HTML? Boring!
One of the first things I remember thinking when I started into
the world of online marketing is "Hmmm, I wonder if I can really
do this? I don't know any HTML or java". I was a bit worried
to say the least! How could I compete with the "big" internet
companies when I didn't even know how to make a word appear in
bold? "I'm dead meat" I thought.
I had it in my mind that I was "finished" before I even really
got started!
So how important is knowing how to program when trying to make
money online? Well, nowadays it's becoming increasingly common
to meet webmasters that have little or no knowledge of HTML or
java. Honestly, although I now know much more than I did when
I first started I still wouldn't consider myself a "programmer".
I wouldn't even say I really know what I'm doing all that much.
Sure, now I can make a word bolded...... yep, I can make things
scroll on a page..... I even know how to do those nifty mouseover
effects...... but I'm hardly an expert!
So why keep reading? Because I was exactly like 95% percent of
people trying to make money online! Probably just like you are
right now.
One thing I learned quickly with online business is that all
these "gurus" weren't really trying to help..... they were most
likely just trying to teach you just enough to do average. (Why
would they want competition?)
So here's some tips...... (to all the little guys...... from a
little guy)
1. Learn HTML -- I know..... I promised no programming right?
You don't have to be an expert, but at least learn the basics.
Here are a few sites that might help......
http://www.htmlgoodies.com/primers/basics.html
http://www.usd.edu/trio/tut/html/index.shtml
Would you vacation in
least a little)? No! So why do the online equivalent? Learn
the basics!
2. Invest in a web design program -- It doesn't really matter
which one you buy but get something. Microsoft FrontPage is
decent for beginners. Dreamweaver is better but is a little
tough for newbies. The main two reasons for getting web design
software are.....
a. so you don't have to type
for every picture! Talk about a quick way
to lose interest in your business! and....
b. so you can use templates! which brings me to my next
point......
3. Use Templates! -- Yes, great, ok, uh huh........ Some web
designers will tell you that templates are cheating. I say that
anything I can use to focus on my business instead of my HTML I
fully support! The great thing about templates is that you can
focus on adding content to your site and not worry about how to
get picture 'A' in space 'T' using HTML. Choose one that you
feel will fit the theme of your site. (i.e. if you have a flower
site don't choose the "medieval" template) Templates
range
from free to hundreds of dollars...... I have seen these
quality sites with great templates....... but look around and
see what YOU like.
http://freesitetemplates.com
http://www.bearcreative.com/templates.html
http://www.aplustemplates.com
http://powersitesystem.com
(this one is a full content management system)
4. Use free scripts -- There are many sites out there that have
free HTML and java scripts that you are welcome to use. Most
authors just ask that you give them credit. Here are a few of
them......
http://www.htmlbasix.com/bookmark.shtml
http://www.dynamicdrive.com
http://www.boogiejack.com/html_tutorials.html
5. Know your colors! -- Pick a color scheme and stick with it.
There's nothing that screams "I'm new at this!" more than every
page being different colors randomly. If you don't know how to
change colors go back to:
http://www.htmlgoodies.com/tutors/cc.html
Here is another handy tool for reference:
http://www.theodora.com/html_colors.html
6. Link Every Page Home -- Every page in your site should have
a link to your main page. Remember, search engines index pages
inside your site too..... if a visitor finds your site from one
of these pages don't leave them stranded! Link Home.
7. Help Others -- "The web helps those who help others" is so
very true. Help other people do well and you too will do well.
Know when to offer advice and when to receive it. (I know it has
nothing to do with HTML but I'd thought I'd mention it.)
That's it for now. Of course these are only some of the basic
tips for starting out. You will naturally learn more as you get
into running your business.... use your newly acquired knowledge
as you learn it and soon you will be beating all the "big dogs".
Have Fun!
Keith Bryan is the owner of http://www.workathome-101.net a site dedicated to teaching the little guy how to compete in the world of online business. For more tips visit http://www.workathome-101.net He is also a proud team leader in SFI home business. Check it out at http://www.workathome-101.net/workathome-101/SFI.htm