I've been making websites since I was 7 years old and I've always made sure that I didn't make the site a chore that I hated doing!

Step 1 - A Host

Your site will need a host. A host is a company or person which puts your site on a server with many other sites which they host. Most hosts cost money, especially if you want your own personal domain (www.yoursite.com/co.uk etc.), and you don't get any ads. Free hosts may have popups and adds which appear on your site, (unless you're having a sub-domain, which you don't need to worry about at the moment) But if you're just starting, i would highly reccomend you get a free host to get you started. Sign up with one below:

• http://www.geocities.com (With HTML + Non HTML)
• http://www.freewebs.com (With HTML + Non HTML)


• http://www.angelfire.com (With HTML)
• http://www.matmice.com (Non HTML)

Stage 2 - Choosing

If you haven't already, now you need to choose what type of site you would like and what you want to call it. Here are some different types of websites:

• Graphics (Offers mainly graphics and resources)
• Doll (Offers mainly "dollies" and graphics)
• Blog (Personal blogs are like online diaries, except everybody can read them)
• Clique (Offers mainly cliques)
• Fanlisting (A site for people to join if they are a fan of the person/item the website is based on.)
• Directory (A site full of links to other sites, mainly to gain hits)

My site is a doll site, i offer graphics and dolls and resources.

Now you have chosen, you need to choose a name for your site. The more unique the better. Have a go at brainstorming or ask some friends and see what you come up with!


Stage 3 - HTML and Layouts

HTML, or HyperText Markup Language, is the "language" used on every website to structure the pages. It is reccommended you learn HTML so you can customize your website as much as possible. It's not like learning a "language" such as French or German, but sometimes it does take a while to get the hang of. The first site I used to start learning the basics of HTML is LissaExplains.com.

Now that you've started learning HTML, you might want to create a layout to show your website in the best way possible! If you have a graphics program and know what you're doing, go ahead and make one! Your layout could be iFrames, Divs, Tables etc. but for starters I would do whatever your familiar with. If you do not know how to make a layout, many people offer free layouts, so search around and find one you like! Now use your host and build some pages! Maybe something about you or about the site!


Stage 4 - Advertising and Tools:

Now to make your site known you will need to make a link button. The most popular sized button to use is probably 88x31 pixels. You can use this button to advertise your site on other websites, or to put on plugboards. You can also leave messages on tagboards with a link to your site.

You may also want to add some cool features to your site such as:

• Guestbook/Tagboard/Shoutbox - people can leave a message (you can get one here.)
• Hits Counter - shows how many visitors you're getting (you can get one here.)
  Plugboard - used so visitors can plug their site (you can get one here.)
• Extras - extra little things you may want (you can get here.)

Stage 5 - Finally...

I hope you enjoy making your site! Remember never to: direct link/hotlink without permission, steal, or be rude. It's so easy now to get a bad reputation so try and be as polite (but not fake) as possible! Have fun!