Starting From Zero: How To Get a Joomla Website Online
1. Purchase a Domain Name at a REGISTRAR
We recommend GoDaddy because we like their Superbowl commercials. Also, they're generally the cheapest and they run specials. However, only purchase the domain name here. No hosting, no upsells. e.g., If you are purchasing a .INFO for $1.99, then your total bill should only be $1.99. The downside of GoDaddy is that if you're not careful during checkout, you'll end up with lots of services you don't need.
2. Get Server space for the Domain Name at a HOSTING COMPANY
Our rule is you don't buy domains names where you host and you don't host where you buy domain names. Our preferred place to host a website as at data center located in Dallas. They have been around for a long time, reliable are reasonably inexpensive with decent support. There are two options at this place. If you are doing only one website, then purchase the Hatchling which is $5/month if you purchase 3 years. If you plan to run more than one domain, then get the The Baby for $8/month.
You can find a link on the lower left corner of APIN.COM
3. Create FTP access: Install Landing Page
We recommend Filezilla, but there are many alternatives. Go to Google and search for FTP Client if you want to browse. If you're running Windows and want to use what we do, then go with Filezilla.
After you have installed your FTP client, log into the website and put a landing page into the public_html directory. A landing page usually consists of two files. An index.html and a JPG such as a logo, image or whatever appears on index.html.
The purpose of a landing page is to keep out the general public while the website is being built. This is not security, more like one of those "Under construction" pages telling peoples what's to come.
4. Log into cPanel: Install Joomla
Assuming #2 was completed (or if you're working with us, we may have taken care of #2 for you) log into cPanel and look for the Fantastico installer.
If you need help on this, click the above image.
5. Clean out the sample content
When doing a fresh install of Joomla, it's not a bad idea to install the sample data.This should be a requirement if you're at all new to Joomla. But after you have learned from the samples, you'll need to remove all of that. (which is a good way to learn how the admin part of Joomla operates)
If you need help on this one, click the above image
6. Define the website structure
For simple sites, there's not much to this. But if plans call for something large, then this is an important step that should not be skipped. If you want to read more about what we call "content engineering" click the image below.
7. Add the content (content = copy + images)
When building a new site, you will either be starting with fresh content or "converting" from an existing website. If you would like to learn more about what's involved in Joomla conversions, read Keeping 900 Pound Monsters Out of Your House
8. Obtain a template
Joomla 1.5 comes with three templates, all perfectly fine for learning.However, when it comes time to build a real site, you likely will want to purchase something from a professional Joomla template store.
Note: If you're just learning Joomla, then hold off on this one and the next.
Template selection and customization should not be part of any Joomla 101 course.
9. Customize the template (Graphics and Positioning)
Next, make the template look like something specific to your website. That involves learning where things fit in the template as well as creating graphics that fit. To learn more about this step, click the image below.
10. Tweak and Test
These last three steps can take lots of time and can cause you to want to kick things. Do not expect to be good at this the first few times out. If you're just learning Joomla, then ignore 8 and 9. Instead use one of the three templates that come with Joomla. Also remember that function comes first. So build the structure, gather the content, then focus on how it looks.When all the testing is done, then remove the landing page to make the site "live"