Getting a website designed.
 

Hi just wondered (- although I am capable of doing a simple blog or maybe designing a simple website in Frontpage - I usually fall down on the graphics side of things -have the vision but not the talent) - I come across some pretty good looking websites - especially in the long distance cyclists community i.e.
(ttp://www.gobicycletouring.info/ - has many great examples) - and a lot of these guys seem to get their websites designed for not a lot/free - I just wondered how people went about getting this done?

The most popular platform is Wordpress, which is also what the gobicycletouring.info site is based on.

Professional-looking sites tend to be self-hosted and use the free Wordpress platform (see Wordpress.org for info).

A less-flexible, but even easier, option is to use Wordpress.com

These presentations I've given at past UK events may be helpful in explaining more about what to consider and how to go about things (start with "Demystifying... Part One").

[Disclosure: I have a vested interest in this topic.]

Hi Iain thanks for your reply - was looking at more than just a blog -am familiar with Wordpress/Blogger/Frontpage.
I geuss what I struggle with is the graphic side of things and a lot of guys on the more professional looking sites ( not just a wordpress/blogger blog) seem to have someone who had done this for them - often for little cost. It was more that element I was asking about - I'm ok with setting up a simple blog/website i.e. see www.rideandglide.info or www.rideandglide.co.uk
Pity you suggest using Justhost in your presentation- hope you have no affiliation with them - in my experience they have been pretty useless - they caused me no end of aggro and I will never use them again - although still have my old site www.rideandglide.co.uk hosted by them.

Since my original plans for a journey through Africa has gone to pot twice recently, I have decided to do something else - but would like a better looking website as well for this project.
.

Wordpress is far more than just a blog - that's the point.

Although bespoke design is always an option if you've got the money to spend or a mate who does graphic design, most people customize a professionally-designed theme. Most are available for around $30-40. Have a look at Themeforest.net to get an idea of what I mean.

Regarding Justhost... I've used them extensively for a number of years and never with any problems.

Nothing can compete with Wordpress - Nothing! That is not an:smartass: opinion, it's a fact!