5 Lessons Learned By a Young Webmaster

November 21, 2007; 05:06 AM

Once you read these tips, you should be equipped with the knowledge to make a successful start in web development. These can be found at the Informative Post tips for webmasters!

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1. What do you want from your position as being a web developer?

Ask yourself this question. If you answer money, just forget about it. I am not saying there isn't a way to make good money in web design; I am just saying you need more fuel in your fire than just money to keep your ambition. Before you think about getting into this, make sure that you don't mind sitting at a computer 8 hours during work, and then come home and spend another 4 or 5 hours on your home computer. It can't be something forced, you must want to do it!

2. Choose a Niche that Interests You

When brainstorming ideas about building your website, don't just think about what could bring you in the most cash. That often leads to disappointment in the beginning and later abandoning the site. Think about a topic that you could be considered an "expert" in. You want your visitors to understand that you know what you are talking about, and you aren't just posting some crap on a site, and throwing ads all over it. Just make sure you pick something that you know you would be interested next year too.

3. Learn Server-Side, Database, CSS, and JavaScript Languages

Server-side languages, such as ASP and PHP, could be grouped along with a databasing language like MySQL, MSSQL, or Oracle, because they are your rock when it comes to dynamic content. If you are willing to learn a server-side language, it will severely cripple your ability to build great websites. Also, CSS is very handy to style your website, and take the clutter out of your HTML pages. Then we come to JavaScript. This is a client side language that can really bring a desktop feel to your website. All of these languages have tons of books written about them, and I highly recommend you learn ALL of them!

4. If You Can't Do It, Pay Someone Who Can

This is an important lesson, because let's face it, if you are a programming, there is not much room in your head for design creativity. I can't make a good looking logo if my life depended on it, but I can pay someone to do it for me. You may shy away from this, but I promise you, you will waste more money in failed attempts to design crappy looking logos than if you would just pay an artist.

5. Design a Strong Foundation and Architecture on Paper

If you just start making folders and throwing files everywhere without some structure and/or plan, you will end up with a server full of junk that no one would ever want to sort through. When I start a new site, I normally create a few standard folders; documentation, api, images, includes, Javascript pages, and scripts. This is just what I do; you can do whatever you are most comfortable with, but be mindful of the future of your site.

One last thing that I would like to add, is I wanted to express extra importance on using good tools to help you during web development. Using the right tools can make your efforts increase exponentially. If any of you have ever use Dreamweaver , you know how powerful it is.