This past year I’ve been working on taking Indie Aisle from concept to usable product. The latest release represents an example of the full idea in action: a website template for building a static site, in a format that works as a hub for other platforms.

The overall idea of Indie Aisle is a combination of two aspects: simplifying the variables for making a website to their most essential form; and making the process as easy as possible for creators to build their online presence independent of any platform.

In practice, this consists of three parts: HTML templates made for the Blocks Edit visual editor to easily build out static pages; a-la-carte services for any needed dynamic functionality like form submission or order handling; and straightforward guides to help educate how to manage assets in a way the creator has full control over.

Templates, tools, and guides

The new HTML template is open source, focused on creators presenting themselves and their work and allowing their fans to connect with them directly. It encourages setting up a home to point their fans in from online platforms. Where they control their content and their connection to their fans, instead of the platform companies.

The initial dynamic services available are: submitting a form to their email, while blocking form spam, and with simple, private stats. This is often all a basic website needs. Future releases will include a feed of posts (and RSS), email list subscribing, and digital order handling.

Guides offer approaches for staying independent while using the web to publish and promote work. A few of the initial guides include setting up a domain name, hosting, and a custom email address, the best way to use creator platforms, and having an email newsletter.

The HTML template includes the initial services built-in. Using Blocks Edit allows building pages and updating content via point and click editing. And the creator can export directly to any static hosting option via Blocks Edit’s FTP integration. And the guides show how to setup the infrastructure to make it all work on their own.

Indie web, taken to its full extent

All of the above includes best practices of the modern web: semantic, accessible HTML, and modern CSS techniques. It takes into account lean web methods, by eliminating variables to stay nimble and portable, and as future proof as possible. And the IndieWeb is a part of it, by encouraging POSSE practices, and with microformats baked in.

I tend to refer to a more general “indie web” term because even though it includes a lot of IndieWeb core philosophy, it doesn’t fully include all IndieWeb tech. Though there is potential for adding more of it in the future, it will need to be done in a way that’s easy for creators to setup and use.

Indie web practices work together hand in hand with being a truly independent creator. And should always go together to staying independent beyond the shifting of online platforms and apps. And we're going to continue building on Indie Aisle tools and resources to help make that possible for indie creators!