How do I update my website?
Suggested Software:
- HTML Editors - These glorified text-editors allow you to create and update your website.
- FTP Clients - This will allow you to transfer your new creation to a web server so the world can see it.
Before Editing Anything
The most important thing to know is, attempting to make even simple changes to the text of your site destroy its layout if you don't know what you are doing.
Its not about what software or other tools you use to make or update the site, its about having the skills required. Once you have these, the tools and software will be easy to find. Many professional web designers don't use any of the specialty editor software, they just use a plain text editor such as Notepad.
It is highly recommended that anyone wanting to edit a website buy a book or take an online tutorial in HTML and CSS editing, as well as find out a bit about FTP transfers and how the clients interact with the server to view the page.
Know What You Are Getting Into
There are both good and bad aspects to editing your own website. As with learning any new skill, it can be a rewarding experience, you will be able to update the site whenever you want, and it can save you money. However, updates can take longer than having a professional do them, and you run the risk of breaking the layout of your site (ie, making it look strange or unattractive).
If you do wish to edit your site, it is recommended to learn as much as you can about the whole process. In the long run, it will make everything you do on the site faster and easier, with less chance of errors.
See our webdesign tips for some common problems to avoid.