Website Design Software (Step 3)

You decide which software to help you create a website that fits your needs

With so many design software packages out there, trying to choose the right tool to build your own website can be difficult when you are first starting out. This page gives you pointers on which one may be right for you.

Already have your own design software you will be using? See choosing a web host that won't break your wallet.

If you are new to website creation and thinking of using web site design software that is included in a hosting program (many hosting companies call it website tonight), I have found from my personal experience that I don't recommend using these software tools because:

• Must use their template for pages
• Very limited number of pages (5 or 10)
• Not search engine friendly
• Can only put images and content where template allows
• If hosting company is down, you can not work on your website
• Many have their ads on your web pages
• Even with tutorials, once you go "live" on the net, you are on your own
• To many additional charges (traffic monitor, eCommerce, submits your site to search engines)

Blue Voda (free web building software)

I used this program and it is very easy to use. Just because it is simple to use, don't think that it lacks in helping you build a great site. Even though this is free, they have hundreds of templates for your pages with an easy drop and drag method. The video tutorials help you in building your own website. You can customize each page from the menu to a different look at each page. If you want to build a site with each page having the same template, you just copy the template and you can start on a new page. This software also has a keyword research tool built in. You type the keyword that you want, when list shows, a couple of clicks of the mouse, copy the keywords into your website. There is no limit to the number of pages that you are able to create with this and publish to the internet.

You must use VodaHost for your hosting company if you use bluevoda web builder software. But don't worry as Vodahost is very affordable. See my web hosting comparisons chart to look at pricing and what Vodahost provides.

The website says that it you can "build your own website in 30 minutes". If it is a few pages, you probably could.

Download blue voda

Site Build It (US $299. per year)

If you don't have any web design experience, the video and written tutorials (take a look at the video or written Site Build It action guide) lead you step-by-step from deciding on your site theme (niche) to helping you generating traffic. Beginners will have no problems creating a website as this helps you create a website by using drop and drag. You may think that the price tag on this package is high but the website design tools that are built into this software can not be compared to any other software for web site building as this is a build-into-one-all-inclusive-tool.

Whether you are looking to create an affiliate, small business, eCommerce, information, practitioner, church, Christian or any other type of website, this website builder can not be beat for the price or the tools included.

When you go to their home page, it states: "Why build just a Web Site? Build a Web Site that Works" and by using SBI you will have a site that works!

Helps find your niche:

• Marketing Research (profitable niche or not)
• Keyword Research
• Search engine optimization tools
• Web Hosting included
• You choose and they register your own domain
• Don't need to know HTML
• Step by step tutorials (written, videos, forum just to name a few)
• 100% risk free trial

Still skeptical? No web host or design software can compete with the power of this program. Take a look at the only outcome that really counts.

This software is not just for a small business site. Everyday people are building informational, how to, hobby and many different other types of websites. Even better you can build a profitable website with Site Build It, but you must follow the tutorials as they will help you achieve your goal. So why build just a good site on the web, when you can create a great one with SBI!

Take me to Site Build It!

XSite Pro (version 1.54, $197.00)

When I first found this website design software, I thought it was kind of expensive and after trying to compare it to others I realized I could not. After reading the features it has, the help forum, the tutorial videos, and a one-year money back guarantee, I decided to give it a try. See my XSitePro review

I was not disappointed. There are so many features it is hard to say exactly which one is the best. I used XSitePro to build this site. This software is so easy to use, that before I knew it, I had "made" 40 pages for this web site. Then realized, Wait, I have to have content for each page. :)

This program is very search engine friendly as it has a search engine optimization area and with a click of the mouse it will show you how search engine optimized each page is and it builds a sitemap for you. (see get traffic page).

Once you get your hosting, you put the information you receive from your hosting company into the publishing details and with a click of the mouse you publish to the internet.

If you are looking for an affiliate website builder this has all the tools that you need to help you add your affiliate id with a click of the mouse using the affiliate wizard.

Wanting to add Google adsense to your pages. Couldn't be easier as this has a tool to insert your adsense account information and it takes care of the rest.

Take a look at this video and see The "7 Reasons Why You Need XSitePro Now!"

Dreamweaver CS3 (Retail US$399.)

I found this program very difficult to master. For creating dynamic websites it is an industry leader in the website design software arena, but my experience is that a beginner can get lost in the tutorials (even though they are very good). You need to have a good grasp on HTML, if you are looking for drop and drag and be able to design a website within a week or less then this product would not be for you. With such a hefty price tag, beginners could start out with something a little cheaper, then work their way up to using it. If you would like to download the free trial you will need to create an adobe account when you reach their website. It is free.

Take me to Adobe products to download free trial

Microsoft Frontpage: (Retail US$299)

After being an award-winning Web tool for nine years, Microsoft discontinued Frontpage in late 2006. Since Microsoft did not want to be left out of the web design software business they introduced a new software called Expression Web. Qualifying Frontpage customers can upgrade to Expression Web. This software has all the power of Frontpage with many new extras to keep up with the every changing internet. Retail $299.00, Upgrade $99.00.

Download free trial of Microsoft Expression Web.

Coffeecup Software: (Starts at US $129.)

Having been around since 1996, this program is recommended for the ease of use. When you buy their software, you will get free upgrades and support for life. The two most popular programs are the HTML Editor and Flash Form Builder. Not sure about whether this software would be what you need, you can ask users (from Ireland, US, Great Britain, Finland, Brazil, Canada and many more countries) questions about the software.

Teachers: Coffeecup software donates free software for classroom use to elementary and secondary public schools and public libraries K-12 public schools and you can receive free hosting with Lunarpages.

Download free trial