design-a-webpage: Internet marketing and web design awesomeness

I gave design-a-webpage beta a trial run today, using it to create a landing page for my online business report card service.

It took about 60 seconds to create. I didn't have to write any CSS or HTML, or PHP. It integrates directly into my existing site using the exact same site logo and a link to my homepage. Absolutely awesome.

At the moment the service is still in beta, so there are a limited number of options you can try out. However, it's plain to see that design-a-webpage is onto something when you can change themes independently of layouts and content.

The color scheme is controlled through graphic color palettes so even complete novices can make attractive looking pages without knowing the first thing about... well, anything.

design-a-webpage takes care of the page hosting, so would-be web designers no longer have to go searching for advice on hosting and comparing the myriad of different options available.

In particular, I think design-a-webpage will excel at helping bloggers (people using Wordpress, TypePad, Blogger, etc) to convert traffic better. Instead of fighting with stodgy blog themes, they can create fast, lightweight landing pages that integrate into their blogs without having to touch code, theme downloads and so on.

You can try out the service using their webpage creation demo. This creates "Basic landing pages" using a small selection of basic themes to demonstrate how easy is it to make stunning, effective landing pages. Any pages you create anonymously, can be reclaimed once you sign up for a membership so you don't have to re-create them once you create an account.

design-a-webpage is also going to have a great impact on non-tech people who don't necessarily want a full CMS or blog. People who have written a book, made a song, want their CV online, want to post a flow diagram, or any type of once-off page will be able to find a layout and theme suitable for their content.

In addition, design-a-webpage also offer web designers and developers a platform to contribute themes and layouts either for free or revenue. It's likely too, that they will also set up some form of "page designer" marketplace, where noobs can get an experienced user to tailor their content and images perfectly.

Give it a try and let me know what you think...