HELP!!! Need to build a site today - Suggestions?

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Hey Warriors,

I really need your help! I need to get a professional business website up ASAP. Ideally with the ability to use a web editor to have control over the code to add and delete things for changes.

I looked at Webs.com (not enough control features) and WebStarts (but their designs kinda suck).

I looked at free web templates which I loved BUT don't have photoshop and only have GIMP and cannot for the life of me figure out how to make changes on these templates using GIMP. I have never used Photoshop and it's not in the budget so any suggestions would be GREAT!

THANKS!!!!!
#website design #build #site #suggestions #today
  • Have you looked at using wordpress. Lots of options there.
    • [1] reply
    • I can use Wordpress but I don't want the Blogging portion of it. I want it really looking like a regular website. If you know where I can go for templates of that sort of thing, that would be great! Would I be able to add and change pages easily via web editor or something?
      • [1] reply
  • Go for NVU or Kompozer which are html editors if you've got templates already.

    These editing softwares are free and make html editing a breeze so this should solve your problem if you don't want to use wordpress.

    I may be able to help you with templates too but I don't know what is the theme/topic of your website.

    Hope it helps
    • [1] reply

    • Hi Maddi,

      I used WebEditor by Namo which works well. I cannot figure out how to edit these free templates that say you need CSS and Photoshop. They are .psd files but when I upload to my server, my editor can't read it and when I hope them to GIMP, I can't edit (or at least can't figure it out).

      I just need some solution. Can I use a regular HTML editor for Wordpress? Where can I get a list of free Business Website Wordpress themes?

      THANKS!
  • Since I am not sure what exactly you want the finished product to look like I would suggest you search themes. If you go to wordpress.org and search the themes the tag filter (The link is to this) and just check for 1 column you will get many themes to choose from - with no sidebars.

    Another option would be to check "theme-options" because most of those themes are the best for customization and allow to turn off many things you may not want.

    Do you have an example of what you want as an end result?
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  • As for wordpress business templates I think tbunch's idea is good. Have a theme with no side bars and then customize it from the wp-admin area.

    as for editing .psd files I think photoshop is the most common solution but if you google it you may get a free .psd file editor but to be honest I personally think its a nightmare if you haven't got previous knowledge of editing psd files and I have even got photoshop but I can't do really edit much.

    These are not wordpress theme but if you are looking for a quick solution you can check out Website Design Templates | Maddiction and see if you like any template.

    These templates can be easily edited in any html editor and the above mentioned is my site by the way :-) If you like anything there give me a shout and I'll pass on the template
  • Cool thanks Maddi! I will check it out.
  • if you are ready to pay for this project then i am ready to build a nice looking website for you with CMS on it.

    let me know.

    Thanks
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  • You should be able to edit psd's using GIMP. If not, try upgrading to the lastest version.

    For something quick, and easy to manage, I would cast my vote for WP too. It has long since moved on from a blogging platfrom and is now a very respectable CMS from which many great websites run. Themes wise, you have a whole host of options, but without knowing the sort of site you are looking to put together it is hard for me to be specific. It also depends whether or not you have a small budget?!

    For free, try looking at WP CODA - or paid you have options at WooThemes|Archive|Business all of which are very easy to customize.

    Shoot me a PM if you need further assistance or clarification.
    • [1] reply
    • Hey nmh,

      PM me, I can help you out. Don't worry about the cost, I just need details.

      Do you have a hosting already? coz we can get it setup with your hosting, Im sure they have a WSYWYG editor which we can tie into.

      Let me know. Thanks

      Kris
  • in 5 minutes you can have a wordpress up and running its a great option
  • Hi,

    Setup a wordpress website. Create pages, not posts. One of the pages you can call "Home" then under settings you tell wordpress to use "Home" as the home page.
    Setting it up like that, Wordpress becomes a website and not a blog.

    Then search Google for "cool wordpress themes" and away you go. One good one for a business is called Frugal. Search for Frugal Theme.

    Cheers

    Max
    • [ 1 ] Thanks
    • [1] reply
    • I'm with Max. If you want something up quickly, WP is the way to go. You can find free Wordpress themes WITHIN WP. Go to the Dashboard, click on APPEARANCE on the far right navigation then click on NEW THEMES. You can search for a theme that is ONE column.

      Keep it simple. Find an uncomplicated theme that has one or two colors. Then you can go in add the pages you need (as Max recommended above). I recently did this for client who is running for school board. We DID include the blog for news feed, but otherwise, it was a simple website. We had this site up in about week from start to finish. On my part, it only took an hour or two.

      Oh, one more thing.. . be sure to download ALL IN ONE SEO as a plugin (on DASHBOARD go to PLUGINS and click on ADD NEW . . search for ALL IN ONE SEO and install). This free plug in is a great help with SEO.

      Let us know what you decide and show off your new site.

      Theresa 8-)
      • [1] reply
  • Joomla is a fantastic option in my opinion.

    Not sure you'll be able to get it up an running today, but you do have greater control over your project once it is up and running.
    • [ 1 ] Thanks
    • [1] reply
    • I agree wordpress is not what you want here .. not for a med or even small sized business. You want a content management system with build in support for forumns, ecommerce login, security, flexibility.

      If you keep using wordpress for everything you do you quickly run into the hammer nail situation.
  • I prefer drupal, never used wordpress
    • [1] reply
    • I use joomla, and it took me about five days to find all the right plugins, extensions and stuff. To be fair though I have a day time job.

      I haven't had a chance yet to try Drupal, but what I've heard is that it's more SEO friendly than Joomla.
  • Try a wordpress blog then and find a template of your choosing?
  • Undeniably, wordpress is the best publishing platform with a focus on aesthetics, web standards, and usability. Continue learning and gather a lot of information as well. Sometimes, it really takes time to create a professional business website depending on your expertise level.

    More power to you.
  • don't know if you are willing to pay, but we can have a design to you in 48 hours, and your home page will only cost 149.99. we pride ourselves on new and small businesses and can be found at crossfirewebsitedesign.com or call us at 866.485.6138

    best of luck to you. if you aren't willing to pay for a site, please disregard this message. take care
  • Well if you want to throw in some money. I would suggest you install a wordpress blog and buy a pro theme from Themeforest. Or else you can also buy HTML template from ThemeForest and then edit it in dreamweaver or anyother HTML editor of your preference.

    Cheers!!!


    Edit:
    I suggested themeforst because it has professional looking themes at very cheap prices.
  • Hello,

    looks like the best solution for you would be a site build on WordPress. You will have the ability not only to edit content yourself but also add pages without any help from programmers. Plus, WordPress is a wonderful tool if you are looking for a dynamic, social site. Search engine and visitors absolutely love it.

    Need to know more details about your project in order to give you a quote. Check our portfolio on esiwebservices.com and feel free to call 972-755-4233 to discuss.



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  • HI all, I was able to buy more time. I just want to use one of the Free Website Template online BUT they all require Photoshop which I don't have. Are there any free business templates that can be used with a regular web editor (HTML) type code. I don't know how to edit photoshop files w/o photoshop. I use WebEditor by Namo as an editor.
  • Well If you don't have photoshop in that case just download its trial version and use that. For PSD template you can search deviantart's website. Or if you just want free website template. Just goto sixrevisions.com. Over there you can find some tutorial on designing and coding web template. And they have also placed the demo coded design freely available for download. You can simply use them to up your site. That way you will have freely coded design and you won't require any photoshop.

    Cheers!!!
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