The biggest thing to keep in mind is that you want a site that is easy to read, and isn't annoying looking. The biggest mistakes people make with their first sites is that they get carried away, and put pictures all over, or have flashing text, or background and text combinations that look neat but strain your eyes if you look for longer than give minutes, or sound effects. I think almost everyone makes obnoxious looking sites when they start. Some times simple is better when starting out.