When designing your site, try to keep things simple. Search Engines have a very hard time with sites with frames. People may get to your site and then see just one page and not know how to get to the rest of your site if you are using frames. Always either provide a link back to the main home page or provide links to each page for navigation on every page on your site.

Try to pick out eye-pleasing colors both for your site and for any images, pictures and graphics. Most sites are easier to read if they have a dark color text on light background (like black on off white) or light text on a dark color background (such as white on black). Bright color backgrounds such as neon lime or yellow can be a strain to the eyes. Try color coordinating your site by sticking with 2 or 3 main colors.

Formatting your text properly will also do a lot to help make your site readable. Never have all your text centered on a page. Center only titles, headings and sub-headings. Most text is best placed between either <p align="left"></p> or <p align="justify"></p> tags. Justified text is much like a newspaper and probably easiest to read if you have long paragraphs of text.

Split up your site into multiple topics, but try to keep the number of pages to as little as possible. Having all your content on one page can be confusing. Provide an easy to use list of links to other pages.

If you would like to use images or other media from other sources, be sure you have permission to display them on your site first. Active Web Hosting will remove any site that is in violation of copyright laws.

Once you learn the basics, and create an image or two, you can wow all your friends with a fabulous web site and brag about how you did it all by yourself! And don't forget to tell everyone where you are hosted! ;)