How long did it take you to LEARN how to make your websites?

[Heidi White]

I'm just wondering how long y'all took before you felt like you could put together your own websites without getting help from a web designer?

It's taken me a year to grasp the basics only on putting together Wordpress blogs using various templates and plugins and I'm just starting to learn how to do basic HTML sites, but only because I'm getting spoon fed some templates.

What's been your experience so far in the web site creation process? Is it pretty much the easiest part, or is it still something you struggle with or outsource because it's not worth your time?



P.S. - If you know any resources for learning how to make a Splash / Squeeze page using templates for either Wordpress or HTML sites, let me know.

[Al-Leyson]

There are so many website templates and design that one can choose but it does take practice and research to really become a very good website developer. Wordpress does have a lot of advantages because you no longer need to involve codes and stuff.

[Dennis Gaskill]

It came to me quite easily. I built my first website in a few days just using Notepad and some online tutorials. Of course, they weren't real pretty at first and were simple, but they did the trick. Went on to write three books about it. It's not that hard if you start at the beginning. If you have any specific questions feel free to ask. Note that I can't answer questions about the various software programs as I still just use Notepad.

[jasonmorgan]

While I am still learning new tricks it probably took me a year to get a solid grasp on wordpress and theme design. That would include html, css and php programming.

But it was all worth it because I can make wordpress do anything I want.

Learning how to develop your own websites is probably one of the smartest things any internet marketer can invest in. html and css are fairly straight forward and once you figure it all out it really opens up what you can accomplish with your websites.

With all of the wordpress design questions lately I'm so tempted to jump into the whole WSO game with a how to develop your own theme ebook. It's not as hard as some people might think and once you get a grasp on html, css and WP's internal workings you can knock out your own themes fairly quickly.

[1986]

Well I dont stress about it I just outsource everything, it saves me alot of time and energy that i can use elsewhere. I mainly use elance.com

[be strong]

took me a year to learn html/css/little graphic work with dreamweaver and fireworks


I know a little wordpress but eventually will outsource for designs or just use software for wordpress themes.


creating sites is easy now because I just use templates or let the designer do the work


look into artiseer...it's a cool software because you can export it into html, joomla, or wordpress

[ArticlePrince]

Took about a year, but I still try to outsource the bigger projects.

[Emily Meeks]

I learned HTML and built complete websites when I was 10. I made them out of sheer boredom, they were built on those free Angelfire sites, but I had a lot of fun >:P

My web design's a little rusty though, as I had to learn Dreamweaver in a high school computer class and got kinda spoiled >.<

With a little more practice, I'll be back up and running soon.

[mywebwork]

I know I'm showing my age here, but I was on the Internet before there was a World Wide Web or HTML. As I worked as a Systems Analyst with the government I had an e-mail account in 1989 and used to spend my evenings on the Internet using Telnet, FTP, Veronica and Gopher.

When the web first made it's appearance I used Netscape 0.8 Beta on my Windows 3.1 machine and wrote my first web pages using Notepad. HTML was an easy "language" to learn, especially as I already had proficiency with BASIC and some assembly language.

Eventually I learned JavaScript, PERL and ASP - I likes ASP as I also did a lot of desktop application programming with Visual Basic and it had a lot of similarities. When PHP became popular I moved to it and have never looked back.

I've never embraced WYSIWYG editors, although I used FrontPage in the late 1990's to build the framework for some sites that I later edited with Notepad. I have since graduated from Notepad to using a proper text editor, I used to use UIltraEdit but in the last few years have settled on PS Pad.

As I program for a living I am very comfortable with HTML and PHP and JavaScript and use the combination for a lot of AJAX-style designs. I will admit that I still occasionally wrestle with style sheets and getting everything positioned correctly, especially with pesky Internet Explorer.

Even with all that experience I still find myself using W3 Schools when I need to remember the syntax of a certain command - I think it's one of the finest resources on the Internet.

Bill

[frqhuss]

I learned creating and designing websites very soon because i start with wordpress so it was very easy to me to understand and do the things...

[Charann Miller]

To get really comfortable with mastering the basics and putting together my own websites, probably 12 to 18 months.

When I first started out I really thought I would never get the hang of it because there were so many moving parts to create a fully functional website, ie graphics, creating an opt in box, how to position the code on the page, creating a functioning order button, FTP, packaging your product and making it accessible through a download page, upsells, it was a lot to come to terms with.

So for anyone putting together their own websites, it's good to know how it all works together, that way you can fix things should you ever hit a bump in the road rather than to rely on a web designer to get back to you in their own time.

[dsmpublishing]

Hi

I would say that i learnt things as i went - it was about a month for getting uploaded and looking nice and then probably a year before they looked hot but at the time everyones looked bad so it didnt matter.

kind regards


sam
X

[txconx]

Oooh, Bill! When I tell my kids I was on the 'net before there was a WWW and GUI interfaces, they act like I'm telling them I walked uphill in the snow to go to school every day!

I'm embarrassed at how awful my first HTML sites were. I'm embarrassed at how awful my first Drupal sites were. I'm embarrassed at how awful my first Wordpress sites were. Let's see - that covers about the last 15 years!

It's always a moving target - there's always something new and you have to stay current. Once you "get" the basics, it's easier, however. I wouldn't even attempt more advanced programming, but I've gotten pretty good at Wordpress and tweaking themes to customize them. If I had time, I'd take a go at writing my own themes (some day!). However, it's hard to say how long it took me to learn how to make my own websites because it's an ongoing process. Once I started using Wordpress, it all got a lot easier - took me just a couple days to master basics of Wordpress and not much longer to become proficient.

[FriendlyRob]

Once I figured out how to FTP my site to my host, it was easy.

For some reason, that was the biggest stumbling block for me.

Of course, now I just use Filezilla for my transferring, and NVU for my site building. The combination is awesome and easy.

[WD Mino]

If you want to learn html over 10 yrs ago I learned at a site called BoogieJack.com HTML and CSS Tutorials the site still runs and offers the tutorials and it is run by our own Dennis Gaskill great resource to check out and one that will help you in your endeavor
-WD

Originally Posted by MostlyHarmless

I'm just wondering how long y'all took before you felt like you could put together your own websites without getting help from a web designer?

It's taken me a year to grasp the basics only on putting together Wordpress blogs using various templates and plugins and I'm just starting to learn how to do basic HTML sites, but only because I'm getting spoon fed some templates.

What's been your experience so far in the web site creation process? Is it pretty much the easiest part, or is it still something you struggle with or outsource because it's not worth your time?



P.S. - If you know any resources for learning how to make a Splash / Squeeze page using templates for either Wordpress or HTML sites, let me know.

[PCRoger]

If you don't want to learn, XSitePro isn't bad.

I learned WordPress, Dreamweaver and Fireworks from Jeremy Palmer in the Black Ink Project.

PM me for info on any of these.

Regards,
PCRoger.

[JustOnePepsi]

Originally Posted by 1986

Well I dont stress about it I just outsource everything, it saves me alot of time and energy that i can use elsewhere. I mainly use elance.com

I though I could do this, but have had a lot of problems with freelancers...bad work, poor response times, etc.

So I'm going about learning HTML and CSS on my own. This book has been a great starting point:
Build Your Own Web Site The Right Way Using HTML & CSS, 2nd*Edition - SitePoint Books

[steve-wilkins]

It took me around 6 months on and off to get to grips with HTML editing and the basic of building a website. However there are now some really good programmes that make it really easy to put together profitbale websites in real quick time.

I personally use Multi Profit Websites to create all mine as they have built in videos and SEO features that make it a doddle to get a decent profitable website up and running in no time at all.

here is a little more info on it for those that want to know...
Steve-Wilkins.Com Do Not Buy Multi Profit Websites Until You Have Watched My Video!

[Jeremy Aragon]

I just taught my sister how to build a site using joomla. Took her a couple weeks and now shes getting ready to go live! The only previous skills she had were myspace/facebook and a little photoshop on the side, What do ya think for a noobie Gasps 'N' Giggles - Welcome to Gasps 'N' Giggles

[Colin Theriot]

I've been making websites for almost 15 years now. And I never really stopped learning new ways to do stuff, so in a way, I guess you could say it's taken 15 years so far?

However, considering the ease with which you can instantly install something like WordPress and have so many options available that you don't NEED to be creative, I learned a considerable bit more than I would have needed to know for what I do now.

My recommendation is to try a few things like WordPress (my preference), Joomla, maybe Drupal (if you're insane). Lol. But seriously, try some different tools like those, find one you're comfortable with, and then learn the HTML/PHP/CSS it takes to support and modify stuff within your chosen system.

I've found for me, WordPress allows me to rapidly develop sites for myself and clients, allows me to easily support those sites once they're built, and easily train the clients themselves to maintain their own sites, and only have to bother contact me for code fixes and things. This allows me to charge a high amount for service (because it's purely technical) and not have to work a whole lot (because they tend to avoid calling me just to change minor things like wording.)

And since I have minimal development overhead because of using WordPress, I can be competitive as a sole operator, keeping my prices lower that agencies, but pretty premium for a one-man op.

I guess that wasn't really your question, lol. But if you DO learn to build websites, you should be aware that there are huge markets for that kind of work both locally and across the web. My advice will be useful if you want to try and get in on some of that.

[Christophe Young]

I used a web builder called Bebiz to create my first site. It was created by the folks at the Internet Marketing Center. Just around the time I was about to give up on building a web site, the promo videos came out for Bebiz. I watched them and saw how easy it really is! So, I created my first site in less than a week and had my first ebook sale shortly after.

I built my next two sites with Kompozer. Bebiz is great though for someone just getting started.

[Jeremy Aragon]

Originally Posted by Colin Theriot

I've been making websites for almost 15 years now. And I never really stopped learning new ways to do stuff, so in a way, I guess you could say it's taken 15 years so far?

However, considering the ease with which you can instantly install something like WordPress and have so many options available that you don't NEED to be creative, I learned a considerable bit more than I would have needed to know for what I do now.

My recommendation is to try a few things like WordPress (my preference), Joomla, maybe Drupal (if you're insane). Lol. But seriously, try some different tools like those, find one you're comfortable with, and then learn the HTML/PHP/CSS it takes to support and modify stuff within your chosen system.

I've found for me, WordPress allows me to rapidly develop sites for myself and clients, allows me to easily support those sites once they're built, and easily train the clients themselves to maintain their own sites, and only have to bother contact me for code fixes and things. This allows me to charge a high amount for service (because it's purely technical) and not have to work a whole lot (because they tend to avoid calling me just to change minor things like wording.)

And since I have minimal development overhead because of using WordPress, I can be competitive as a sole operator, keeping my prices lower that agencies, but pretty premium for a one-man op.

I guess that wasn't really your question, lol. But if you DO learn to build websites, you should be aware that there are huge markets for that kind of work both locally and across the web. My advice will be useful if you want to try and get in on some of that.

Colin,we're on the same page my question for you is, whats a fair price to charge somebody for a 'custom' wordpress or joomla install? I posted a thread the other day but no one replied to it

[Colin Theriot]

Originally Posted by Jeremy Aragon

Colin,we're on the same page my question for you is, whats a fair price to charge somebody for a 'custom' wordpress or joomla install? I posted a thread the other day but no one replied to it

It really depends on the context. The correct answer is "as much as possible without ripping off the client". I try to price pretty aggressively so that I don't attract clients that are very needy of my time and attention. I want clients that can easily afford my higher prices and then be on their merry way.

Also, I try to price so I only need to do one or two projects a month in order to pay all my bills. I want to move my focus now is on building a consistent flow of leads so that in any given month, I can actually pick and choose what projects I want to take.

I'm not quite there yet, but I've spent most of my time developing some recurring services an things I can charge existing clients retainers for, so that when I go wide, I have a wider service base to offer future customers.

I try not to do anything for anyone unless I can get at least $1000 for it. That's the minimum amount that I can outsource the parts of the project I don't like, and they get paid, and I get paid to manage. If it's a more expensive project that requires my particular expertise (copywriting, marketing funnel design, etc) then I obviously spend a lot more of my time on it.

I find it beneficial that no matter what I do, I have a minimum hourly rate as well, and I try to get a full view of the client's wants and needs, give an accurate estimate of time based on an approved list of deliverables. Then that gets quoted as the price + 15%.

If they want to negotiate down, I have room. If they don't, hey bonus. Most of the time, if they DO pay the quoted price, and they are good to work with and I want more business form them, I'll remove the 15% as a backend discount. And no matter what, I still make what I needed to make.

What you choose as your hourly rate is up to you. Depends on how much money you want to make, and how many hours you want to work. That's why I try to attract bigger more expensive projects.

Hope that helps. Sorry if this derails the thread any. :P

[SurviveUnemployment]

Originally Posted by Jeremy Aragon

I just taught my sister how to build a site using joomla. Took her a couple weeks and now shes getting ready to go live! The only previous skills she had were myspace/facebook and a little photoshop on the side, What do ya think for a noobie Gasps 'N' Giggles - Welcome to Gasps 'N' Giggles

That's a really nice site. Did your sister do the design or is that an out-of-the-box thing?

[Jeremy Aragon]

Originally Posted by SurviveUnemployment

That's a really nice site. Did your sister do the design or is that an out-of-the-box thing?

Its the 'pinboard' template from yoothemes, you can find all their demos here, YOOtheme Demo Site - Template Showcase thats why I love joomla, its so easy to teach others how to use especially the myspace generation

Colin, your advice rocks! I don't wanna be a thread jacker so I'm sending you a facebook request

[dmtkjt515]

My first sites were built using Frontpage 2003 and it took me about 3 or 4 months to be able to put together a "pretty" site using it. Now all I use is Wordpress. Took about the same amount of time to learn how to put together a decent site with css, plugins, design, etc.

[JayXtreme]

I "learned" how to build websites in a matter of days.

And whilst I don't usually build my own right now, there is still new stuff to learn each and every day...

That's the fun of it all

Peace

Jay

[seasoned]

MostlyHarmless,

I learned most of the simple stuff rather easily. ALSO, it was generally my policy to learn the largest simple subset that was usable. By that I mean that I didn't originally bother with browser plugins, ASP, or javascript, because they weren't reliable. I ALSO didn't bother with some column sizes, borders, etc... because they weren't fully compatible. I happily watched as more and more newer versions of HTML came out, and I didn't have to bother because THEY had to support what I knew.

Many others TRIED to keep on top of things, and it all just FAILED! Having to know three languages, and various flaws, to make fancy things work in like 3 browsers just didn't make sense to me. Besides, there are a lot of browsers now.

Today, though SOME plugins are now reliable, and javascript is THE standard, for client side scripting(there used to be 2 MAIN ones), and there are some neat features added that are standard, the same old stuff DOES work.

HECK, I WORK with databases! I passed BOTH M/S tests for M/S SQL 6.5(the last version of SQL Server that was fully based on Sybase code, and really FAR harder than any version they have had since. The newer versions are better, they are simply easier to use, and really still support most of the 6.5 stuff anyway.). Yet I tried to use 100% pure SQL 1988 as much as possible, until about 2001 or so, when I started using a subset of SQL 1999. WHY? Because ALL databases worth their salt, ORACLE, DB2, M/S SQL, MYSQL, TERADATA, NETEZZA(netezza isn't that great, but STILL...), MSQL, POSTGRESSQL, INFORMIX, INGRES, ALL support SQL 1988. Try to use the neat NON 1988 features of any of the above on any others, and they will probably FAIL! They didn't start to switch to 1999 until about 2001.

I guess I am saying don't try to learn EVERYTHING, and don't try to learn "the latest" things. You'll drive yourself nuts, and probably have people complaining that things don't work.

HEY, if you want to learn HTML, you can always go to a site like this: Lissa Explains it All -- HTML Help and Tutorials for Kids

I think she DOES cover more HTML than I bothered to learn early on. Of course, much of this wasn't around then, or wasn't compatible, either. Of course, you COULD go for the really dry:

HTML 4.01 Specification

Steve

[Heidi White]

SEASONED says

HEY, if you want to learn HTML, you can always go to a site like this: Lissa Explains it All -- HTML Help and Tutorials for Kids

Thanks for this, a tutorial site aimed at kids might be near my level. LOL

[duncanb]

I think that its important to recognise that anyone can learn to build a website in days, but to learn how to build a quality website can take months.

[seasoned]

Originally Posted by MostlyHarmless

SEASONED says

Thanks for this, a tutorial site aimed at kids might be near my level. LOL

I should have said earlier, but I didn't mean it as an insult. I heard about her on the news, and every now and then mention her. She created this originally for HERSELF, and made it public for friends, etc... She's in college now.

Besides, working from the spec seems daunting, and most of the stuff just isn't needed. So this makes it easier to digest.

Steve

[seasoned]

Originally Posted by duncanb

I think that its important to recognise that anyone can learn to build a website in days, but to learn how to build a quality website can take months.

I wouldn't say THAT! To make a powerful DYNAMIC site, or a really FANCY site with graphics can take months. But a QUALITY site? NOPE!

Steve