Web trends today

[caleb]

Hi,

Im thinking about going into web design and I need some advice from the experienced developers here.

In Trinidad it seems hard to get your foot in the door when it comes to web design. I intend to act as a web consultant, but that seems like that would take a long road to accomplish.

I know languages like Xhtml, Mysql, Php, Css.

I would like to know what steps I can take to be more marketable in this field?

Thanks alot, I appreciate it!

[caleb]

*bump*

if somebody can give me any info, or any tips on how i can find out, it would be great!!!

thanks

[EmpireKing]

hi...firstly come across here and introduce yourself
http://www.carigamers.com/cms/forums/index.php/board,2.0.html
....read the rules and you could probably ask this question in your introduction as well linking to the original post of course.

[TriniXaeno]

The best approach in web is to garner as much experience as you can. Build your portfolio.

Having some credentials like CIW (Certified Internet Webmaster) helps but ultimately people will want to know what you've done. What you've accomplished on the WWW will be your  best selling point.

Have you worked on any live sites?

[chinarakinda]

Get to know Content Management Systems like Joomla and Drupal (they are open source). They are big now, allow to create turnkey websites for clients and build up portfolios easy. It also allows you to freelance since you could leave all the updating to the business/client.

You can also charge for training clients on the basics of updating their own.

[rb]

If you work alone, then you should learn basic graphic design as well. No one wants to read a white page of text

[TriniXaeno]

I second and third the CMS endorsement.

Won't hurt to get some forums under your belt too as the two, when put together, can accomplish just about anything a website could want.

[caleb]

thanks everyone. you helped me alot!!!