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Meagan Francis

Guide to HTML Basics for Business Owners

The programming language used to build Web sites and format email isn't hard to learn if you know where to look

By Meagan Francis, Director, Studio 4b

If you want to design, tweak or maintain your company's Web site, send an email newsletter, or format your company email with special fonts or colors, it's a good idea to understand how to use hypertext markup language, or HTML, the programming language that dictates details like text placement and font size, background colors and the size and placement of images on many Web sites and e-newsletters.

Learning HTML is a lot like picking up another language. Immersing yourself in it will help you learn to speak it fluently, but it helps to have a teacher along the way to give instruction.

If you want to learn HTML from scratch you have a few basic options:

  1. Sign up for a training course
  2. Use a DVD or video training program
  3. Get a book that walks you through the process step by step.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done


Use a free online primer

Web sites that offer basic tutorials are a quick and easy way to get your skills up to speed.
I recommend: HTML Goodies offers a free basic primer for people who know nothing about HTML. It offers step-by-step directions for basic and advanced HTML programming.

Learn it step-by-step from a book

Learning to build Web sites step-by-step from a book is cheaper than purchasing an expensive HTML editing program and you'll have more control over your creation.
I recommend: HTML, XHTML, and CSS (Visual QuickStart Guide), by Elizabeth Castro, combines basic instructions with more advanced coding and makes it easy to build stylish Web sites even if you are a complete "newbie".

Take a class

If you learn best by having an instructor walk you through the steps, and appreciate the accountability of tests and assignments, a class might be the best way for you to learn HTML coding.
I recommend: Web Tech University offers free "HTML 101" classes as well as information and classes on other Web languages.

Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

  • As new languages and coding styles become more popular, some older codes will become obsolete. Read up on newer languages, like CSS and XHTML, after you've gotten the hang of basic HTML.
  • Even if you're using an HTML editor program like Dreamweaver or FrontPage to create your website, it's a good idea to check the HTML code for errors or inconsistencies. This can save you a lot of headache over the long haul.

The official source of HTML Basics for Business Owners is
the HTML Software page at Business.com

Recommended Solution Providers

Webucator.com: HTML Training
Customized, instructor-led, technical training.

Kaplan University: Web Development Courses
Online university's classes in HTML.

Hands on Technology Training: HTML Courses
HTML training classes.

SofTeach: Computer Training and Consulting
Customized computer software training.

Online Business Basics: Getting Started
Articles about internet marketing and tips to help get a business website up and running.

Web Tech U
Offers online classes for HTML.

Best Sites to Learn More

W3.org: Getting Started with HTML
Introduction to HTML and how to make a web page.

Webzilla.com: HTML Basics
Basics of understanding HTML.

Internet Tutorials
Basics of understanding the components of the internet.

Jakob Neilsen: Growing a Business Website
Principles of growing a business website.

Webmonkey: Web Developer's Resource
Useful how-to's about creating a web site.

Webdeveloper.com: HTML Articles
Articles about HTML development.

HTML Code Tutorial: Reference Guide
Reference guide to HTML.

Internet Brothers: HTML Tips, Tool and Tutorials
Tutorials in the basics of HTML.

HTML Goodies: HTML Guide
Primer on HTML.

Best Blogs and Forums

WebDeveloper.com: HTML Forum
Discussion of HTML development issues.

HTML Code Tutorial: Discussion Forum
Support of HTML, CSS, DHTML and other client-side development issues.

HTMLForum.com: HTML Discussion
Discussion of HTML issues for users and developers.

SiteExperts.com: HTML and CSS Forum
Discussion of HTML and CSS issues.

Mandarin Design: Web and Blog Development Blog
News and information about web and blog design.

HTML Dog Blog: HTML Blog
Information on HTML.

Webmonkey: Web Developer's Blog
HTML and other web development issues.



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