In comparison to publishing on physical media, developing and then deploying a website will require very little by way of specialized skills and tools. While mass marketing of publications on physical media needs a major investment of money and time, publishing for a global audience over the Internet will require virtually no money and almost no time. Thus, website design and publication has given almost everybody with internet access their very own personal printing press.

To make a website, it is best to have a very clear idea about the topics for the website. If you want the website to provide a service to people - yourself and others - you must have in mind the functionality you would want the website to provide. For instance, if the topic of your website is 'My trip to the Bahamas', one of the functionalities that your website could provide can be a journaling service so that visitors to your website can maintain an online diary. This entire process- of developing a website for publication - is called 'web design'.

The range of possible topics is virtually limitless, and limited only by one's imagination. The possible services and functions a website can provide, or otherwise provide a conduit for, is still relatively limited to the digital equivalents of services once provided only on paper, such as a diary, guestbook, and calendar. As web design programming tools have evolved, the interactive website functions available are increasing in variety and complexity. Most of these functions are, however, still out reach of the casual internet enthusiast as far as easily adding the functionality to a personal website.

Therefore, content and layout should be the primary focus of any basic, personal website. If desired, and as possible, interactive functionality can be added to a personal website later. To make a website, the content should be considered carefully, and then gathered together into one folder.

After the content has been collected, it is time to consider layout. The layout for a web site is very similar to any other document designed to be viewed by a large audience. To make a website, the layout should be well organized and logical, with all content easily accessible through a simple menu system, such as a list of links with headings.

Last but not least, you will need web site design software tools that will enable you to turn your content folder and layout idea into a genuine web site. The free software tools and instructions on website publication that are almost certainly offered by your internet service provider may offer a good starting point. On the other hand, you could simply type a phrase like "how to make a website" into your search engine.