A web site based on CMS is like a filing cabinet in hyperspace.  It contains all the components of the site in one system and when a page on the site is visited, all the files necessary to create and display that page are pulled out of the “cabinet” and presented in a format that is highly customizable by not only the developer, but also by the site owner – that’s YOU!. 

Creating any web site requires a great deal of planning and organization.  A well-thought out site can save countless hours for the designer/developer, and using Joomla! as a content management system helps make every hour count.

Primary Feature of a CMS site

The main feature of web sites created with a content management system is the ability to maintain and update the site as needed with no programming knowledge required.  Once your new site is live on the web, you are given access to the “back end” via secure log-in that will allow you to update and change your site as you see fit and on your time schedule.  Training is provided through a variety of means depending on physical location.  That is true Content Management. Of course, if you would still rather have some one else handle those details, we are more than happy to provide that service by purchasing one of our service packages.

Anatomy of a CMS Site

When your visitors see your site, one of the first things they are likely to notice is how well organized it is and if it's easy to spot the information they're after.  Of course, the visual aesthetics are key elements too.  From the text, to the graphics, to the behind the scenes operations, all of the parts of your site will be neatly housed, compartmentalized, and labeled.  Following, is a list of the skeletal parts that will form the structure of your site:

COMPONENTS

Think of a component as the program that powers the primary feature of any given page.  Examples would be: event registration, event calendar, large slide show, site map, e-commerce, blogging, forums, etc.

MODULES

A module has a similar function as a component but rather than being the main feature of the page, it is more "modular" in size and appearance.  Modules are actually mini-programs that can be easily moved to any number of positions on a page.  They often can take one particular aspect of a component and display it elsewhere on the site.   Examples are: menus, banners, RSS feeds, galleries, and site visitor counters.

PLUGINS

You've most likely heard this in other applications such as software programs and and internet browsers.  A plugin is an enhancement to any number of existing features of a site.  They are designed to alter programming without having to create or obtain a completely new program.

ARTICLES

Yes, it's just like it sounds!  If you've ever used a word processing program then you can easily create and edit any article.  An article may contain text as well as, graphics, flash, mp3 players, video players...just about anything.  Creating well-written text content, unlike the rest of the site, is where you come in.  What information do you want to provide on your site?  What action do you want your vistors to take?  Why should they buy your product?  All of these questions and more are ones that must be answered with words.  Why?  Because search engines are word-based!  You want your site to be loaded with written content so that you increase your chances of being found - that's what it's all about...being found. 

SECTIONS and CATEGORIES

Ok, now you've got plenty of written content - how do you organize it?  Sections are most likely going to be your main menu items.  The Categories will be sub-sections.  Your articles will be linked to their appropriate Section/Category for easy reference when deciding where on the site they will appear.

More on Content Management Systems…

There are several Content Management Systems available today and most of them are “open source” . Open source means basically that they are available for free – that’s right FREE.  Developers and programmers from counties all over the world contribute their knowledge and skills to the open source community and anyone who wants to learn CMS can do so without cost.  The only cost is the time it takes to learn the system(s) you want to use.

The system used exclusively by K-Design is Joomla!.  Joomla! is free for anyone to use who wants to build their own website or even create sites for clients. 

“So why would I use a developer like K-Design if I can do it on my own?”, you ask.  For the same reason that you’d hire any other service that you could have done for free on your own – your time is valuable, and the old adage remains true: “time is money”.  You can absolutely create your own site for free and all the tools are only a few click away.  I’ve also found that focusing on what you’re excellent at produces the best results!