Wanting to get into the wonderful world of Website Design, or simply looking for tips on how you can take that extra step forward in Website Design, then this article is for you.

Firstly, I'll tell you all a bit of information about myself, the article writer. I'm a 15 year old boy, far from a professional Website Designer, but after doing some research on local Website Design businesses in my area, I can safely say that my standards are at least ten times higher than theirs, and feel it is my right to write this article.

Okay, so now for the part you're all waiting for, the actual tips (feel free to skip to the level you are at, as I'm starting from the beginning, and all parts are labelled)

Just starting off? Why not read from here.

* One of the first mistakes that stops beginner Website Designers, is that they don't see the significance of a good content section. I see a lot of very talented people, who make a fantastic header, but then fill the content section with things such as 'text here' in big writing, inside a grey box.

Making a realistic content section is crucial to adding that professional look to your Website Design, especially if you ever decide to sell your work.

* Don't use crazy fonts, stick to the basic fonts, such as Arial, even if you do think they look 'boring'. Once you become more experienced, you will begin to realise what fonts look good, and you can experiment more. Nobody wants black gothic text on a sleek background, it just doesn't look right.

* Get yourself involved in a Website Design forum, you will be able to post your latest work, and get valuable input from people interested in the same thing as you. It will also help to gain a large client base for the future, as you will be a respected member of the community, if you post regularly.

* Look at other designs, and don't be afraid to copy. Just don't sell it afterwards!

Seeing how other people created things you liked on other designs, and copying them is a great way to learn new techniques, and understand how things work on Website Designs.

* Keep things simple. Remember, you don't know much about Website Design yet, so you don't know what works well, even if it looks amazing to you.

* Generally, have the navigation either at the top (with the header), or on the left, as they are the places people look first (I.E, we read from left to right, and look from the top to bottom).

* You want to be a respected Website Designer, so except critic, even if you don't agree with it. Don't be stupid and shout at anyone that dares to critic your work, that would lead to advice you could need, being hidden from you.

* Don't use stupid colours. E.G. A red background, with blue content, it doesn't look right as they are both primary colours and clash. I personally would recommend just using a white background, with one other colour. Such as, white and red.

Want something more advanced? I suggest you start reading here.

* Think about how your designs are going to be coded. Is it possible to do it? Is there something in the way of another image, so you can't code it into the rest of the design?

* Try experimenting with colours, see what looks good.

* Make up a business before you start, and make the Website Design based on that business. This is particularly good practise for any future client work.

* Make sure all your designs aren't the same, as this won't help you, and won't offer a wide range of what you can do to potential viewers of your portfolio (if you have one).

* Use stock photos in your work. This makes a huge improvement on designs, it is also a shortcut to giving your design a professional look.

* Have the Anti-Alias on none when filling in the content section, as it creates a more realistic look as to what the design would actually look like coded.

* Use different shades of colours in your design to make it nicer to look like. For example if you're making a green template, have a more lime green colour for the text. It will also make your design less monotone, so therefore more appealing to look at.

* Use lighting techniques on things such as headers. So, say the header is red, have some parts a darker red, and then other parts a lighter red. It adds a more professional touch to it.

* Use icons. For example an image of a home next to the word home, and a magnifying glass next to the word search.

* After finishing the design, don't be afraid to play with the colour balance (In Photoshop; Layer >> New Adjustment Layer >> Colour Balance). It could add that extra touch to your design, and improve it slightly more. Just make sure you don't go over the top with it, only slight alterations look good.

Are you good enough to sell your work?

It is important that you ask that question before you sell your work, as it ruins the industry when people try to sell poor quality templates, as often clients can't notice the difference between a poor quality design, and one of a high standard.

If you think you are good enough to sell your work, then read on.

* Become active at freelance forums, posting your work in their showcase galleries, and if you're good enough, people will contact you about potential work.

* Offer your services on freelance forums, and try to sell any work you can.

* Create a portfolio. Why would somebody buy a Website Design off of somebody who doesn't even have their own portfolio? It is also a good place for potential clients to contact you.

I hope you found these tips useful, I can safely say that I did not.

Thanks for reading,
Lewis Newman