Make Web Pages

Web Page Layout

Make Money With Your Web Page

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Time for the real fun to begin

This is the actual construction phase. This is the time we really know if, "I can make my own web page." It may seem a little difficult at first, but remember, I've included help every step of the way. If you read the material, then

I'm sure you can
make your own web site!

Get Set Up For File Transfers (FTP)

One of the tools you need when you make your own web site is an FTP (File Transfer Protocol) program. This transfers files from your local computer to a remote computer (web server). One of the oldest and best known programs for this purpose is called WS FTP from a company called Ipswitch.

WS FTP from Ipswitch

This is a very useful tool for any web designer. They have the program online so you can download it immediately. I've tried a couple of others, some with bells and whistles, but this program is straight forward and does a great job. They keep it simple.

WS FTP profile screen

     Once you have the program, you'll need to configure it to your web site. The general tab on the Session Properties screen contains your server name, login and password information.

     If you don't know the answers, you need to contact the Internet Service Provider (ISP) that controls your web site server. Each ISP does things a little different from the next.

     If you don't have a web server, then your web page is homeless. If you are running a business, you should get yourself a domain name. If you are just making a fun page, check with your ISP to see if you have some free web space available.

WS FTP local profile screen

The startup tab of the Session Properties screen simply defines the location of your web page files on your own computer.

If you don't understand how to make your local directories, then check out the Tutorial on File Structure. It should get you on the right track quickly and easily.

Let the file transfers begin

Look at the window above. Notice the Local System is on the left, while the Remote Site is on the right.

If you haven't guessed already, the Local System is your computer while the Remote Site is the web server. Now, notice the arrow buttons between the two computers. If you highlight a file, press an arrow button, the file gets copied that direction to the other machine. When it's done, you can see the new file. It's just that simple.

If you keep it simple, people will use it

You can make directories, change directories, delete files, rename files and lots more. The program is setup in an intuitive fashion, so most things work the way they look like they should.

Naming Your Files

Different types of files are named using a different file extension. The file extension is the part of the name after the '.' (dot).

Extension	File Type
.htm	HTML files (web pages)
.html	HTML files (web pages)
index.htm	Starting file
.txt	Text file (ASCII)
.gif	Graphic file (256 color)
.jpg	Graphic file (16 million color)

Of all of your web page files, only one is required to be named exactly. The index.htm (or index.html depending on your server) file is the default starting file. After that, any file name can be linked to and used.

Web Page Layout

The web page layout should make visitors comfortable. Each page of a site should be similar so the visitor finds it easy to navigate. It should impart information as efficiently as possible.

Every web page should stand on its own

     The example to the left is not an absolute, but it does contain some crucial elements. Never assume you know how they got here. A page should not start in mid-sentence. A good web page layout should include a way back to the rest of the site. Your web page may be seen all by itself. Does it stand up by itself?

     The header should introduce the page to the reader. A title and possibly a logo image is all we really need here. Be consistent on every page.

     I use a footer for reference. If someone prints the page for a friend, the friend should be able to make contact based on the information on the page. Can they find you again? A proper footer should ensure this. You can also include applicable copyright information.

Always include an email address if possible

Great content is a must. Why make a web page if it doesn't serve some purpose? The text should convey whatever you need to say. The spelling and grammar should be correct. Computers do have spell checkers and everyone knows it. I usually have an editor (my wife) proof read my content. After you look at a document long enough, everything seems right. Another person can spot errors that you have become blind to.

Graphics should be used appropriately. If the purpose of your web page is to display pictures of the Grand Kids, then obviously the photos are indispensible. Graphics should have some purpose, otherwise they distract from the page. Animation can be cool, but it can pull attention from things the reader should be looking at.

Start writing your web page now!

Let's start with your first page (index.htm). At this point you should be ready. You know exactly what your subject is and have a pretty good idea what you are going to write about. You might want to sketch out your page first. You could even do it in your word processor (they often have HTML conversion utilities). It may seem difficult at first, but it is really easy once you've made a few.

If you are not familiar with the HTML language, take a few minutes to go through the HTML Tutorial. This will walk you through step by step. You can create a web page. As you write, you might want some information on syntax (specific details for writing), then check out the HTML Reference.

Site Overview

How do we organize our site? Let's get our strategy lined up first. This is the part that is visible to your visitor, so it needs to flow nicely. There are several ways, each quite a bit different from each other. No single way is correct, but one should fit your topic better than the others. If your topic is complex, you might even use a combination of these techniques.

by Time Start at the begining and work toward the end. This is how most novels are written. Sometimes separate character stories take turns throughout the reading, then, eventually come together before the story ends.

by Topic Explain one complete topic at a time. This is the way an encyclopedia or dictionary is written. Many technical specification books do this.

by combining simple parts into complex picture Explains simple parts first, then combines them into a more complex picture. Once we understand the simple parts, the complex picture is better understood.

by overview with options for detail Shows the big picture with options for the details. This method is well suited to web pages. The nature of the HTML language and linking makes this method simple to accomplish.

The examples above are just basic ideas. Your web page layout should suit your needs.

These are examples of flow charts. They can be a very helpful tool for planning your web page layout. This is a lot like doing an outline or tree diagram. Each page is represented and the shortest path from the home page is drawn. You want to keep the page depth less than about 4 or 5 layers (2 or 3 is better). Some search engines ignore any pages beyond that point. It gets a little tough on humans too.

If you link back and forth between pages, don't drive yourself crazy trying to map all this. This is just something to give you a little structure to work with. Keep it fairly simple. If you are confused, then you are more likely to confuse your visitor. They'll probably leave and won't return!

Keep your web page layout simple to follow. Easy for your visitor = increased return traffic.

Directory Structure

     This is the part that is invisible to your visitor. This is the way you organize your files within your web site. If your site is small, this part isn't going to be important. If your web site is huge.... read carefully.

The directory structure for your web page files should be simple to follow. If you only have a few pages in your site, just put them all in the main directory with the index.htm file.

     If you have tons of pages, you might want to use sub-directories to help organize them into categories. I especially like to use this method for areas that change frequently. If you sell one of a kind items on your web site, put these items in a directory of their own. This can make changing and deleting much easier.

     I like to put all my graphic files in a directory called pics. There's really nothing magic about the name. Some folks prefer images. I just like using something short and descriptive.