Help-Trying to build a wesite and overwhelmed with program options

[identitieshelp]

I own an Embroidery & screen printing business and am trying to put together a website I currently have the latest Macromedia Suite Software but am looking for something simpler to use. Any suggestions??? Any help would be GREATLY appreciated!!!!
:p

[koots]

dreamweaver is about as easy as you are going to get. Have you thought about out sourcing your website? Not to put you down but how much time are you going to invest trying to get your website up?

[identitieshelp]

I have thought about it my problem is that I will need it updated every month with new promotions and that months designs-so I am concerned with the cost of the maintenance and was hoping it was something I would be able to do myself. I don't think that would be an option if I outsourced the job would it?

[koots]

You could look at a content management system. You would be able to make changes with basic email skills. Content management systems cost a little more than a regular website. But over time it will cost you much less if you want to make updates on a regular basis. The problem with designing a website yourself is if you do not have much design experience and you make your website. It might push people away if things don’t look that nice…

[identitieshelp]

I am a graphic designer and I think the problem is that I want too much! I want all of the flash bells and whistles without the work- I would also be wanting to change graphic images and add new designs to the art department link would I still be able to do this with the content mangement system you were suggesting? As far as having someone to create my site I don't have a clue who to go to.

[koots]

If i understand what you are trying to do, here is an example of something i did for a customer. They were a car dealer and were adding and subtracting images and descriptions every day in normal html. We made it so can can go in and add and subtract cars with descriptions at the click of a button. Saved him hours a week. Upload picture, type description, and submitt. Done... Basically if you can think it up it can be done.

[identitieshelp]

I'm sorry I must be really dumb today because I don't know where you were refering to when you said here is an example.
Please explain.
Thanks

[KDLA]

He/She's referring to a content management system.

If you don't want to learn code, you need to use one of those. If you want to do it yourself, you need to learn code. Don't rely on Dreamweaver (or Photoshop or Fireworks or any other program) to do it for you. You can create a fantastic site using only Notepad and an image editor.

KDLA

[BrandonYork721]

If you do indeed learn HTML,CSS,ect on your own i would suggest starting out in notepad. That way you really understand how to code things, making identifying a problem MUCH easier.

[littlened]

I agree with above, you really need a content management system.

If your a graphic designer then you could design the look of the site yourself, and then pay a programmer like myself to chop your design up and put it together as a HTML file, then build an administrative interface which you could then use to add/edit content on your website.

The ability to upload your own images to certain sections of your website is not a problem at all.

You really are best writing down your ideas, specifically what you want your website to do, and ask a programmer to look over what you have and he/she should be able to point out any problems that may arise.

Personally I don't feel you'll have any problem getting a content management system to do specifically what you need, and the fact that your a graphic designer should only benefit you as it should reduce the total cost.

Let me know if you need any advice.

[loon]

I am a graphic designer and I think the problem is that I want too much! I want all of the flash bells and whistles without the work- I would also be wanting to change graphic images and add new designs to the art department link would I still be able to do this with the content mangement system you were suggesting? As far as having someone to create my site I don't have a clue who to go to.

As marketing point of view, i would suggest don't put to much flash in your site as it will slow down your load page. The standard load page is between 8 to 10 seconds don't go more than that.

But since your are graphic designer, i would suggest put flash or graphic in different page so that it would cause too long for load page...