Yahoo has certainly come a long way regarding the FREE website construction tools they offer their customers. When I first started experimenting using Yahoo's old PageBuilder and PageWizard programs about 5 years ago, I have to say the result was truly pathetic compared to what can be produced with the newbie tools they offer today. While I admit I have never built a website using the newer program, I did download their software recently just to have a look at it. To me it appeared professional, yet very straightforward and user-friendly. Given the additional support provided via Yahoo's Q&A section, the novice should have no problem using the SiteBuilder program to aid in their very first attempt at website building.

Here's how to access Yahoo’s FREE Site Builder tool:

First you need to get back to your Yahoo Account Panel.
If you have already logged out of your Yahoo account,
just repeat the process from STEP THREE.

Since you're given a choice between using the SiteBuilder program OR trying something that may be a bit easier using Yahoo's Site Solution link, you will have to decide which way you want to go. Either option will get you started creating your own website using an easy step-by-step format, but it may not hurt to experiment with both to see which one works best for you. I have not even looked into the "Site Solution" option, so I can't tell you too much about that one, but YAHOO states that it's their "easiest-to-use" tool.

Please note that with SiteBuilder, you will initially be creating your website
on your own computer (not on the Internet),
so no one will be able to view your work until you are ready to publish and share it.

Click Here if you would like to view Yahoo's brief online video for their SiteBuilding program. If you are planning to use this tool, it's definitely a good idea to take advantage of their "how to" lesson before you begin.

One more IMPORTANT things to remember while building your pages: Make sure to use the "Meta Tags" button located at the base of each SiteBuilder page. (See screenshot of button to left.) The "Meta Tags" button will produce a few important fields for you to fill in with information. You will use these fields to type in a title and some searchable keywords for each of your individual pages, as well as a brief description area to let search engines know what each page is about. The "Meta Tag" info you provide is important, since it will help search engines (such as Yahoo and Google) find your pages during related keyword inquires. Remember to include your name and/or the specific name of your business with your other keywords to further help potential customers who are looking for you have a better chance of finding you. (Of course they can also type your web address directly into their Internet browser bar if they know what your specific website address is.) Even if you do not use SiteBuilder, please do not overlook using Meta Tags in your source code for all the reasons I have mentioned.

Once your new website is created to your satisfaction, you can PUBLISH it right inside the SiteBuilder program. This step will enable your newly constructed pages to be viewed by everyone via the Internet.

Here's how to publish your site using Yahoo's SiteBuilder program:
 
On the main SiteBuilder menu bar, click "FILE -> Publish Site"

Next you will be prompted to enter your Yahoo user name and password.

Once this info is entered, the website you just created will automatically be uploaded right to your online Hosting account with Yahoo and become available for online viewing at your website address.

Congratulations!

You have just finished building your very first website!

For information concerning submitting your website to search engines and enhancing it with add-oNS...

PROCEED to LESSON FIVE