So, my love affair with Joomla has only increased over the many new projects I've taken on in the past few months. The easiest way to go about implementing a Joomla- (or other content management system)-based site is to simply find a design template you like and install it. It typically costs between $50-$80 for a nice template, but it cuts back on time considerably. Also, there are so many different options out there, it's rare that you're going to compromise originality.
However, there are clients—artists in particular—who prefer a truly unique design. My latest client, Minneapolis-based band Fake Places, needed a simple but original design to promote their upcoming album release, feature their songs and offer a media kit. I convinced them that a CMS-based site would be the most logical way to go, since they would be updating show dates, news & events, and may want to eventually start a blog. But after sifting through countless Joomla templates, none jumped out. So the only thing left to do was to create our own. With the help of a brilliant local graphic designer, we found the look they wanted and turnaround time on the project ended up being less than a week.
Check out the new site & the great music!
I talk about using Joomla a lot, so I thought I'd provide a little more information about it. Visit their website to understand some of its applications I can provide in your site build.
The first thing a new client usually asks me when discussing the scope of the project is whether he or she should have a static or dynamic site. For those of you who don't know the difference:
- Static: unchanging "brochure" site. This type of site is not database driven. It does not use a backend content management system, and the only way to edit the site is by changing the code or using a website builder like Dreamweaver.
- Dynamic: generally refers to sites that have changing content. This can be through javascript or other actionscript. However, when I talk about a dynamic site, I'm usually referring to a site that uses a Content Management System, like Drupal, Joomla, or Wordpress. In these types of sites, the site administrator can log into the back end and make changes—without any coding knowledge or software like Dreamweaver—similar to a blog interface.
Now which is right for you?
Static sites are good if you don't plan to update your content very often. If you have a business whose offerings won't change much and/or you don't have a webmaster to dedicate time to the site, a static website might work best for you. These sites often take less time to build, saving you money. It's also easy to add a simple blog, adding key benefits of a dynamic site. (see example of a static site)
Dynamic sites have a ton of benefits. You don't need any coding knowledge. Frequently updated content usually means higher search engine rankings. There is no limit on the number of pages you can add. If your company or organization has a lot going on, needs to update members on events, releases news items, has many subgroups that need a dedicated page on the site, a content management-based site is the way to go. (see example of a dynamic site)
Thoughts? Questions? Comment below.
Thanks for visiting my website!
I started doing web production as a hobby, mostly for family and friends. It has since exploded beyond my expectations and become "what I do." I operate from Downtown Minneapolis. I am a freelance developer, not a firm, so expect one-on-one service and dedication to making your personal or small business website succeed. I enjoy the people and products I promote and I prefer to work on a relationship basis, helping each other out down the road even after the project is completed.
Check back often, as I hope to share tips and ideas on here for making your site generate traffic and engage visitors.
Thanks!
Sandi
