One Page and Mini Websites
Mini Websites are typically small (1-10 page websites). Most small business websites are mini websites.
They are also common for affiliate marketing, where small sales sites (mini-sites) are specially created to sell/promote a particular product or service.
Simple one page websites can be used for both personal and small business sites.
They are ideal for :
- CV and portfolio sites
- local tradesmen
- local shops
- restaurants
- etc
The site consists simply of a home page and can be expanded to include a few optional pages creating a mini website.
Optional pages are typically:
- Order page
- Contact page
- Legal page
- Testimonials
- FAQ (frequently asked questions)
They can be created using a simple HTML template or with WordPress
Building One Page Sites Using HTML Templates
What You Will Need
- HTML Template
- Web Editor-Download free Trellian Webpage
- Domain Name and Web Host -
Getting Started
Although you will need a domain name and web host to host the site/page on the Internet you don't need them yet. You will be building the page/site on your home PC and when you are happy with it you can upload it to your host.
Site Layout
We are going to start with a very simple web page design that I have created, and I am going to show you how I created it (for reference only) and how to enter your own text and graphics to create your home page.
The Page uses a table for the structure consisting of 2 rows and a single column. The top row will contain the logo and the second row will contain the text and supporting graphics. (see Video Intro below)
Watch on youtube and you can comment and rate the video
Template Overview and How to Modify it
A simple on page site template is available here and you are free to use it. Although it appears basic it can be used to create professional looking sites just by changing the headers and adding suitable graphics, styles and text.
For beginners it is usually easier to start with a basic template and then add to it rather than starting with a complex professionally designed template and modifying it.
In the video below we will look at the template and how it can be modified.
Watch on youtube and you can comment and rate the video
You can open the template here and save it to your hard drive.
Domain Name, Hosting and Uploading
Once you are happy with your site you will then need to place it on the Internet and to do that you will need a domain name and hosting space. Most hosting providers provide a free domain name and so it makes sense to use one that does.
The ones I use are
-
Blue Host Web Hosting
- For USA based sites and sites with world wide appeal
- 1&1 -For UK based businesses and sites with UK specific appeal
You can find more detail in the website hosting and Website Hosting and Domain names articles.
Once you have your web space and domain name you will then need to upload the page to your hosting space.
The page should be named index.htm or index.html see web page names for a discussion of the page naming and best practises.
Uploading is done usually using a FTP client but as only one page is involved you may find it easier to use the web based ftp client provided by the hosting provider.
See Uploading Web Pages for more details.
Expanding the Site
Of course you can easily go from one page to several. A simple HTML site and simple html editing tools like Trellian web Page is usually good for up to about 20 pages after which you should be considering adding Dynamic navigation and content by using scripting like PHP and or moving to a content management system like WordPress (see building website with WordPress).
Building One Page Sites Using WordPress
WordPress is my recommended website building platform for sites of all sizes. When using WordPress you will need to domain name and hosting account before you start.
The ones I use are
-
Blue Host Web Hosting
- 1&1 -For UK based businesses and sites with UK specific appeal
In this configuration WordPress will be configured to work as a standard website by setting a static front page.
I have a complete WordPress beginners course that covers installing and setting up WordPress which you can consult if you choose the WordPress option. (recommended)
Website Building Service
If you are having difficulty getting started then I offer a very affordable website building service.
Any Questions
If you require clarification of any of the above points or any other related questions then just ask and I will do my best to help.
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