Note: This page was developed for those who need some additional training in how to create a simple Web page prior to attending a Search Engine Academy Workshop.

In order to position Web pages in the search engines, you need to know how to create a very simple Web page. You're probably not going to be designing complete Web sites yourself, but you will be designing gateway, or information, pages. Also, you'll need to know how to make changes to simple Web page, how to use a software program for making those changes, and how to add tags that can help boost your rankings.

Here's something crucial to keep in mind. The closer to the top of the page that your important keywords are, the more relevant your Web page will be to the engines. The more relevant the page is for that keyword search, the better your rankings will be. Therefore, you need to remember how important it is to bring all keyword-containing text and tags to the top of the page.

Try to complete assignments #1, #2, and #3 below. If you have time, work on some of the other assignments, but make sure you finish those three assignments first.

After completing the tutorials, you can always refer back to them for more information.

Assignment #1: (important to do)

Purchase a software program for creating simple Web pages. We recommend FrontPage, because it allows you to create Web pages by using a program that operates very similarly to Word. If you know how to use Word, you basically will know how to use FrontPage. If you already have another software program, that's fine.

You can purchase FrontPage in almost any office supply or software store. Which ones are good? Adobe GoLive and Dreamweaver are also very popular programs for creating Web pages. However, they aren't as easy to use as FrontPage. We highly recommend FrontPage for ANYONE, but especially for those who have never created a simple Web page.

Assignment #2: (important to do)

Take the HTML 4 Rookies Tutorial at this URL:
http://htmlprimer.com
Complete all 8 lessons. Be sure to visit the Test Lab at the end of each lesson and practice. Then, read over the following information as well:

Javascript; Cut N Paste Tutorial; META Tags; and HTML Validators

Assignment #3: (important to do)

Find out what FTP program you have. What is FTP? FTP stands for File Transfer Protocol, which is a method for downloading and uploading files to and from an Internet site. In other words, an FTP program allows you to transfer files over the Internet. After you work on your Web pages, you'll need to FTP the pages and graphics to your server. Then, you'll be able to view the pages on the Web.

Try to spend some time playing with your FTP program.

Assignment #4:

Visit A Beginner's Guide to to HTML:

http://mars.cs.unp.ac.za/HTML/HTMLPrimerAll.html

Click on Full-Length Version. If it's easier for you to print out a copy and work from there, click on Printable Version at the top of the page.

Click on Getting Started and begin to work your way through the entire tutorial. I realize that some of this will be a duplication of what you learned before. But, being presented with information in different ways can help us learn and understand it more.