Blogging…
It seems everyone is doing it.
In fact, I asked someone the other day, “Does anyone create websites anymore?” It seems that when given the choice between a blog and a website, most people opt for blogs these days.
If this describes you, I certainly understand your reasons. Blogs are much easier to setup than websites.
They are dynamic, which means the scripts allow you to display content in many different ways (by date, category, tag, most commented posts, etc.)
The search engines love them, and the free plug-ins (if you use WordPress) can give you even more flexibility and increase your blog’s coolness factor.
One Problem With Blogging
Even though there are many positives with blogging, there’s one thing I’ve noticed about many who choose a blog over a website.
Blogging can often discourage beginners from learning the fundamentals of website creation and design. Unlike a website, you don’t need to learn anything about HTML, CSS or uploading files to publish a blog.
You might argue the same could be said about websites if you use an editor. However, even if you use an HTML editor like Dreamweaver or CoffeeCup for a website, you still have to familiarize yourself with the fundamentals of HTML at some point. (At least I had to.)
With blogs, everything can be done through a WYSIWYG (what-you-see-is-what-you-get) control panel that comes with your blogging platform. You don’t have to look at a lick of code if you don’t want to.
Of course, this is no big deal if you find a blog template/theme that you want to use “as is”. But what if you want to customize large sections of your design or change it completely?
Staring at a gazillion lines of CSS code can be quite intimidating. In fact, most people will tell you that in order to learn CSS, you should have a basic understanding of HTML first. (And I agree.) So with no HTML background, I completely understand why some bloggers cringe at the thought of going near the code.
Many people choose blogs because they are easier to setup, but many don’t venture out and learn the fundamentals of HTML and CSS so they can freely update their designs.
I have nothing against blogging. I own one myself, obviously. But I do believe that if you are going to blog, you should spend time learning the basics of HTML and CSS so you have the freedom to update your design beyond the standard template.
Of course, outsourcing a designer is always an option too. However, you don’t want to become completely reliant on a third party. I’ve heard too many nightmare stories with this scenario.
About once a month I get an email from someone who’s paid a designer to create and design their site, but they’ve lost contact with the person and have no idea how to make edits to the design.
As I say all the time, I am far from being a designer, but I have learned enough to maintain and customize my site. You should too.
Even if you buy the premium WordPress Thesis Theme that I use for this blog, it still helps to know the basics of CSS so you can juice up the standard, out-of-the-box template.
A CSS Tutorial Minus The Techie Talk
If you haven’t viewed my newest 4-part CSS tutorial on YouTube, you can watch all four videos in the playlist below. I even provide a very simple, 3-column template that goes along with the video. You can tweak it as needed.
Even though this template and tutorial is for a website instead of a blog, it will still help you grasp the basics and make more sense of your blog’s template code.
Give yourself the freedom to design the kind of blog you want.
First of all I want to say fantastic blog! I had a
quick question which I’d like to ask if you don’t mind.
I was curious to know how you center yourself and clear your head prior to
writing. I’ve had a difficult time clearing my mind in getting my thoughts out. I truly do enjoy writing however it just seems like the first 10 to 15 minutes are usually wasted just trying to figure out how to begin. Any ideas or tips? Cheers!
Hey! Would you mind if I share your blog with my myspace group?
There’s a lot of folks that I think would really enjoy your content. Please let me know. Thank you
Sure no problem, thanks!
Blogging is more for those of us who like to keep a diary type log of our thoughts, ideas, and even recipes… no?
Many new web designers depend on drag n’ drop software like Dreamweaver. Too many don’t even know HTML at all.
HTML websites still work for many things… like a product!
I’m GLAD I had to learn HTML. 🙂
Can you remember when tables and moving graphics were first introduced? I do!
Me too! Yes, my first website had a ton of tables and flashing graphics everywhere. LOL
HTML really intimidates me and gives me headache at the same time, I really love to learn but the thing just hates me! So I quit and decided to leave that to the techie people, and i’ll have the ready-made, ready-to-wear, and WYSIWYG thing! 🙂 CheerS!
I have found your blog in June 2011. I can’t remember how I found it but I must say that your blog was first that helped me get on the path of blogging. Thanks to you I also found sources like: problogger, copyblogger, and Pat Flynn from SPI.
Thank you for that.
I was involved in internet for quite a while, but I was selling stuff on online stores and on eBay. I also know a think or two about HTML, CSS but this year I’ve decided that I have to move on and do something more. So I started a blog where I’m sharing my knowledge about selling on eBay – I don’t even have now any monetization strategy put in place. I’m taking it step by step 🙂
I wanted to thank you for all your work on your blog and Youtube. I just wish that you post more frequently 🙂
Cheers
Kris
i think creating websites isn’t so hard too,there a lot of usefull programs such as macromedia dreamweaver that will help you with html and css)
I agree Lisa, WordPress is quick and simple enough to setup and use, and those free plugins can really add great flexibility… but a WordPress user also needs to be aware that it is advisable to limit your usage of plugins, as too many plugins can slow down your website’s loading time… and that is NOT good.
Also, I’ve found Dreamweaver has to be one of the worst offender of standard HTML. Too many webmasters depend on Dreamweavers to code properly… and it does NOT.
When asked by those who want to learn HTML, I’ve recommended free WYSIWYG editing software like Evrsoft’s 1st Page 2000 and/or KompoZer.
Like you, I advise a website owner to have at least a basic understanding of HTML and CSS… else, hire someone qualified to manage this part of their website for them, on a yearly basis.
Don’t you think that a website owner who has “lost contact with the person” who originally designed their website for them, truly do NOT understand the value of having their website managed on a regular basis?
Why is it that the website designer is being made out to be the bad guy? Not everyone who owns a website has the drive or ambition to learn HTML. Most, just want a website!
Thanks for letting me rant,
Trish
I completely agree that learning html, css, along with php will lead to success in creating beautiful, dynamic, and interactive websites or blogs. One thing you can do is change your wordpress blog into a static website while still maintaining the dynamic attributes of having a blog. In order to do this, you will have to know html, css, and php in order to know what to customize and delete on a current template or you can make your own template. I find it easier to take a template then customize it the way I want to.
Exactly, Posh. I happen to be blogging about this tomorrow. 🙂
Starting a blog is easy. however, the problem all face is still choosing the right niche and building traffic to their site. No matter which platform you choose, it all boils down to getting visitors over to your site. As I see it, I won’t say one system is better than the other. I think it all boils down to content and traffic.
New to this game of blogging, I have already discovered that it is not easy or simple, however much the host company affiliates tell us it is. I am not just a newbie blogger, I’m a newbie+ blogger! What’s simple for one person, is not always simple for the next person. I want to make money online, and I have creative ideas that will help others in the fields of copywriting, niche marketing and writing fiction, so I want to share this information with others who could benefit. But … I’m discovering it’s not easy. HTMLDog.com is a must for me. I’m going to keep increasing my knowledge just so I can share what I’ve learned, and my lesson 1: blogging takes time to learn. It may be possible to create a blog in 5, 7, 10 minutes, etc. etc. but it doesn’t mean everyone can do it.
Success to all.
CSS is hard for me but i will follow tutorial, thanks
Hi Lisa
I have a website and a blog. I concentrate on these 2 only and add quality content. I was able to win a competition from the Warrior Forum to allow a Company called Seo Traffic Services to create my blog for free. I believe in this magical word free. I am not in a position to buy stuff when I can create it for free.
When it comes to marketing a website or blog, theres enough information out there to be successful. However, I must admit that I belong to a membership site which has helped me greatly over the last 7 months on how to successfully make money online. Whats amazing, you dont have to be a rocket scientist.
I have also learnt some html codes to get by.
Thanks Lisa. Another graet post.
Interesting post. Not quite where I thought you would go with it. I started with websites when kind of young (for my generation anyway, over 10 years ago) and before blogs really got rolling, I think. I learned design bit by bit on my own, then put all that to use when I did start blogging. I think the bigger draw of blogs over “websites” is the search engine thing we do always hear.
This post makes me laugh because I remember learning some code back when I had my MySpace page HAHA. but with Blogger and WordPress I got lazy and relied on the templates. Thanks for reminding me of the importance of controlling how my blog looks/ performs.
Great article! You really don’t need to have any knowledge about coding to blog. You can find great themes created, without having to hire a designer. Themeforest has great themes! http://bit.ly/blogg-themes
This is truly a compelling topic. I am blogger, and at one point in time was a Site Build It Member. I think both websites and blogs have their merits, but CSS and HTML aren’t for everybody. If you suck at CSS and HTML you can save yourself a load of time and frustration, and build a cool relationship by getting a specialist to do it.
Outsourcing the things you don’t do well is what makes some the best businesses in the world what they are. Why should Apple Computers take the time to learn logistics when that time could be better spent on what they’re good at…computers? They have a specialist to handle that side of the business.
My html skills are basic at best, but focusing on that, takes away from what’s most important (most enjoyable) for me, creating useful content.
Hey! I enjoyed reading your article! Bloggers should be inspired by your article! I agree blogging can be very enjoyable but one person should not stop there! Take small steps for bigger plans like learning html and css codes. Like what you said, it can also drive traffic which means more money if you know how to customize your site!
You rocks! I really love the tutorials you have posted here. Thank you so much. It broadens my knowledge about CSS.
This is a great help, thanks for having this site, it save a lot of time and effort. Plus you will really have all the ideas in making a favicon for your url.
Hi! Lisa, I’m kind of new into this blogging thingy but I’m currently working on my blog right now
The problem is how do I edit my wordpress thesis theme to suit my taste after I’ve bought. For instance, I love the way your categories appear below your banner. If you don’t mind, how do I go about putting my own categories same way in my blog?
Secondly, how do I upload my logo and banner to my blog?
I don’t believe they are choosing the easier way out. It is that blogging is much easier to set up and get started.
The problem all face is still choosing the right niche and building traffic to their site. No matter which platform you choose, it all boils down to getting visitors over to your site.
As I see it, I won’t say one system is better than the other. I think it all boils down to content and traffic.
Blogging is an excellent way to get started on the web. With templates like this, there is actually little difference between a blog and a full on website. Web design is no longer limited to web design techies.
All you need to do is get started. Believe that you can do it and you can. Learn how to be confident in yourself and anything is possible.
Great post, Lisa. You have a knack for giving good information in a way that’s easy to understand. Blogging truely is the way to go, especially for those who know nothing about web site design yet.
Hi Lisa, thank you for this helpful advice. What about if I already know a lot of HTML and CSS, but I just want to have a blog to write about the subject I like the most. Do I need to leave the blog and create a website?
So I’ve been blogging for a few weeks on fitness. I have recently recived a few comments, but it’s from people who aren’t commenting on my blog, they are just praising my blog. Is this some kind of scam that I am not aware of? They also leave comments in broken English??? I’m just wondering if I am doing something wrong??
Hey I definitely agree with your point on learning some fundamentals about website creation and design. It can be so beneficial for customizing your blog even further. Unfortunately, those that do learn a little bit about html and css, only learn enough to be dangerous (I’m guilty) and risk causing problems with an already fine creation.
Thanks for the post!
“It’s true…so many people want to skip the basics. You can get a blog set up very easily, but there’s more than meets the eye when it comes to successfully blogging. ”
-So true there’s no shortcuts you will just get stuck down the road.
I think the HTML, CSS and dream weaver stuff everything are out dated. The latest in web technology is PHP. So the people who are unaware of it should really start learning from scratch.
Thanks
Collin paul
Learn Forex
I disagree they are outdated. Not quite yet. Even though PHP is now popular, many people are simply not going to take the time to learn it. Remember, people come to your site to read content and as long as the presentation and content are good, the visitor isn’t going to care whether it’s PHP, HTML or CSS. If you learn PHP, great but content is always king.
They’re different technologies that serve different purposes as well. PHP is a programming language that allows such things as conditional statements (if this is true, then do that) or connecting to a database and posting comments like i’m doing right now, plus much much more. HTML and CSS are markup languages used for display purposes.
Most of you guys here appear to be using WordPress which is written using php so a little knowledge in that language can be helpful. I wouldn’t recommend studying the wordpress code as a beginner though, you’re going to have to walk before you run and crawl before you walk.
There are millions of tutorials out there on getting started with PHP (the programming language) MySQL (the database) and Apache (the web server) and the absolute easiest way to get these systems running on your own pc for learning and practice is with xampp.
I have no affiliation with xampp whatsoever, infact I work as a Coldfusion programmer. I have used it in the past though and was surprised how easy it was to get started.
Hope this helps anyone keen to know more about how these things work. Just google xampp and it’ll be no. 1. I think the site url is apachefriends.org
Oh yeah, and beware, it can be very addictive 🙂
I think the main reason people run away from the basics of website design is the code. I’ve been there before, looking at HTML codes like they’re some language for the Super Minds. Later, I became interested in going beyond the WYSIWIG level. I had the opportunity of learning the codes from a colleague who later became a friend(of course!). That was when I found out that if you could learn English Language (by the way, I’m Nigerian), you can learn HTML, and CSS. I now realised that my learning started when I had the INTEREST. Now when I see a great site – like 2createawebsite – I look at the code page, and that gives me an idea of a good layout. I can also tell if a layout is table-based or div-based, and things like that. Whether people admit it or not, a web designer needs the codes.
Nice work here. Please help me out. I register with google adsense view days ago and a msg was send to my email dat it was approve, but i’m not seeing any advert on my blog or is there something i’ve not done right? Or how can i start making money with my Blog? Thanx.
Great Article! Learning html and css basics is a must. Learn one at a time. I learn a lot in your website and applied it in mine: http://affordablecebu.ucoz.com . Keep posting. I want to learn more from you Lisa.
Have you looked at Joomla which can be installed in minutes using cPanel and has the best looking templates I have ever seen that can be installed with the click of a button.
Web design is changing for good. Gone are the days of inputting code and scripts as people want their sites up and running as soon as possible.
I really depends on what the website’s primary function is. I have created numerous WordPress blogs and an equal amount a html Dreamweaver sites also.
I have also combined the two for a great looking squeeze page with a Google friendly WordPress blog on the same domain.
So each type has equal presidence for me.
I hired a web designer to customize my WordPress website and it cost me a fortune. Now, I know better! A website doesn’t have to be fancy. It just needs to be informative and content rich. I believe WordPress is the way to go with its ease of use, and all of it’s good features, and being SEO friendly.
Liza, I have watched your videos on Youtube, I have become a fan. Thank you for your informative stuff.
A very helpful article. Many thanks, Lisa, for your willingness to share with us. I learn a lot from you. Of course I will learn HTML, CSS even though I already use the thesis theme you recommended.
I SO agree with you Lisa on many many points,
but!,
“You said that its easier to create a BLOG site than an “normal html/ CSS” site,”
I’m not sure I agree with that at my level of site desgn at the present moment.
It maybe true if you use a template and dont change a thing but I think the idea of a template is to use it as a starting point and get creative from there.
I’ve been self teaching my self on how to build to web site etc. and 12 months ago I never knew a thing about HTML/CSS or BLOGS. I dont confess to be a master designer but I have successfully built a Web site around photography. Its been online for about 2 months and I had a few hits already, Okay mainly, it’s probably my friends checking it out, but it still feels good to see the counter go up.
I have recently checked my Adsense acount and I was very surprised to see that there was a few dollars in there, enough to cover my server fees.
I know I cant draw on it yet, but so what! it’s a step on the ladder, I’m so happy.
Any-way I digress.
So, I’m happy with my site and wanted to get a Blog up and running, sifting through the net and in particular this site it seemd that Thesis was the one for me.
After up-loading it to my server I was eager to get some good content online.
And so my journey started and entered the world of Blogging.
That was untill I wanted to customize the Blog pages, it seemed “SO HARD”. Layout.CSS, Custom.CSS all the PHP scripts “AAARRRGGG” what do I do.
“calm down LEE, there will be some tutuorials around for sure”
Eventually I have made my blog very similar to my web site and hopefully to work well together.
My reasons I prefer my “web Site”
When creating and updating my web site I feel as though I have more control over what happens to all the content because I know the source DIV’s and how the classes work.
The Thesis Template is very good and I’m getting there slowly but I still struggle to get the custom.CSS to work and in the right place at the moment
so……
I think I still prefer a Web site over a Bog site, thats not to say when I have learnt more about Thesis and blogging I may change my mind.
Thanks for you time
great work Lisa Thanks for everything
p.s
Q. If I change any of the layout.CSS or any thing other that the custom.CSS will I loose it if I update Thesis?
Probably a stupid question, but in the real world there is no such thing as a stupid question.
Thks again