You don't have to be a master programmer or have a computer science background to build great-looking Web pages. In fact, the most important consideration is your users. If you can build Web pages that are attractive, easy to navigate and provide value, your users will return again and again.

Designing Web Pages

The natural tendency of beginning designers is to clutter their pages with too much text and too many graphics. Leave ample white space — the space on the page without text or graphics — and your Web pages will be attractive and easy to read.

One of the benefits of the Web is that, unlike in print, there are no space constraints. Take advantage of this: Rather than cramming all your company's information on one overwhelmingly long page, spread that content over three or four pages. Plan these pages out carefully and group similar things together so users can find what they're looking for. For example, put your company's contact information in the same area as directions to your office rather than mix it in with descriptions of your products or services.

Another way to improve the look and feel of your Web pages is to "borrow" concepts from professional designers. If you see a particularly great-looking page, try to emulate it. For example, you can adapt tables, images and even entire page designs to suit your tastes.

All Web browsers allow you to view the source code of any Web page. (See your browser's Help section for specific instructions on the View Source command.) Viewing source is a great way to figure out how to achieve a particular effect you saw on someone else's site.