Webmaster Resources

In order to construct and maintain your web site these days takes knowledge of and experience with many different tools and services. For instance, you can create your own HTML if you know a little about it or use an HTML WYSIWYG editor if you don't know anything about HTML, upload your files to the web server, use keyword research tools to find the best keywords for your pages, bill clients if you run a web site development service or a similar service, advertise your site using either free search engine traffic or using pay per click programs, participate in forums to stay on top of the ever changing landscape, and analyze your pages for broken links -- and the list goes on and on.

The following are links to tools that a webmaster will need to develop and manage a site. Most of these tools I have used or currently use on my own (or my client) sites, so if you have any questions about the use of these tools, send me an email and I'll try to help you get started with them.

WYSIWYG Editors - These editors are for those who do not like messing with the HTML code directly. You can interact with the content of a page the way it will appear in a browser.
HTML Text Editors - These content editors are for those who want to edit the HTML coding directly.
FTP Applications - Some wysiwig editors have built-in support for uploading your finished pages to the webserver. If you need to upload files to the webserver using a stand alone application, you need an FTP tool.
Search Engine Tools - Getting your site built and uploaded to the webserver is only the first step. You also must let the search engines know about it. Using search engine submission services notifies the search engines that your site is ready to be indexed.
Billing Services - You will need to charge your customers for work using a good billing system that can help you track invoices and payments. Using an outside service will insure you maintain a professional look for your company.
Affiliate Programs - You can make a lot of money on the internet if you understand how to monetize your web site to sell other people's stuff -- especially if it adds value to your own products and services.

Pay-Per-Click Programs - If you use the Adwords program or some other pay for clicks program, it's wise to consider tracking your own clicks.
Webmaster Forums - Here are some great forums and services for learning more about optimizing your site and getting higher search engine rankings.
Keyword Research Tools - In order to optimize your pages for search engines, each page should focus on one or two keywords or phrases. To determine which keywords and phrases are likely to bring more traffic to your site, you have to determine which keywords and phrases are being used in the search engines by people looking for your products or services.
Link Analysis Tools - To rank well in search engines, you need to pay detailed attention to your internal linking structure. It helps to have an application that can sift through your pages and examine your linking strategy.
Graphics Tools - Every designer needs graphics tools. You need to be able to build header graphics, capture graphics from the screen, combine graphics in different ways for effect, create logos, and more.