Web site

[Chukie]

I am thinking of getting my own website up and running but I have not got a clue how to do it do I get someone to build it (but money is tight at the moment) or is it easy to build and set up your own any advice from members who have there own would be really helpful.At the moment I put my photos on Flickr but would like to have my own site to show them off.You can take a look at my flickr photostream here if you like Flickr: Chukie2008's Photostream
Trev

[bugly's]

Hi Chukie, we started building ours 4 months ago, never done it before knew nothing. I do the content, some of the programming where this is needed and my girlfriend the design and images. It is a steep learning curve and took a lot of meetings between us to iron out the layout, needs etc. It has changed constantly to suit our target audience but now we have a site and are continually populating it.
Use a good host (link on ours -superb support excellent deal) the support is essential it is no good phoning them, live chat is free and a better option
Use a web builder such as site delux which will come free with the host
Do not buy a web software package unless you want to learn web design in detail and this take ages
Understand exactly what your site is, do you need a shop, slide shows, payment portals, file downloads etc. This all affects the package you buy
Do you need a .com co.uk etc -buy your domain from host, the dot type affects price
Use broadband not dial up connection
How will people find you? search engine optimisation is complex but we learnt it
Do you want revenue and adverts?
Loads to think about, but it has kept us busy in these dull winter months.
A web designer will cost £100’s for a basic site and that does not include maintenance and changes, happy to give you more if you outline what you want the site for

[Oscar2006]

try Zenfolio - free trial and then if you like it, pay about £17 a year for a GB of space.
it is so easy to use as well.

Zenfolio | hosting service for photo galleries | a place to learn and enjoy photography

[Tobyh]

Mines on Zenfolio - link in my signature. I like it, really easy to use and works well.

Tobyh

[rlchew]

I developed and now maintain my website with Photium.

For someone that is not particularly computer literate, I find Photium very easy to work with and the customer support if you are stuck is excellent.

Richard

[Chukie]

Thx for the replys it has give me some ideas on which way to go so thx again