Question
I have an account with Ipowerweb and enough space to build anything i want.
They have a oscommerce and agora cart option and they have templates for some storefronts.
But, i want to make mine a little more detailed with links to multiple items while their 8 or 9 offers are plain and the headings don't match my items.
Do I need something like frontpage? Is there something else better? Any recommendations on where to start? I'm pretty new to the web page side but think it is definitely time to stop depending 100% on Ebay.
Answer
Depending on how much you want to learn, there are tons of options. In general, the more you pay for an HTML editor, the more it will do for you. The most basic HTML editor is already on your computer: Notepad.
To get an idea of what you're getting into, browse the Resource Center:
Another option would be to hire someone (there are several people here, so I'm not listing names--I'd leave someone out) who will design a custom template for you for a small fee.
The learning curve might be a bit steep if you do it all yourself, but over the long haul, it's worth every minute.
Edited to add: I don't like FrontPage. Wouldn't waste my money on it. But some people love it and will defend it to the death. *shrug*
Answer
Thanks, I will continue to read through the other posts.
If I can figure it out, I would prefer to do it myself so I have control and will know how to make changes, etc. If that doesn't work out after testing a while, I will look into the option of paying someone else to do it for me.
After alllll the fees I have been giving Ebay, anything is a cheaper alternative than to continue as I have been.
I'm pretty sure increases on the regular site (either for 7 day listings or fvf increases) are just around the corner
Answer
When I first started making web pages, I was trying to do everything in just plain HTML. Then I was introduced to Frontpage and my website building became so much more simplified. It is so easy and simple to use, and combined with a basic knowledge of HTML, you can make some awesome web pages. I know there are a lot of people who don't like FP, but I happen to be one that absolutely loves it.
If you are just starting out and don't know how to use HTML, then I would most definitely suggest FP. That's just my two cents worth.
Have a great day!
Answer
I would actually suggest the opposite -
If you are new & just getting started on web design,
learn the very standard basics of HTML first, that way you have at least a basic understanding of what it is you're doing in FrontPage, DreamWeaver, custom designed template, etc ... There are several "standard HTML tags" references in the Web Design resources, so definitely at least familiarize yourself with those, and I think you'll then find using a WYSIWYG-type editor that much easier & faster, if thats the route you go.
And GOOD LUCK with it! it's a difficult and tedious but extremely rewarding process making and maintaining your own website, particularly one you hope to use for profit. You'll be so proud of yourself once you get going and start accomplishing things More power to 'ya!
~ gem ~
Answer
I am familiar with html. I have made templates, a custom storefront on Ebay etc.
It's the "whole" website thing that I am finding intimidating...shopping cart, entering data etc. Plus I will need both categories for the home page and subcategories on subsecquent pages.
Answer
Talk about a "Newbie" I am IT!!!!! I have worked with html before but what I need to know (please overlook my stupidity) is the domain name/website parking, etc. stuff. This is greek to me.
Can you share some ideas of how and where are the best places to register your domain name and host sites? I know some offer everything you need to register and get started. One I checked into is called DREAMHOST. Is this a good one, are there better ones. How and where to get started would be really helpful. I want to move my merchandise OFF eBay into my own Store.
I haved already hired GEM to do a banner for me (she does wonderful work). Now I just need a place to use it.
Answer
Godaddy. Use FTP or a web composer to build your pages. Opt for the smallest package. It is about $47.00 for one year. That includes your domain name.
Answer
If you have Mozilla, it comes with Netscapes's Composer on it for doing webpages.
I like to use EasyHTML when redoing webpages EasyHTML
Click on the box at the bottom. It used to be free, but it is now $19.95 a year for that and all the other ones on the site. Well worth it though.
But if you are looking at shopping carts, and want something with a lot of options that are easy to do, you will have to go with a host that has something more comprehensive that oscommerce, cube cart or agora cart. You may need to use one that has something like Miva Merchant. That will cost more, but it is a much better shopping cart if you are needed many tax differences for different counties etc.
I am redoing my site in Cubecart and like it very much. It is a bit restrictive on the tax area, especially since I am in Canada, but I am simply going to make 3 mirror sites for different geographic zones. If you are in the US and basically selling to US customers, it should do the job for you fine.
Its easy to customize the php pages. There is a great forum for it here Cubecart with lots of help from people on how to alter the cart to your specs. I just purchased a mod from someone for adding a comment box to my products that will carry through right to the checkout.
Jill
Answer
I have four websites right now with b-one.net. They are very reasonably priced depending on how much space you want. I have all my sites for only 1.45 a month per site. That inclides 125mb of web space. It costs $45.00 to set up a new site, then you just pay yearly. Check them out:
b-one.net