[Mike Seddon]

When we started out we used Xara Webster. Really easy to put together a website using simple templates. Not sure if it is still around but it might be worth a look.

[OldWelshGuy]

Originally Posted by Indizine

Can I just point out that the OP has asked for recommendations for templates, and not for suppliers or quotes.

I can move this to the appropriate forum if that is what the OP wants - let me know Paula and I will move it, otherwise, can folk refrain from touting their business when it wasnt asked for?

Paula is seeking advice and suggestions here and the last thing we want to do is pounce with ones services.

I immediately the thread was posted, Pm'ed the OP with an offer of a template for free if she could let me know what market she is in. but no reply as yet. I have about 10,000 templates in my archives.

[Greg Findley]

Originally Posted by paula555

basic templates that I can buy and then edit myself, without spending too much cash. Anyone recommend any? Alternatively, I could build it myself using some proper web design software, would Dreamweaver be the way to go in this case?

Hi Paula,

There is a great site for free templates called Open Source Web Design, which can be found here. But some basic knowledge of HTML/CSS would be required to edit that to suit. I would personally recommend Dreamweaver as a starting point, much better than any Microsoft alternatives. The only one problem with DW is the initial outlay in cost.

Depending on the requirements of your site I would probably suggest a Wordpress site may be more suited? If you have a web host contact them as they can usually install Wordpress for you, all you then need to do is find a theme you like and get used to using the Wordpress admin system (much easier to use than Dreamweaver!)

Hope that helps,
Thanks, Greg

[admagic]

Take a good hard look at wordpress

There are loads of free wordpress themes, many very professional
google "free wordpress themes"

There are some fabulous themes which look like professional sites, not blogs. If you are willing to spend $50

Take a look at cracking medias site to see a good example of what a wordpress site can be..

If you have fantastico on your hosting account, you can install it in seconds.
If not, I am sure someone on this board will oblige (PM if you want)

Pick a theme and GO!!
If you can type you can create new pages in seconds, and the basic SEO stuff is done for you, as are the menus.

[Tjobbe]

Originally Posted by Greg Findley

Hi Paula,

There is a great site for free templates called Open Source Web Design, which can be found here. But some basic knowledge of HTML/CSS would be required to edit that to suit. I would personally recommend Dreamweaver as a starting point, much better than any Microsoft alternatives. The only one problem with DW is the initial outlay in cost.

Depending on the requirements of your site I would probably suggest a Wordpress site may be more suited? If you have a web host contact them as they can usually install Wordpress for you, all you then need to do is find a theme you like and get used to using the Wordpress admin system (much easier to use than Dreamweaver!)

Hope that helps,
Thanks, Greg

I second the recomendation for OSWD - one of my templates on there is in the top 20 for most downloaded ever (no mean feat) - you can also use the 30 day trial version of dreamweaver if you like and see how you go. However, contribute is also good (also by macromedia who make dreamweaver) and costs about £100.

[paula555]

Wow, thanks everyone! I'm going to have a read through all these and my PMs and then get back to someone when I've decided which way to go.



Paula

[freelancer]

Originally Posted by Greg Findley

Hi Paula,

There is a great site for free templates called Open Source Web Design, which can be found here. But some basic knowledge of HTML/CSS would be required to edit that to suit. I would personally recommend Dreamweaver as a starting point, much better than any Microsoft alternatives. The only one problem with DW is the initial outlay in cost.

Depending on the requirements of your site I would probably suggest a Wordpress site may be more suited? If you have a web host contact them as they can usually install Wordpress for you, all you then need to do is find a theme you like and get used to using the Wordpress admin system (much easier to use than Dreamweaver!)

Hope that helps,
Thanks, Greg

Totally agree with Greg. I'd be tempted to go down the wordpress route.

[Sam (Mr. Mu)]

Indezine, your post gave me a wry (or is that ironic?) smile - modding away with a dirty great web design quote in your signature lolz

[Indizine]

Isnt it odd how people can quickly jump to the wrong conclusion

Well for your information Mr Moo, that new sig was only implemented last week and was not the one in place when that post was made in this thread

And am I supposed to go in and turn the sig off or make it smaller only when I respond to web-related threads?

What is more, and get your ruler out here matey, cos my sig is actually only 1mm bigger than PVC Pete's. It was 3mm bigger but I reduced it by one line

If you would like to know how to maximise advertising space, I will PM you my secret.

I also dont see the relevance of your post to the OP so stay on topic please

[Sam (Mr. Mu)]

I didn't jump to any conclusion. it just made me smile, that's all.