Web Page Creation: Design, Structure, and Optimization

Creating an Effective Home Page

Once you have selected the content and structure of your website, it is crucial to understand how to effectively combine text and images to create an attractive site that draws in visitors. Keep in mind that design is merely a vehicle for presenting your content, which is ultimately what matters most. Both concepts must be balanced. Avoid saying too little with poor execution or having a visually appealing design with meaningless content. You may also encounter pages overloaded with pretty pictures that take minutes to download. A page that takes longer than 15 seconds to load will likely not be very user-friendly. Visitors prefer to go elsewhere.

Reading extensive text on a computer screen is uncomfortable and not recommended for our eyes. Before including lengthy text, it is advisable to distribute it across multiple pages or break it into smaller, digestible pieces. You can use simple lines or small, relevant graphics to break up the text's continuity. In short, it is preferable to use short paragraphs that clearly highlight the idea you want to convey.

Images

Any website will contain images and other multimedia components, such as Flash animations or sounds. Images have the disadvantage of adding "weight" to pages, potentially slowing them down. Using them in a balanced and moderate manner is key. Browsers support many image types, and it is useful to understand the advantages and disadvantages of each format to ensure the images on your site are optimized to the fullest.

Website Design

It is recommended to first create a table and then, within that table, write the text and add images.

Table Features

• Tables should not exceed 800 x 600 pixels in size.
• Remove table lines for a cleaner, more aesthetically pleasing look.
• Assign colors to cells to add variety.
• If you encounter issues placing images in the desired location, adjust their properties.

CARLOS HAYA IES Building Computer Room Web Pages

Creating Links

To create a link from one page to another or to an external website, first select the text or image you want to use as the anchor for the link. Right-click and choose "Hyperlink." In the designated area, enter the name of the page or the address of the website you want to link to.

Example: The navigation bar should be present on each page of your website.

You can also add your email address as a contact point. Simply type your email address, press "Enter," and a smart program will automatically recognize it as an email link.

Naming the Home Page

Save your home page in HTML format with the name "index.htm."

Publishing Your Website

To publish your website, you will need an internet service provider (ISP) that offers an internet connection. You will also need a place to host (publish) your website. In some cases, your ISP may provide hosting services. If not, you can utilize free hosting options.