The Build:

Template software packages vary in many ways such as design, functionality and most importantly code. For instance, if you are looking to build a Flash website, then you will be primarily dealing with an action script code, which is a proprietary code only contained in Flash software.

In the past, many websites were classified as “static” web sites, in that whatever information was hard coded into a static web page, amounted to a “read only” scenario; a user could only view the page and not interact with it. HTML code was the code most often used for this type of “static” site.

For template building purposes, this discussion will center on building a dynamic website to be hosted on a private ISP account, rather than a site to be built on a pre-fab template already in place with a web hosting company such as weebly.com, blogger and others.

Where to Build – Desktop or Server?

Some web designers like to build websites on their desktops, then upload the final product to the server and then test the outcome. If you have that kind of time, that may work for you. The issue here is that the finished web site template may work fine when testing and operating in the desktop environment; however, once it is uploaded to the server, unintended anomalies and errors may arise due to the server’s configuration and software.

Another set of web designers may choose to upload the contents of the template software directly to the server and build in real-time, assessing the results as the building process unfolds. This process saves time and affords the webmaster the ability to troubleshoot as the building process progresses.

What Tools Will You Need?

For our discussion today, we will apply the .php code type templates (Word Press/ Joomla) that require a database in order to function. With these types of dynamic, database-driven websites, it is important to understand all of the codes contained in a website, requested by a user, depend on the database constructing and serving the page(s) on the fly. In a broader sense, these types of website pages are not just “sitting” on the server waiting to be accessed. The pages are actually assembled from various code parameters, instructions given by the database, at the moment the database receives a request from a user clicking a link to access the website.

For a .php code based template MatterMax Media recommends the following software/access in conjunction with the template software:

• Adobe Illustrator CS3-CS5
• Adobe Dreamweaver CS3-CS5
• Flash CS3-CS5
• Word Press – Joomla components/plugins
• Google account for Google Analytics
• Re-Captcha account for spam
• Firefox/Safari/Google Chrome/Internet Explorer browser(s)
• FTP (File Transfer Protocol) Client
• Access to Several Browsers for testing

These additional software components, will allow you to build your .php database driven site with the capability of adding customized code and image manipulation.

The Process:

Each template manufacturer offers specific designs. Within those specific template designs, is a coding structure that can vary from manufacturer to manufacturer. Therefore, it is crucial to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and download any information relating to server side set up to ensure your server meets the template software requirements.

Once you have have checked your server requirements and have a thorough understanding of the template software, you can proceed with the following steps:

• Download the template software
• Upload the .zip file of the template to the server
• Create a new database on the server
• Extract the zip file and place in a temp folder of your choosing
• Install the software via your browser and follow the instruction path
• Write down all user names and passwords for future reference
• Once installed, open the administrative area of the site and begin customizing
• After testing and approval, move the site from the temp folder to the main URL address – MatterMax Media recommends you pre-test on various browsers prior to moving the site to your main URL

Testing:

All web browsers are not created equal. Many web designers report extensive issues when using Internet Explorer.   MatterMax Media asserts that due to the improved coding variables now on the market, the bandwidth necessary to allow seamless pipe flow for a multitude of codes to be interpreted and displayed in a browser have increased browser requirements.

If your new website looks great on your browser, that does not mean it looks great on other browsers.  You must find a way to test your new site on as many browsers as possible before launching the site.   If you do not have access to any browsers other than your own, then ask friends, colleagues and family to view the site on different types of browsers.

Tweaking:

You may find during your final testing phase that some areas of your site do not display in line, or some type of functionality does not work, or there is a huge difference in accordance with the display on your browser.  When these types of browser display errors occur, it is generally a css file issue, or a component wherein layout/function parameters are affected by some type of coding issue.

If you have css, javascript and html/xhtml experience, you can more than likely fix the problem yourself.   If you do not have that kind of expertise, then you can either contact the manufacturer’s support team, or hire a webmaster that does.

Remember:

Regardless of who is designing your website, unless you have a sizeable budget, your site will be built from an existing template and then customized to suit your needs. As technology continues to improve and break new ground, more template designs will emerge. Templates are growing and here to stay.

“Building and Testing” is now ready for the final stages of your new website launch.

Next week, we continue the “Feeding at the Template Troth” series with the final installment, “Marketing the Template.”

MatterMax Media is a full service integrated marketing agency located in Stone Mountain, Georgia.  MatterMax Media provides strategy, technology, marketing and training for individuals, businesses and government.  Today’s Marketing Blog focuses on Entrepreneurship, Marketing and Web Matters.  When you require assistance with your website creation, branding/marketing strategy, feel free to contact us.