I have a concept for a new website. And I was wondering what one should have ready before approching a web designer to create the site. This will be a new site from scrath.  

When frustrated remember, in the computer world there is almost always a backdoor.

I think it will vary based on the designer.

If you came to me, the first thing I'm going to ask you is what is your site for?  What do you want it to do?  What do you need it to provide and to whom?

In other words, I'm going to be asking about the functionality and purpose before asking how you want it to look and what pretty colors or graphics you want to use.

I would encourage you to think through both parts, what you want it to do and what you think it might look like in rough terms (edgy or conservative? etc.).  Often the more thought you can bring to the table the better the collective end product can be.

HTH.

 

I would also encourage to have copy(text)/images ready. It is very frustrating as a designer to build the expectant website them wait weeks and or months for content.

Have a look at these two:
http://www.dazines.co.uk/articles/2008/sep/communicating-with-your-web-designer.php
http://www.chromaticsites.com/web-design-blog/2008-01-22/12-steps-to-creating-a-professional-web-design/

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Drive a Steam Roller
Steam Engine Prints

Hello web people,

Could I get some suggestions on webpage design programs?  I have had some experience, just a touch really, of Frontpage, HTML, Frontpage Express, Word, Publisher.  I ask for a couple of reasons:  1.  In the Publisher forum, there are more and more questions about trying to do things with Publisher webpages (No need to say it...I certainly wouldn't use it for the web)  Those of us who use Publisher know it's not the best tool for the web.  2.  Personal and professional interest.  I manage a little community service and the agency has a webpage that I just ignore for now that is actually a Publisher web page.  It's maintained by a lovely 80 year old lady, I kid you not.  I would like to get a new site and when we do, I want to make sure it's done in a program that's easy to use and understand.

Any useful suggestions welcome.

M

For straight HTML, PHP or ASP I use Programmers Notepad - see http://www.pnotepad.org/

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'If we're supposed to work in Hex, why have we only got A fingers?'
Drive a Steam Roller  

I'm not a profressional web developer - I just maintain a couple of sites on my own account. I used FrontPage 2000 for years, and hated it. I finally got round to looking for something better.

I now use Microsoft Visual Web Developer Express. It's way better than FrontPage - not to mention Word and Publisher. I wouldn't recommend it for someone who wants to create an entire site visually, but for those who prefer to code by hand with occasional WYSIWYG tools, I think it's pretty good.

Just my EUR0.02 worth.

Mike

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Mike Lewis (Edinburgh, Scotland)

My Visual FoxPro site: www.ml-consult.co.uk
 

I would agree with the comments above, after ensuring purpose, audience and required functionality were clear, I would also recommend having copy text ready.

Regarding web tools, have a look at the following:
- CushyCMS (http://www.cushycms.com/)
- SeaMonkey Composer (http://www.seamonkey-project.org/doc/features#composer)


 

Clive
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"To err is human, but to really foul things up you need a computer." (Paul Ehrlich)
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