Needing more knowledge

[AroundTokyo]

I started my website about 2 months ago, and have just basically been bumbling along. I know enough how to put stuff on my site, but it hardly looks very professional. My object is not to make money with this, but just to provide a free service to those who have the same interests as I do. But in order to do that, I think I have to become a little more professional or at least knowledgeable about making a good website.

I know I use Sitebuilder, but that is about it. How should I be aiming to improve my site? I want it to become more functional, so do I need to learn HTML? There are just so many things I want for my site, but I just lack the knowledge. Can anyone help me with where I need to go next please?

[cumro25]

No replies! Maybe 'cos you have not given enough info: Free service for what? what is your websites address?

[AroundTokyo]

Originally Posted by cumro25

No replies! Maybe 'cos you have not given enough info: Free service for what? what is your websites address?

Hi Cumro25, thanks for your reply. The address is http://aroundtokyo.net just something to promote tourism in Tokyo. As I mentioned I have so very little knowledge about programming it`s getting to be a little embarrassing. It would be greatly appreciated if you could have a look and make any suggestions

[vsaxena]

Oh Lord. The design is, in my opinion, atrocious. But my first design was pretty bad too (hell, my current one also sucks, lol). I would switch to Wordpress if I were you. Just pick a theme and use some plugins/widgets to make it work.

And yeah, learning HTML and CSS is kind of essential. Without those two, you'll have to hire people to make the most minute adjustments. I'd also get a little PHP training too. I can't program PHP, but I understand basic programming logic enough that I can, well, make things happen.

Sorry if my answer seems vague. I'm not much of the teacher-type of person. My final recommendation tho is to switch to Wordpress. You can do a one-click install, and it's really easy to learn. Buy a book and play around and you can come up with some very neat stuff.

[AroundTokyo]

Originally Posted by vsaxena

Oh Lord. The design is, in my opinion, atrocious. But my first design was pretty bad too (hell, my current one also sucks, lol). I would switch to Wordpress if I were you. Just pick a theme and use some plugins/widgets to make it work.

And yeah, learning HTML and CSS is kind of essential. Without those two, you'll have to hire people to make the most minute adjustments. I'd also get a little PHP training too. I can't program PHP, but I understand basic programming logic enough that I can, well, make things happen.

Sorry if my answer seems vague. I'm not much of the teacher-type of person. My final recommendation tho is to switch to Wordpress. You can do a one-click install, and it's really easy to learn. Buy a book and play around and you can come up with some very neat stuff.

This is the first time I`ve heard the atrocious and been HAPPY to hear it! Thanks very much Vsaxena, I honestly appreciate it. I feel like I`m getting pointed in the right direction now.

However, would you mind being a little bit more specific though? What particular part is atrocious? Just one or two pointers would be really appreciated.

Thanks again!
AroundTokyo

[redsox9]

I don't know whether "atrocious" is the right word. Certainly the design is pretty "blah" but I have seen some eye sores over the last 15-20 years.

I concur with the person who stated that Wordpress may be the best option for what you are doing. If you plan to make frequent updates, then it makes sense to use content management system (CMS) software like WP for this. There are also a lot of free themes available online that would suit your needs. You can search for these through the WP dashboard interface.

In addition, having some basic understanding of HTML and CSS is a must only because it gives you greater flexibility in crafting the design of the site. Having that and using WP should be enough for you to develop a site that is not only easier for you to manage but has greater appeal to your visitors.

[AroundTokyo]

Originally Posted by redsox9

I don't know whether "atrocious" is the right word. Certainly the design is pretty "blah" but I have seen some eye sores over the last 15-20 years.

I concur with the person who stated that Wordpress may be the best option for what you are doing. If you plan to make frequent updates, then it makes sense to use content management system (CMS) software like WP for this. There are also a lot of free themes available online that would suit your needs. You can search for these through the WP dashboard interface.

In addition, having some basic understanding of HTML and CSS is a must only because it gives you greater flexibility in crafting the design of the site. Having that and using WP should be enough for you to develop a site that is not only easier for you to manage but has greater appeal to your visitors.

Thanks very much Redsox9, I really do appreciate your advice!

[AroundTokyo]

I`ve decided to install Wordpress this coming weekend. Just a couple of questions though.

1) Once it is installed do I have to type in all the pages of my website again?

2) The photographs that I uploaded to Hostgator`s servers for use on my current website, can I use them on Wordpress? or will I need to upload them again?

Thanks again for any answers,
AroundTokyo

[freeman]

Originally Posted by AroundTokyo

Hi Cumro25, thanks for your reply. The address is http://aroundtokyo.net just something to promote tourism in Tokyo. As I mentioned I have so very little knowledge about programming it`s getting to be a little embarrassing. It would be greatly appreciated if you could have a look and make any suggestions

It is not the best design but i like your website 100 times more than all WordPress, Joomla etc, just because your design is original, unique.

What is the point of some users to ask for their website design if they have installed a WordPress?

I loved Internet how was before all those WordPress, Joomla, Forums etc.
Was simple and original.

P.S. Don't destroy your website installing a WordPress, after your be just another "sheep" in WordPress' "flock".

Regards,
George B.

[wesslayneb]

AroundTokyo I strongly suggest installing WordPress. Like others have said you can find tons of themes and in some cases customize the theme to your liking. WordPress will allow you to post updates quickly and with no HTML editing. And do not listen to freeman, WordPress is a website and your design and content will be yours. I started years ago working with Joomla and in the need to expand my website I learned CSS, JavaScript, jQuery, PHP, and HTML.

To answer your questions:
1. Yes, once you install wordpress you will need to repost all of your prior content.
2. As long as they remain on your server you can easily link to them via the html <img> tag or I am sure that WordPress has a WYSIWYG editor that will allow you to add images from any link.

[AroundTokyo]

Originally Posted by wesslayneb

AroundTokyo I strongly suggest installing WordPress. Like others have said you can find tons of themes and in some cases customize the theme to your liking. WordPress will allow you to post updates quickly and with no HTML editing. And do not listen to freeman, WordPress is a website and your design and content will be yours. I started years ago working with Joomla and in the need to expand my website I learned CSS, JavaScript, jQuery, PHP, and HTML.

To answer your questions:
1. Yes, once you install wordpress you will need to repost all of your prior content.
2. As long as they remain on your server you can easily link to them via the html <img> tag or I am sure that WordPress has a WYSIWYG editor that will allow you to add images from any link.

Hi, and thanks for your advice I actually changed over to Wordpress a couple of weeks ago and haven`t regretted it at all. I`ve found it much easier to use than Plesk Sitebuilder and far more versatile (that`s from a newb`s point of view though).

I bought a theme from the Theme Foundry which I think is absolutely fantastic. Currently I`m just building up content not having made any changes to how the site looks at all. Once I get a lot more content up, I might start changing the look of the site.

Thanks again, and if you want to have a look the new address is http://aroundtokyo.net/blog.

[wesslayneb]

Your welcome if you ever need any advice or help feel free to pm or email me.

[satnav]

You might also try using a different template that might look more professional that what you have before. That's what others did when things come worse.