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How to Build a Career in Web Page Design

by Christine Margiotta

  • Overview

    A career in web page design requires a delicate balance between visual design and technology know-how. Knowing how to write HTML is just as important as knowing how to set up print and graphics in an aesthetically pleasing way. Web designers also possess a keen business sense, incorporating e-commerce tools into the web sites they design to increase visitors.

  • Get the skills you need to design web pages

 

  • Step 1

    Learn HTML. Hypertext markup language (HTML) lies behind the color, text, visual elements and layout of beautifully designed Web sites. HTML dictates everything from where to place specific design elements to the size of text. Knowing how to write and troubleshoot HTML is a basic web design skill.

  • Step 2

    Practice creating layouts, assigning colors, placing graphics and writing content within Web design software such as Microsoft ExpressionWeb, SharePoint Designer, Adobe GoLive or another Web design software program.

  • Step 3

    Develop your code capabilities by learning JavaScript, CSS (cascading style sheets), SQL (structured query language), and ASP (application service provider). Knowing these codes and programs will add to your versatility and employability.

  • Step 4

    Learn to create and operate web site components such as Flash elements, video and blogs to add interactivity and social networking components to your Web sites.

  • Step 5

    Enroll in college courses, a degree or a certificate program in web design. The individualized training is worth the expense and a wise investment in your budding career as a web page designer.

  • Develop your web design business skills

    • Step 1

      Design a Web site that will help you showcase your knowledge and expertise as a web designer. The Web site should communicate your skills and expertise but remain readable and clean.

    • Step 2

      Learn to create and operate web site components such as Flash elements, video and blogs to add interactivity and social networking components to your web sites.

    • Step 3

      Practice your web design skills by designing sites for friends and family before fully advertising your services. Being able to link to other web sites you have designed will be a source of references for potential customers.
    • 4
    • Computer Internet access Web design and editing software such as Microsoft Expression Web, Sharepoint Designer or Adobe GoLive
    • Computer
    • Internet access
    • Web design and editing software such as Microsoft Expression Web, Sharepoint Designer or Adobe GoLive
    • Check your Web site software for compatibility and make sure it has the most current features possible based on what you can afford. While Microsoft FrontPage can get the job done, it is slowly being phased out. For that reason, be sure to upgrade to a newer web site editing program. Familiarize yourself with web domains so you can assist clients with the purchasing of Web site names. Practice organizing Web site content so that site visitors can find what they need in less than three mouse clicks, and never have to scroll through more than two or three screens of information.
    • Check your Web site software for compatibility and make sure it has the most current features possible based on what you can afford. While Microsoft FrontPage can get the job done, it is slowly being phased out. For that reason, be sure to upgrade to a newer web site editing program.
    • Familiarize yourself with web domains so you can assist clients with the purchasing of Web site names.
    • Practice organizing Web site content so that site visitors can find what they need in less than three mouse clicks, and never have to scroll through more than two or three screens of information.
    • Shy away from flashy gadgets and gizmos on Web sites that deliver more novelty than function. Flashing banners and sites cluttered with ads are more turn-offs than traffic-generators. Perform market research to determine how much you should charge for your services.
    • Shy away from flashy gadgets and gizmos on Web sites that deliver more novelty than function. Flashing banners and sites cluttered with ads are more turn-offs than traffic-generators.
    • Perform market research to determine how much you should charge for your services.
       
       
     
     

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