Regardless of what kind of program you use to create your pages, you will want to learn a little bit about how to code HTML (c'mon it's not that hard!). You may need some basic HTML knowledge to be able to properly insert advertisements into your page. Begin with HTML for Beginners (continue with HTML Goodies for more tips).

When you begin creating pages, use web address names for each of your pages that are concise and convenient. It's usually best to have your main page end in "index.html", with sub-pages titled with short, descriptive words.

Most advertisers don't want personal home pages, so avoid anything like guest books, fancy hit counters, "cutesy" artwork, and any unnecessary "toys." I recommend using an invisible hit counter, like the free one available from The Counter that tracks visitor statistics.

Big No-No's in Site Design:

• Anything that blinks, flashes, rolls, scrolls, etc.: It's just tacky, plus you don't want anything that detracts from your advertising banners!
• Busy backgrounds: Keep your background a solid color, preferable white or a light color (with black or dark text).
• Too many fonts: Try to stick to just one font, or use two fonts that are similar.
• Sounds of ANY kind: If you feel that sounds are really appropriate to your site, make sure they are user-selective only, not automatic.
• Pop-up windows: There is NEVER a good reason for these.
• Any other fancy tricks unless they are necessary (and they probably aren't!).
• Pages that are "under construction": If the page lacks any valuable content, then just don't put it up until it does.

Make it simple for your visitors to navigate your site. Don't force them to keep returning to your home page to see everything. Every page should have a link to each of your other pages. The link style that I'm using at the bottom of these pages is pretty universal.

When referring to other links, don't show the web address (URL). Instead, explain what the site is about and place some clickable key words in the text. Code these so that a new browser pops up--you don't want visitors to leave your site (except via your advertisements!).