seven big steps to a great web site:

1. Keep it simple. The power of good design is in its simplicity. Define the essence. Know your target market. 2. Don't be seduced by form versus content. The designer concerned with content is more likely to make a meaningful contribution than the designer who is primarily concerned with form. 3. Clearly identify the reason of the website.  You are the answer to my problem that needs solving` and that you are not just simply icing the cake. Offer me a tangible benefit 4. Consideration is transmission speed. If it takes too long to download, go back to the drawing board, else you might loose a client.

5. Learn to communicate and work with others in key Web positions: engineering, production, editorial, commercial, and artistically.  It takes more than one person to make a site, peer reviews are worth their weight in gold. 6. Remember it always takes twice as long as you think it's going to. 7. Finally: Make it good   - it's gotta look like someone spent time on it! Make it simple  - it's gotta be easy to move around and understand! Make it relevant    - it's gotta be fresh and up to date! Make it involving   - it's gotta have interaction with the reader (i.e.: contests) Make it believable - it's gotta be real...no "promise the moon" sales pitch!       Feeling brave? Here are some test codes you can play with.