GSG Recommended Software / Site Tools

Recommended Software

Recommended Services

Web site Design Software: This will be one of your most important software that you will need. Even if you purchase templates and web sets, a good web site design software is vital. There are many web site design software out there but the one that you really wont to have is one that will allow you to see and make the page as it would actually show on the web site. These type of design feature is known as "what you see is what you get" and allows you to see exactly how your web site will look without dealing with alot of HTML code. This feature will allow you to insert images and script very easily. The second feature that you want in the software to have is the ability to also easily switch from HTML code form to design form. If you are planning to use your site for business then a good web site design software is a must.

The difference between the 3 html software is that each have individual plug ins that make them very different than the next software. For example: Dreamweaver has numerous extensions that can be added to the program. This increases the value and usefulness of the software. But before you go out and by a web site design software check with your hosting service to see if one is available as part as your service.

1. Macromedia Dreamweaver
2. Frontpage
3. Netscape Composer (free)

1. A professional web site design service
2. A friend
3. Check with your current Host. You may have a free and decent web site design software available as part as the hosting service.

Site Submission: In general Site Submission is the best way to advertise for a web site. It is also the least expensive if you have to pay for it. Many hosts offer site submission as part of their service and can be found in the cpanel of your account. But before you submit your site, you should be sure that your site can even be read by the search engines. If your site can't be read by search engines then you are wasting your time submitting your site to a search engine. GSG has a service that can detect this for you.

If your page can be read by search engines then take advantage of the free site submission services. It usually takes up to 3 months for your site to be found on the services and most sites require you to wait a month before submitting your site again. Each submission site is different so be sure to read the terms for submitting your site.

Counters: A good counter does more than just keep track of people that come to your web site. If you are only interested in counting how many people visit your web site then I would recommend free counters. Free counters will tell you how many people visit your site and will give additional information that can be useful. If you have a business then you may want to consider purchasing a counter service that will allow you to understand the people who are visiting your site.

I used Site Meter when it first came out and it was great but over the years they have been cutting back on the features available on the free service. I just recently started VisitorVille and it's worth the money that I'm paying for it. It allows me to track more than one site, allows me to do Live Help for this site and it's just an all out incredible service. I also sell on eBay and the counter allows me to track my items and to tell what time of day during the week is the best time to list. I'm also able to determine the location of my visitors which helps me to get an idea of where my target market is. My personal recommendation is that if you need a free counter use Site Meter. If you are going to buy a paid service then use VisitorVille. It's easy to use and easy to read and as additional functions such as Live Help.

1. Photo Shop products (All Purpose)
2. Corel Draw products (All Purpose)
3. Corel Painter (specific use)
4. Paint Shop Pro products Jasc/Corel (All Purpose)
5. Ulead Photo Impact (All Purpose)

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