Get Started

Your first option is whether you want to create a standard website or a blog site. We selected the standard website option.

Configure Website Options

Enter the name of your company. Optionally include a slogan. We decided to build this website for a fictional company named GreatCo, Inc.

Upload a logo if you have one. We created and uploaded this yellow oval logo for GreatCo.

Select Your Template

This is the fun part! Browse the hundreds of freely available, professionally designed website templates until you find one you like. You can search by category or just scroll through the collection until one catches your eye. Some of the templates include Flash animation; others allow you to select a fixed width or a flexible layout for your website. Most of the templates allow you to select various options, like changing the background color or choosing between different versions of decorative graphics.

Customize Your Template

Once you have selected a template that is pleasing to the eye and relevant to your business, you can configure the available options. We played around with the different background color options and the alternative decorative headerbar graphic included with this template.

Determine Your Site Structure

Select from a list all the pages that your website will include. These may include a homepage, an About Us page, a product catalog, a contact page, and more. The system will automatically generate a sidebar navigation menu with links to all of your chosen pages. Then you can create content for each of those pages.

Original Content

When you first reach this step, the system displays a dialog asking if you would like to view the video tutorial for the WYSIWYG functionality. It is highly recommended that you view the tutorial, especially if you do not have previous experience with drag-and-drop website creation tools.

Now it's time to edit your content! The template comes with placeholder text, but it's just nonsensical filler. You will want to replace the placeholder text on each page with your own original content. You can drag and drop or resize the page%s component elements (text blocks and images) and swap out the default images with your own. The rich text editor interface is similar to others you may have worked with, making it easy to comprehend, so you can devote your time to completing your website with the best, most professional text possible.

Advanced Options

In this step, you can change the page title, meta tags, and other options. If you are not sure what to do with all this, just use the default settings: they will be fine to start with, and you can always come back and edit it later.

Publish Your Site

Select a location for your new website (it will probably go under the root) and publish it. Voila! You have created a website. Pat yourself on the back and buy some online advertising to publicize your new website.

Always remember to click the "Publish" button every time you make a change, modification, or update to your site's content. Until you do so, the old conten will continue to display. (Also remember that you may need to click "Refresh" on your browser to see the changes take effect, especially if you had the old version of the page open before you published the new modification.)

It's Really That Easy!

Now you know how easy it is to create your own website for free. RVSiteBuilder is now included with every website hosting account from BE Hosting Solutions. Click here to sign up today!

This SiteBuilder demonstration was brought to you by BE Hosting Solutions. The content is copyright 2010. All rights are reserved.