My suggestion is to use the templates, unless you are very creative and you understand all of the dynamics of web site design, HTML, XML, page perspective, web compatible colors and fonts. There are literally hundreds of sites offering standard HTML templates on the Internet for very reasonable pricing. Although there are a number of “open source” sites that offer free templates as well. I have seen some of the best looking templates on the Internet at these sites. One of the best of these is http://www.oswd.org/ This site provides free downloads of hundreds of HTML templates. 

Programs such as XSitePro and HyperVRE come complete with templates that are already built in, although you can customize your site with either program if you prefer. Both of these programs come with video tutorials and full time help desks.  

Resources:

Web Authoring Software:

• Microsoft Publisher – Difficulty Level - Beginner 
• Net Objects fusion – Difficulty Level – Intermediate 
• Adobe Dreamweaver – Difficulty Level – Intermediate – Very Good Choice 
  
• XSite Pro Best Choice The easiest of all, in our estimation.
• HTML Editors: 
• CoffeeCup Software-Difficulty Level-Beginner-Very Good Choice 30 day free trial  
• nVu (Open Source-Free) – Difficulty Level – Beginner - Totally free software
• Kompozer Free open source software. 

See:Home Business Research Software Reviews 

Specialty Authoring Software

• XSitePro– Difficulty Level – Beginner – Editor's Choice You can get up and running within a very short time. Great video tutorials included. This is an excellent choice for first time users and seasoned users as the software is extremely powerful but very simple to use.
  
• HyperVRE – Difficulty Level–Beginner–Intermediate – Very Good Choice Free basic version with $ to upgrade level. Some people can get along with just the basic version without the upgrade. This is a very competent piece of software. I just give the edge to XSitePro because it is easier to use, however you should look at HyperVRE because it's a free download.

Digital Photo Imaging Software:

You need to have some type of imaging software in order to build a good site these are some of the top programs:

 – Difficulty Level – Intermediate – Editor's Choice. The granddaddy of all image editing software. Most all web designers use it on PCs and Macs. To some, a bit intimidating. I have been using it for a very long time(since the early 90's) and still don't consider myself an expert but competent. Very expensive, but the best. Tip: Try to find an old copy from someone you know and buy it from them used.

PhotoShop Training: Mark’s PhotoShop Tips – Very Good Choice.  I have personally have used used this, and the video tutorials couldn't be easier to understand and implement. Lots of tricks and tips. Mark Knows his stuff.

Xara  Excellent Choice- Free Trial Incredible image editing software. Does almost as much as Photoshop at a fraction of the cost. Definitely a best buy. It has many features that set it apart from everything else. Definately worth a look. Free Trial offered. I purchase my first copy last year (2008.) To me it's a cross between Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator. You can create some stuff in Xara very quickly that might take you much longer in PS. It's less than $100 US and it's worth every penny.

GIMP: Free Open Source image editing software. It's almost as good as Photoshop but as hard to learn as PhotoShop, but then again it's free so who cares?

Web Authoring Software Training

Total Training  Excellent Online or DVD Options for training in Dreamweaver, Photoshop, etc. Very Good Choice Subscribe to a package that includes multiple software training for the best value. The instructors really know their stuff. Well worth it! I've personally used it and recommend it to any level user. Think of these tutorials as classical training versus specific "how to's." It's money well spent if you plan to do a lot of your own graphics or you plan to use Dreamweaver to build your site.

Special Offer:

With a complimentary guest pass, you'll enjoy access to the first 20 minutes of every tutorial in our library.