To build your homepage, here's the tips:  [ Part II of III ]

 
  1. Minimize all of your graphic files size, from JPEG (Joint Photograph Expert Group) and GIF (CompuServe) format 
    below 15 kb. Use GIF for all your images. I did that one.
  2. Always use various colors for text and background. Black 
    and white is too frequent and stereotype. 
    Exp.: Orange boost energy to your website.
  3. If you want to put your picture into your website, make sure 
    you edit in Photoshop 6 or any graphic editor, so it look very
    quality and professional. 
    - I browser other website, and look into 
      'their' picture gallery, the problem : 
    - picture is blur, too dark or too bright.
    - look for bright background. If you wear
     dark/black clothes, look for bright/white
     background. If you wear white, then, do
     the opposite.
  4. If you're into HTML editor, I encourage you to use 
    Macromedia Dream weaver Editor. Others, you can use
    FrontPage. FrontPage is good HTML editor for word 
    processing. Means that if your website need more typing
    than graphics or any other application, use this one. 
    The latest HTML drag-n-drop you should learn is Adobe 
    GoLive 5.0. It's so easy. I've been to the demo by Adobe 
    Staff. It's amazing.
  5. Always make sure your page load FAST!!
  6. If you want to take photo for your website, do  a bit of posse 
    or take from various corner. Use instant camera like Polaroid
    or use your web cam.
  7. No FANCY typography (text) put in your website. Make sure
    people can really read clear and understand about your
    writings (text).
  8. Don't use tOGgLe text !! it's ridiculous!! 
  9. Please avoid putting 'link exchange advertisements, long 
    banner ad and pop-up ad.
  10. Avoid page scroll at your main page
    - where you put your navigation menu
      header, text and graphics.
  11. Make sure your website can be viewed in Netscape and 
    Internet Explorer.
    - I preferred Netscape Communicator 4.7. But, I also like 
    Internet Explorer 4.0 and 5.5 browser. But I won't use 
    Netscape 6, it's slow and suck cause they're anti-JavaScript.
  12. Make sure you have an inspiration for website. Select a 'theme',
    maybe Technology, Music, Arts or anything that attracts your
    audience.
    - Like, I use the elements of Manga/ 
      Anime/Japanese influence for my 
      web design or
    - I use pop-art influence for my design.
  13. Make sure your websites use 3 color theme. For example:
    - Black, White, Gray and Red
    - Dark Blue, Green and Purple
    - White, Blue Marine and Silver 
  14. Make sure you don't write stupid words and any 'funny' 
    materials in your website. Remember, your surfers or
    so-called-audience is not stupid. They could judge your
    site very well. 
    - Think about what's your lectures
      opinion about your website, or
    - lawyers, artist, musicians or even
      professors !
  15. Try to put an afford by entering any web design contest, 
    so your website will be awarded.
  16. Always confirm what you would like to appear in your website
    Like:
    - Your experiences, talents, skills.
    - You know, doing website might just
      help promote yourself online (resume)
      to a company or while you're looking
      for a job.
    - website as your digital portfolio
  17. Learn how to use FTP (File Transfer Protocol) basic.
    - Learn how to copy-drag item to
      FTP browser. How?
    - ftp://yourname:password@ftp.myserver.com
  18. Use WS_FTP or FTP Cute software.
    - It makes easier for you to upload your
      file to a server.
  19. Try to browser other website and look at their design and page
    layout plus the navigation. But don't copy their design directly. Be honest !!
  20. You must be able to communicate other webmaster in order 
    for you to gain more knowledge and experience in web development.
  21. Try to attract people to visit your site constantly. People love 
    free stuff, entertainment, and as well as education.
  22. Add life to your website. Don't make it look dull and passive. 
  23. Make sure you register your site to top search engines. 
    - Try Yahoo!, AltaVista, Lycos,   Catcha, CARI, SoWhat and 
      other popular search engine.
    - Remember to include <META Tags> for Description and
      Keywords.
  24. Learn how to create e-mail form and learn PERL/CGI Scripts
    - You can forget about this one if   you're not into corporate
      design or anythging web-programming.
  25. Learn to convert wave (.wav) music files to RealAudio (.ra, .ram,
     .rm) music files or to shockwave files.. 
    - Like, record your voice and put it in the welcome page or
      music theme for your intro page.
  26. Avoid using MIDI sound for your background, especially MIDI 
    files that sound 'funny' and 'disturbing'.
  27. Get your website check at: http://www.websitegarage.com/ 
    So, you know what's your website weakness.
  28. Don't be afraid to accept criticized or comments from other people, You will learn more and you will be mature in web designing. You might came across an annoying person telling
    you that you're a loser, but just ignore whoever that person is.
  29. Keep practicing web design, attend to seminars, read 'Computer
    Arts', 'Wired' and others cool graphic design magazine.
  30. Always read lots of magazine about computers, Internet, and Web Design.
  31. Go to library and read lots of book on how to develop web 
    pages, learn the techniques and tools.
  32. Try downloading software trials and demo that is related to web
    design.Always try new stuff, maybe 3D !!
  33. Update your website at least once a month. Don't let the your
    audience 'run' away from visiting your site. Try to make them come back for more new features.
  34. Attend any seminars or short-course in Web Design or Development.
    - Don't worry about money, because education is worth of 
      any money.

         [ 10 steps before setting up your site ] [ Previous Tips ]