Step 3: Adding Graphics  

The Web is a graphical medium--words matter, but images are at least as important in attracting and holding viewers. That's why both web page software tools come bundled with collections of free art--buttons, page backgrounds, arrows and other visual elements to help readers navigate a site. Images are skimpier with word processing programs, but Microsoft Word 2002 in particular offers well-designed packages of elements (backgrounds and buttons) for downloading from Microsoft's Web site (www.microsoft.com search for the file "visual.exe").

Want to go a visual step beyond? There are plenty of software tools for creating your own graphics, but most impose a steep learning curve. It's easier to search the Web for free art by graphic artists who let others use their images. A must-see-site: Web Promotions (www.webpromotion.com), which features several dozen superb animated images. Another source is TuDogs (www.tudogs.com), a gateway to dozens of graphics houses, most of which provide free clip art.  Most professional developers have access to a wide variety of graphics sources in addition to being able to develop unique graphics to meet you particular needs.

You can spend days downloading images--the Web is swamped with terrific free art. But use images sparingly: A chief beef of Web surfers is the long wait for graphic-heavy pages to come up on screen. Professional developers typically balance performance with speed in a manner consistent with the goals and objectives of the web presentations.

Another caveat: Before uploading any images to your site, read the fine print on the artist's page. Some prohibit use on commercial sites. If in doubt, ask for permission, which will protect you against future complications.