Even if you are not experienced in HTML (Hypertext Markup Language), you can find helpful programs which will assist you in your design efforts. Trust me, it is not as difficult as it may seem to be.

Here are a few tips for finding software to meet your small, or home-based and company business's needs.

Know Your Options

When it comes to web site creation software, there are three types to choose from: Text editors, HTML editors, and WYSIWYG editors.

Text editors, which are basically any word processing program such as Word or Notepad, require extensive HTML knowledge.

Text Editors -

NoteTab Light (Freeware) http://www.notetab.com/download.htm

Metapad 3.5 (Freeware) http://www.liquidninja.com/metapad/

TextEd 3.1 (Freeware) http://www.greenhousemm.com/site/index.html

EDXOR 1.60 (Freeware) http://members.ozemail.com.au/~nulifetv/freezip/freeware/edxor.htm

SuperEdi 3.2 (Freeware) http://www.wolosoft.com/en/superedi/

HTML editors are much like text editors except they include additional features to aid inexperienced users, such as color-coded tags and pre-prepared CGI and Java scripts. If you have little or no experience with HTML, an HTML editor is a better choice. Here are some simple freeware choices.

HTML Editors - 

HTML Kit (Freeware) http://www.chami.com/html-kit/download/

Web-O-Rama (Donationware) http://www.kevingunn.com/weborama.htm

Webmaster 3.2 (Freeware)
http://www.html-helper.com/viewapp.asp?program=webmaster

Stone's WebWriter 3.5 (Free for personal use) http://www.webwriter.dk/english/index.htm

AceHTML 5.08.1 (Freeware)
http://freeware.acehtml.com/download.html

WYSIWYG, which stands for What You See is What You Get, programs like FrontPage or DreamWeaver allow you to design the pages' appearance without writing code. You pick what you want and the program automatically generates the code. Here are some professional picks with upgrades and support.

WYSIWYG Editors -

Dreamweaver MX-Mac ($369.99) Sale price - (Recommended)
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B000050F96/jobwerxcom

NetObjects Fusion 7 ($109.99) - Sale price http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B0000690CP/jobwerxcom

Domino Designer R5 ($648.00) New/Used http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00006FXNF/jobwerxcom

Adobe GoLive 6.0 ($429.99) Sale Price - (Also Recommended)
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00005V7GL/jobwerxcom

Depending on which type of web design program you choose, your costs will vary dramatically. Text editors, for example, are often already on your computer. Notepad, a feature of Windows, makes a very usable text editor and will cost you nothing extra.

HTML editors, on the other hand, can cost anywhere from $0 to $100 while WYSIWYGs are priced between $70 to $500 and up.

Well-known brands, such as Adobe and MacroMedia, will cost more but the quality of their programs and the stability of their company make them a better choice than the inexpensive software from unknown vendors.

Also, be sure to look for programs that offer free or reduced price upgrades so you continue to get the most from your software without paying full price again every two or three years.

- Look for the Features You Need

- Do Some Research

- Keep in Mind Your Budget

With these tips, you should have no trouble finding an HTML program that fits your needs and your experience level so you can create your own professional-looking web site without draining your business's budget.