Starting a Website

#1: Naming your site

Not all sites need to have the word 'Neo' in the title, especially if you're more into anime and other non-neopets themes. Neo is just an optionally word used by some sites to indicate that they are neopets-related. If you want to add the word 'Neo' to your title, make sure that it doesn't clash with the other words in your title, eg. 'NeoNeoMeowMeow' would be a big no no.

However, if you don't wish to have the word "Neo' in the title, just pick something that you like, or you think would best describe the site that you are about to start. Always make sure that the site name has not already been taken by searching it in a Search Engine such as Yahoo! or Google. Having the same website title as another site could get you into a lot of trouble, especially if that site is big and popular.

#2: Selecting a category

There are three main categories you can choose from: Graphics, Neopets Help or Anime. A lot of people choose to combine two or all three categories together to make their site more helpful, and it is quite good to do so because you won't feel bored as you'll have plenty of things to do and make.

Although it is all good to just choose a category, you need to have the proper equipment to go with it. If you choose Graphics, you definitely need a better graphics program than Microsfot Paint, Photoshop and Paint shop Pro are just some suggestions. If you choose Neopets Help, you have to have experience in Neopets, preferably more than 6 months. It's almost impossible to guide someone on something if you haven't experienced it yourself first. You must have a passion for Anime if you are to choose that category because Anime graphics are extremely hard to make as they are always drawn to perfection, and one tiny mistake could ruin the whole effect.

#3: Set up an account

Two great website hosts are Geocities and Freewebs. They are both free, but can be upgraded to premium so you get no advertisements and your own domain name like www.yoursite.com or www.yoursite.net. However, Geocities does have extremely annoying ads that sometimes cannot be closed and will affect the display of your images and layouts.

Sign up for an account with either hosts and make sure that your username reflects the title you want for your site. If you want to name your site Neofolders, for instance, you need to make your username 'neofolders' so that when you view your site, the site URL comes out as www.geocities.com/neofolders or www.freewebs.com/neofolders. If a username has been already taken, view their site, and if they're not planning to make a graphics or neopets help site that is similar to yours, then you can add an x to you username eg. neoxfolders or xneofoldersx, or add and underscore eg. neo_folders or _neofolders_.

When using Freewebs, make sure that you switch from beginner mode to expert mode, otherwise you will not be able to have your own layout, and you will be stuck with the Freewebs templates, which are not that appealing.

#4: Sub-domain names

If you can't afford to pay for a domain name, you can always choose sub-domain names such as www.yoursite.tk ot www.yoursite.co.nr. These sub-domain names are entirely optional, but they are easier to remember for visitors. You can sign up for one at Dot TK or Free Domains. Remember, these are free so they are obviously going to come with ads, so be aware of that.

#5: Set a layout

It's time to put your layout on your front page, which should be named index.html or index.htm - there are guides on Freewebs and Geocities that can help you with how to make/edit web pages. We have a selection of premade website layouts that you can use, or you can try our templates that come with coding guides. You MUST link back to us at all times, even if you've changed the layout so much that you can't tell it's ours; we made it so we deserve the credit! Failure to give us credit will result in freezing of you site, neopets, and in some extreme cases, your Internet account. Stealing is a crime, and all our images, content and coding have legally been copyrighted.

#6: Adding content

Now you can add your graphics, guides or tips onto your site. Make sure they are not stolen, because that would just be stupid because you will get caught. It is advised that you keep a list of links of content pages on your index page so that visitors can navigate more smoothly. Some site choose to have an Enter sign on the front page, but I personally find that annoying and pointless.

#7: Extra accessories

To give glamor to your site, you can add email forms, chat boxes and counters to spice up a dull page. These things are plentiful when you search on Search Engines, just choose one, sign up and they'll help you from there. Don't add the same kind of things twice, it's just annoying to have 3 clocks, 2 chat boxes and 5 counters on one page.

#8: Adding Affiliates

If you think you're ready for outside contact, it's time to add affiliates. Always read other sites' conditions very carefully, they are extremely helpful on reminding you of what your site might need to become even better. Never ask a site to make you a button unless they have a button service or they are offering to make buttons, it's a real pain because most site owners have a lot on their plates already.

Not only do you need to apply on other sites, you need to have an application page of your own. Set out your own list of criteria and contact details, a template on how to set out an application is always helpful. You don't need a fancy email form, as long as you have a correct email address, it will be fine.

#9: Joining a topsite

A good way of advertising your site is to join a Topsite. Almost all sites who have a domain name will have a topsite all ready for you to join. Just sign up, copy and paste the code onto your layout and be prepared to get visitors. Constantly check up on your site to make sure it hasn't been deleted as a lot of topsites tend to act up from time to time.

#10: The final step

All good sites have staff. If you're ready to start sharing your responsibilities with other people, then display a notice on your site or on the Neoboards about your vacancies. It's always good to have some sort of criteria written out so you won't get a lot of SPAM. You must have some sort of system to allow your staff to post on the front page of your site or update in another form. Cutenews is a great news system but it's extremely hard to use and most site hosts won't host that many pages.

So now you're well on your way to developing your site. Remember all our tips and you will create a successful site to rival with the best!

~Jen