Best website building tutorial for newbie?

[Ankesh]

Easiest: As Phil suggested - look at Kompozer. http://kompozer.net/

Best: Create websites using a content management system (CMS) - I recommend WordPress and use it for almost all my sites. Unless you need a site with a forum or something, WordPress is the way to go.

The learning curve is steep though.

You need to learn HTML / CSS and a bit about WordPress tags.

Outsource: You can get developers to create a customized WP site for you for about $300 to $500. Elance.com is a good place to find WP developers. Or send me an email and I'll connect you with my developer (who surprisingly doesn't have a website. The cobblers kids having no good shoes issue with him...)

(Of course if you don't want to customize the design to make your site look unique - WP can be setup for free too - as it is open source and has a lot of free themes available.)

Sandi - I'd recommend Wordpress too as it's Free, easy to use, has a huge user base, and there are all kinds of great, free and inexpensive templates that can help you get online in minutes with a great looking website.

I think knowing a little CSS/HTML like Ankesh mentioned might be helpful if you really want to tweak/customize things a bit, but I don't think it's something you have to know in order to get up and running with Wordpress.

Most web hosts offer a 1-click install to setup WP in your hosting account, and if you google "free wordpress template" you find plenty of good options. My latest design secret though is a place called themeforest.net and you can find some super themes there for $10 - $40 that can be customized to suit your needs pretty easily.

HTH,

Steve

Thanks, folks! Some great resources there for my friends. I'd call them students but it's strictly a volunteer position. Appreciate all the help.

Sandi Bowman

2 Good Freebies are;

www.MyFreeWebsiteBuilder.com (Comes with a VERY good Tutorial)

and

www.Weebly.com


I've referred both to newbies who have been very satisfied.

Don Alm

Hi, Don,

Thought you might like to know that a number of my 'students' liked the My Free Website Builder one. Thanks for sharing.

Sandi Bowman