[Damo]

Now I realise this is a vague question, but how hard is it to learn to create websites?

I am a bit sick of my website (see my sig) as it's a basic template-style package. I can go in and edit it whenever I want and easily too.

So. What does it take to become fairly competent enough in web design to create my own site?

 

[Streamline]

That is a very wide open question. You need to start of by sitting down and deciding exactly what you want: Content, search features, graphics, etc. There are so many different coding languages and such that it wouldn't be an easy fix. You may be able to find a nice wordpress theme that you could adapt.

Also it isn't just about the web design end but also about the user interface/graphic design end of it. A perfectly functioning ugly website is no good.

 

[Damo]

Yeah, I knew it was a very open question, but that's about how much I know at this point.

I see other ski chalet operator's websites with moving pictures, scrolling text etc and wish mine was better. I'd like something similar to mine in content, but just a little more flashed up than the template can offer.

The thing is, I could spend a couple of grand on a new website, but then updating it myself will not be so easy. I'd rather go out and learn to do it myself.

Are there any online courses I could do that are recommended? Or is it something that I can be shown how to do? Or is it really not that simple?

 

[Heidi]

I took a couple online classes that were VERY helpful for learning from the start. They teach you proper CSS and html.

http://www.lvsonline.com/

 

[Transcend]

Learning the basics is very simple. I recommend http://www.w3schools.com for the basics.

Learning the high end stuff will take you years, and by then it has changed to a different language or style of programming.

 

[CBJ]

Use a free CMS (I use Umbraco.dk) and get somebody who understands design to do the design and then you can do the implementation and find out how to get people to find your website.

 

[DirtyDog]

With all the quality, free HTML templates available on the web, you would be crazy trying to create one from scratch.

 

[Damo]

Where do you get free quality HTML templates?

 

[DirtyDog]

One example

http://www.templateworld.com/free_templates.html

 

[Damo]

So I can go do a crash course on basic web design, grab one of those free templates and with my new-found knowledge I could change bits and pieces to suit my company?

 

[DirtyDog]

So I can go do a crash course on basic web design, grab one of those free templates and with my new-found knowledge I could change bits and pieces to suit my company?

Yes - that's what I would do.

 

[SkaredShtles]

Don't do it, man! Spend your time riding bikes and skiing, not f**king with websites.

Yours is just fine as it is. Simple... all the relevant info is there... easy to navigate.

 

[Damo]

Cheers mate, good to know someone think it's alright. Feedback is always cool to hear and much appreciated.

I do ride my bikes a lot. I mean a lot. The season is over here however and I have ridden enough to be happy to hang the bike up for now (not the roadie though, not just yet). The snow is coming and you certainly don't have to worry about me riding then either! Woohoo! Bring on the snow!

Anyway, back on track... Any design monkies (or anyone else for that matter) have anything they'd like to mention re my website? How could it be better? What is it missing? Etc...? Some fresh ideas would be cool.

 

[PatBranch]

Learning the basics is very simple. I recommend http://www.w3schools.com for the basics.

I also recommend that. That's where I started. Even if you start playing with a template, you'll want to at least go through some tutorials there... html and css.

A content management system is another option, as suggested, especially if you want dynamic content (blogs, galleries, etc). Most usually have premade templates. I'm building my new site with drupal and starting from/editing a blank template.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Content_management_system

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drupal

 

[CBJ]

My feedback on your design is its not that important just do something simple. I think with a budget of $1000 you could get a desgin and have it implemented in a free CMS if you know the right people. For my site I use a local designer and a guy in Brazil does the implementation.

I think its more about text and pictures i.e. the content of the site. Its about selling them your story and why you have the good vibe going. With any site or anything you do quality always shines through. Like using a professional photographer or at least somebody who knows what to do with a SLR. I would love to see you teaching people to make some nice food and taking guest mountain biking and give a more personal image of the place. Also more about the place, where are you located (I did not see a map).

If you have the time some updates during the season to tempt guest and give an even better feel of the place and whats go on but a blog like that takes time and effort.

And as in any business you have to let the customers know what makes you special and much better than the competition.

 

[bitingback]

Anyway, back on track... Any design monkies (or anyone else for that matter) have anything they'd like to mention re my website? How could it be better? What is it missing? Etc...? Some fresh ideas would be cool.

for what my opinion's worth...at first glance i wasn't really sure what the site was. then as i poked around...to me the thing i noticed was that the place is amazing...beautiful...elegant...the area has awesome outdoor activities...but the "look" of the site doesn't have that same feel.

 

[narlus]

scriptlance.com


low-cost alternative. worked fine for me.

 

[SkaredShtles]

for what my opinion's worth...at first glance i wasn't really sure what the site was.

It is obviously not aimed at 'Merikan visitors (the language is very "Euro English")... but I didn't really have trouble figuring out what the site was "selling."

YMMV.

 

[bitingback]

for what my opinion's worth...at first glance i wasn't really sure what the site was.

I didn't really have trouble figuring out what the site was "selling." you should take up knitting.

:biggrin:


is there a difference between your "figuring out" and my "poking around"? just sayin.

 

[CBJ]

Agree the first seconds are crucial.

 

[Damo]

No-one really 'stumbles' onto my website however, they are directed there, or know where to find it and already know what it is.

But cheers for all the replies guys, I'll give it some thought to learning web design and I'll also look at my site to see how it could be improved.

Cheers again all!

 

[valve bouncer]

One thing I like mate is how it's one click to find out how much it costs and when it's available. I hate sites where you have to faff around for 10 minutes to find out how much the bastard costs.