Nowadays, there are a lot of CMS platforms you can find on the Internet. One of the most popular is Joomla. Although this platform may not be for everyone, many people still consider Joomla hosting a good choice. For beginners, they may find this platform a little more complex.
To provide you with a simpler and clearer picture on how it is to start with Joomla, here are 10 steps to best develop and design a website on this platform:
1. Find a Third Party Web Hosting Provider
Joomla hosting does not literally mean that the platform can host your website. Actually, Joomla is a CMS platform that works like WordPress.org which should be installed to a web host. Before anything else, it is best to find a web host that is highly recommended for Joomla.
You can choose any web host you would like to use for your website. Just make sure to configure it well for your Joomla integration.
2. Install Joomla
Once you’re done opening an account with a web host, you are now ready to install Joomla. It may seem complicated to do so, but in fact, it’s not. You don’t have to perform a long process of manual installation. Instead, you can do so in just a click of the button.
Most web hosting companies would include a Joomla icon on their respective control panels. They have built-in plugins for Joomla users. On the control panel or dashboard, look for the Joomla icon or name. Click on it, and it will do the rest of the installation for you.
3. Choose Your Domain Name
A domain name such as “.com” is probably what you need to for your website to have a credible online presence. Before you install Joomla, it is recommended you already have a specific domain name in mind that you can use. This is because choosing your domain takes place while you are installing Joomla.
When you push the Joomla icon, you will be redirected to an option to choose your domain name. Afterward, you can proceed to the installation process. Click “Install Now.” That’s it! It is indeed very simple, especially when the Joomla icon is there.
4. Manual Installation
What if your web host doesn’t include any Joomla icon or name on their control panels? If that is the case, Joomla is more likely to encounter some issues along the way. Even so, you can still find ways to install the platform to such a host. You can do it manually instead.
Basically, here are the steps to manually install Joomla:
• Create a database of all your website details and back them up.
• Manually download Joomla setup in zip file.
• Unzip the file and run the application.
• Setup your website by filling in the required information.
• Press install button.
• You’re done!
5. Write Your Content
Your website is incomplete without any text content. In fact, it is recommended that every site must have a lot of content for search visibility. After you download or install Joomla into your web host, you are now at the important stage of writing content or articles that can be read by your visitors.
To do so, here is the process:
• Go to Content – Articles – Add New Article.
• Write Articles on the Text Editor that Will Prompt.
• Look for the Publish Button and Click on it.
• You’re done!
6. Manage Categories
Whatever type of website you would like to launch, you would surely want to organize the content for better user experience. You should setup a home page, contact page, FAQ page, and more. Even blogs are organized according to topics. You don’t have to complicate everything. Just manage your categories.
To do so, here are simple steps:
• Go to Content – Categories – Create New Category.
• Find the “Parent” option and click to select a category or subcategory.
• Save and Publish.
• You’re done!
7. Create Web Pages
Your website may include only one page, but this is not going to help your visitors learn more about your offers. It is a must you create two or more web pages to provide your visitors with enough information and options to act on something.
Here are the steps to create web pages in Joomla:
• Go to Menus – Manage – Add New Menu.
• Proceed to Menu – “Name of the Menu you’ve just created” – Add New Menu Item.
• Create menu items to create web pages.
• Go to Module Assignment.
• Add modules to make the new web pages appear on your website.
• Save and Publish.
8. Install a Template
Now that you have a simple website with some web pages using a default template. If you want to improve the design of your website with Joomla, you can install another template which you may have purchased elsewhere.
Here is a simple way to install a template with Joomla:
• Go to Extensions – Manage.
• Click Browse.
• Upload the zip file that contains your theme.
• Go to Extensions – Templates
• Choose a theme.
• Save and Publish.
9. Back Up Your Website
One of the most important things you should not forget is to back up your website. Since you are using a third party web hosting provider, you are subject to changes. You may never know when a web host might experience issues.
