We've all surfed the web and seen some awful web sites. Sites that never completely loaded. Sites with too many photos. Sites with no easy way to find what you wanted. Another way a site looks bad is when each page looks different. You're not even sure you're at the same site. It doesn't have to be that way. Templates are the solution.

A template is a web page showing the basic elements of how you want the site to look. The navigation bar, title, banner, and copyright information are all there on each page. All that's missing is the content. You can pay someone to do your site, but this costs more money. If you have a template to start with, all you need to do is add your content.

You can buy a template already created. Find a company with templates for sale, choose the look you want, and change it a little to make the look your own. Here are two template companies; (www.lcpeterson.com/s/websiterecipe.htm & www.lcpeterson.com/s/templatestore.htm). Choose a template and simply change the content and pictures to suit your needs. You can also pay companies to create an original template for you. Don't want to create your own art work? There are numerous clipart and photo sites available. Remember, a web site look can be created from scratch; or, use a template made by someone else and change it to suit yourself.

If you want to do it yourself you will need a HTML editor. What HTML editor to use? I suggest DreamWeaver. It is expensive but if you want to create web sites for yourself and others this HTML editor is the best one. Remember, teachers and students can get educational discounts when buying. If you have never worked with HTML expect to spend some time learning and experimenting. Many free editors exist but I haven't found them useful. If you aren't sure, try a simple program such as Serif makes then move up to a more professional package. Web Monkey is great site for more web site creation information.

The main advantage of using a template is to maintain the same look and feel throughout the site so your visitors always know where they are. A new page can quickly be added without having to start from scratch. Professional web site developers use templates. Tip: always keep an original copy of the template.

Your web site's look is one of your most important decisions. Don't reinvent the wheel. Every time you need a new web page use your original template, make the necessary changes. This is the easiest way to a great looking web site your customers will love.