A content management system enables you to build web sites without extensive technical knowledge.
The most popular content management systems nowadays are WordPress, Joomla and Drupal. All three are open source, meaning they are cost free and available to everyone, and each one varies significantly in terms of feature set, capability, flexibility and ease of use.
In this blog post, we will look at why so many organisations choose to build their websites using Joomla instead of other open source content management systems.
Why Joomla!?
Offers ease of use as well as advanced functionality
Joomla’s power lies in its simplicity – you are guided through the installation process enabling you to get your prototype website up and running in no time at all. There are bundled default HTML templates which you are free to use, or you can procure the services of a software company to work with you to create a robust and exciting design for your new website. Once you’ve settled on a design and it has been set up as a Joomla template, simply create your content categories, publish your content items and build your navigation menu, and your website will be ready to receive visitors in no time at all. If you run in to problems along the way, don’t worry! Joomla has a great support network, with a diverse user base ranging from like-minded enthusiast webmasters to established software companies offering commercial support.
Great choice of extensions available
Joomla has a strong developer community with a large library of extensions available, allowing you to quickly add functionality to your site. Joomla extensions are divided into five categories – components, plugins, templates, modules and languages. Each of these differs in function, power and capability, with many being available to use free of charge. Without being too technical, think of a component as a functional part of your website. A good example would be functionality that allows you to easily create and publish HTML forms in order to capture visitor feedback and engage with your visitors. A complimentary plugin for this component would be the automatic conversion of textual email addresses to actual clickable HTML mailto links that let you address and compose emails with a single click. Finally, a complimentary module for this HTML form component would allow you to embed one of the forms in a small sidebar panel on any given page in your website – a great way contextualise your visitor feedback.
