So many ways to creat a Web site...
Today there are many ways to create a Web site. You can choose from a wide range of online services and software that make it easy to create online photo albums, blogs, and complete Web sites.
The first challenge is choosing the best program, service, or system for your Web project.
Here are a few of the most popular options:
- Create an online photo album in minutes
- Start a blog or online journal
- Create a family Web site with an online service
- Learn professional Web design in our Dreamweaver Training Center
- Discover Microsoft's New Web design program Expression Web
Overview of different types of Web sites
If all you want is a simple site, it doesn't matter if you put up an online photo album, Web site, or blog. All three options can have links, images, text and other interactive features.
If you want to update your site often and make it easy for friends and family to add their own comments, you'll be best served by a blog. Blogs are a special kind of Web site designed to make it easy to post frequent updates and allow visitors to add comments to posts.
For example, you could post a blog entry about how hard it is to watch your baby suffer while she's teething, and your far-away aunt could comment with advice on the best toys to get your baby to chew on.
If you want to create a most custom Web site design, consider one of the family Web site services on the Internet or create a custom Web site using a program like Dreamweaver.
To help you understand your choices, here's a brief explanation of each of these kinds of Web site options and some of the features that go with each one:
Online photo album sites
Even if you plan to create a more complex Web site, you may want to set up an online photo album site because it's so easy, and free! Online photo services make their money by charging for prints and other gift items, which they are happy to create from your uploaded photos.
Choose from one of these popular free online photo album services, including .Mac, KodakGallery.com, Shutterfly.com,Snapfish.com, and Flickr.com. (Learn more about creating an online photo album in our Share Photos section.)
Family Web site services
Do you have a family reunion coming up? Or a wedding to plan? Having a baby soon?
A web site can be a very helpful tool when coordinating family events. And if you choose an online service, such as the ones featured here, you don't have to be tech savvy to set one up.
These online services are simple to use; just fill out a few forms, choose a template, and upload your photos to create a Web site for your wedding, new baby, or family reunion in a matter of minutes. Prices range from $5 to $10 a month, and include a wide range of special services, such as the baby growth chart and guestbook options at babysites.com, and the gift registries, maps and hotel reservations, at myevent.com, which can come in handy when you're trying to help your guests find the wedding reception, or when you need to find accommodations for a large group.
Here are a few popular options:
Myevent.com makes it easy to create Web sites for weddings, babies, bar and bas mitzvahs, family and college reunions, and any other event. They also offer a nice collection of easy-to-use tools for adding special features to your site, such as maps, hotel reservations, and gift registries. And they offer free phone support.
Babysites.com offers customizable template designs that include sections for a baby growth chart and a guestbook.
For wedding sites, try TheKnot.com or WeddingChannel.com
Blogging and online journaling programs
When deciding what kind of family Web site to create, one question to ask yourself is: How often do I want to add new text or images?
If the answer is "daily" or "weekly," then a blog is a great way to go.
A blog, which is short for Web log, allows you to post text and images frequently and they appear chronologically -- similar to a diary. One very nice feature of a blog is that it allows other people to add comments, which means it's easy for friends and family to post their own text and images. People can respond to your entries, or they can post entries with their own writings and images.
For example, say you live in Florida and you post an entry on your family blog about how your baby is having a hard time with teething. Then your aunt in Australia could post a comment about the best teething toys you can try. Your mother in Michigan could chime in with her advice too.
To create a blog, the first step is to sign up with a company that takes care of all the technical aspects. Plan for the setup process to take about an hour if you choose one of the simple blog services, such as blogger.com, wordpress, typepad, or livejournal.com.
Once you've registered, select one of the template designs and you can get started right away. You'll add text to your blog, such as headlines, stories, and biographical information, by filling out forms through a Web browser. When you hit the submit button, your text is automatically added to your blog. You can also upload photos and create a list of links to other Web sites or blogs. As soon as you publish your entries, they'll be live on the Internet.
If you want to keep your blog or Web site private, protect your site with a password that only you and your family members and friends know.
If you want a more personalized design, or more advanced features, try wordpress or typepad.com, but be prepared to spend a little money for these services and to spend a lot more time setting up your blog.
Creating a custom Web site
If you want to create a completely customized Web site, you'll need to hire professional Web designers or buy special software.
The most popular Web design programs are Adobe Dreamweaver and Microsoft Expression Web.
If you're looking for a professional design program, Dreamweaver is the most popular tool on the market today. Visit our Dreamweaver Training Center to find free video lessons that will help you see how Dreamweaver works, as well as links to our Frequently Asked Questions about Dreamweaver, books, and other resources.
Creating an Online Calendar
Yahoo! Calendar offers a free interactive Web calendar you can share with family and friends and link to any Web site you create.
Register a domain name
No matter what kind of Web site you choose to build, you should definitely consider registering your own domain name to make your site easier to find and provide you with your own address.
Get Inspired with These Great Web Sites
Looking for ideas and inspiration? Check out some of our favorite family Web sites and you're likely to find a few great ideas you can use, too.
