Hi guys

 

A friend of mine has asked me to help her create a website for her new business as a point of contact and marketing.

 

Her business idea is to create some kind directory for company information so the scope of integrating this directory into the website is there and is a strong possibility.

 

As I haven't seriously coded websites sites since 1st year University 2003 and I have never built from scratch a fully working and accessible website this is, I'm sure you can agree, a difficult task.

 

I'm sure there are ways around my lack of knowledge but I really want to build the skills to become a good designer so I wont to take on this challenge by myself.

 

So where do I start and what should I be thinking about?

 

I'm was going on the lines of a basic HTML site with JavaScript creating dynamic elements and interactive buttons

 

Is this a wise Idea?

 

Also what should I be thinking in regards to the directory which will include possibly 100's of companies?

 

Thanks

Hi guys

 

A friend of mine has asked me to help her create a website for her new business as a point of contact and marketing.

 

Her business idea is to create some kind directory for company information so the scope of integrating this directory into the website is there and is a strong possibility.

 

As I haven't seriously coded websites sites since 1st year University 2003 and I have never built from scratch a fully working and accessible website this is, I'm sure you can agree, a difficult task.

 

I'm sure there are ways around my lack of knowledge but I really want to build the skills to become a good designer so I wont to take on this challenge by myself.

 

So where do I start and what should I be thinking about?

 

I'm was going on the lines of a basic HTML site with JavaScript creating dynamic elements and interactive buttons

 

Is this a wise Idea?

 

Also what should I be thinking in regards to the directory which will include possibly 100's of companies?

 

Thanks

 

I don't know if I am giving the "right" answer, not even know if I am answering your question. I will give you an answer based on my exerience. You say that you like to: "really want to build the skills to become a good designer" thats good but later on you say: "I'm was going on the lines of a basic HTML site with JavaScript creating dynamic elements and interactive buttons" perhaps this is a good idea, but a better idea in my opinion, is not the buttons, javascript not even a basic HTML site.

 

The most important is a good clean and a userfriendly design , and this have nothing to do with the code or buttons you place on the site (again in my humble opinion). what ever you can design (which is the hard part) you can code.

 

//hope my answer is good for something.

 

Azvareth!

It really depends on what you mean by a "directory". What sort of content will it have, what is the target audience, how often will it be updated? Before you even think about coding you need to write up a full specification

I would go for a CMS (content management system) which allows you to design a good website with 0 programming skills. Most of those CMS comes with a Directory module ready to use.

• Joomla
  
• Drupal
  
• Dotnet Nuke
  
• e107
  

these are few opensource CMS that's relased under GPL/GNU License , free to use and modify.

 

Hope this info is useful

Thank You

Nish

I don't know if I am giving the "right" answer, not even know if I am answering your question. I will give you an answer based on my exerience. You say that you like to: "really want to build the skills to become a good designer" thats good but later on you say: "I'm was going on the lines of a basic HTML site with JavaScript creating dynamic elements and interactive buttons" perhaps this is a good idea, but a better idea in my opinion, is not the buttons, javascript not even a basic HTML site.

 

The most important is a good clean and a userfriendly design , and this have nothing to do with the code or buttons you place on the site (again in my humble opinion). what ever you can design (which is the hard part) you can code.

 

//hope my answer is good for something.

 

Azvareth!

 

Thanks for your reply and I understand what your saying.

 

I should focus on usability, accessibility and the functioning of the site rather than on what languages I'm going to use.

 

I shall definately keep that in mind.

 

And feel free to pass on any more advice. I desperately need it!!

 

Cheers

It really depends on what you mean by a "directory". What sort of content will it have, what is the target audience, how often will it be updated? Before you even think about coding you need to write up a full specification

 

The site will be a directory containing information on companies in the midlands area of the UK. These will be any type of company and the info will be a detailed description such as name, address, contact details, link to any website and pictures.

 

I'm guessing its going to need a search facility of some type. And my friend has expressed to me that she would like the search facility to be a progressive one that allows you to brake down the info bit by bit until you find the entry your are looking for or allow you to just browse.

 

The audience will be directed to professionals and businesses but also be usable by everyday consumers.

 

As we are starting very small the site will be regularly updated with info and features.

 

I may have bitten off more than I can chew but what’s life without challenges!?

 

I think the specification will be a smart move but I'm a bit unsure where I should start.

 

Please give any help or pointers!!

I would go for a CMS (content management system) which allows you to design a good website with 0 programming skills. Most of those CMS comes with a Directory module ready to use.

• Joomla
  
• Drupal
  
• Dotnet Nuke
  
• e107
  

these are few opensource CMS that's relased under GPL/GNU License , free to use and modify.

 

Hope this info is useful

Thank You

Nish

 

That sounds great I'll look into it.

 

Will these software allow me to host. And if not what are your suggestions?