This will soon be a major update to my book How to Website Design — and for good reason. The digital world has shifted dramatically in just the past few years. From how we write content to how we design websites (or even houses), everything has been reshaped by AI technology, and it all really took off with OpenAI.
Looking back, the methods I first learned in the early 2000s now feel like the dark ages. But here’s the truth: what we’re doing today will look just as outdated a few years from now. Technology is no longer crawling forward — it’s leaping. In the past, it might take a decade for a major breakthrough to ripple through industries. Today, with AI in the mix, innovation happens at light speed.
And this is just the beginning. Right now, quantum computing sits on the horizon. It’s still expensive — costing millions and mostly used by corporations and research labs — but it’s real, and it’s evolving. Once it reaches the consumer level, you’ll walk into your neighborhood computer store and buy a machine that operates on principles of quantum physics. The bugs are still being worked out, but make no mistake: the world of computing is about to be turned inside out once again.
My Best Advice for Building a Website Today
If you’re developing a new website in this fast-changing environment, here are the steps I personally follow right now:
- Choose a Reliable Hosting Provider
Don’t just go with the cheapest option. Look for speed, uptime, scalability, and customer support that matches your long-term needs. - Set Up WordPress as Your Base
WordPress remains the most versatile and widely supported platform for website design. It offers flexibility, plugins, and SEO tools that scale with your goals. - Leverage AI with Specific Prompts
Use ChatGPT (or similar AI tools) to create an outline for your new website. The more specific you are, the better the results.- Input = Prompt (what you type, say, or feed into the AI).
- Output = Response (what the AI generates back for you).
“What is the capital of Japan?”
Or complex:
“Write me a 1,000-word SEO article about hot springs in Indonesia with headings and subheadings.” - Refine and Implement
Read the AI’s response carefully. Does it convey your message clearly? If it does, polish it up and paste it into a new page on your WordPress site. - Use AI Beyond Content
AI can assist with marketing campaigns, SEO strategies, brainstorming design ideas, and even branding concepts. Think of it as your digital co-pilot — not a replacement, but a powerful extension of your creativity.
Why the Basics Still Matter
AI may be rewriting the rules, but the fundamentals of website design are not going anywhere. A solid layout, clear navigation, user-friendly design, and fast performance remain the backbone of every great site. What has changed is how easily and quickly you can execute those fundamentals with the right tools.
For a deeper dive into these concepts and step-by-step guidance, pick up a copy of my book How to Website Design on Amazon. The next update will take everything you know and move it firmly into the AI era — preparing you for the future of web design, SEO, and beyond.
