Website Design
There are two main ways we can design your website, Bespoke or by using a Content Management System. This section provides further information on these two options.
Bespoke Website
Websites used to be exclusively created using handcoded HTML and CSS. HTML (Hypertext Markup Language) and CSS (Cascading Style Sheets) are the language of the web. HTML and CSS is the code that lies beneath every website. It is this code that defines a websites content and its presentation.
From the web designers point of view a bespoke website that is handcoded provides the greatest flexibility for design as each element of the site can be controlled and amended. It is also the most time consuming and labour intensive way of creating a website. This method of design can still be a clients preferred choice of website design, especially if there is a very specific design brief that cannot be achieved by other means.
Content Management System
An alternative to the bespoke built website is to use a Content Management System (or CMS) as the foundation for your website. This is becoming an increasingly popular choice for a number of reasons, including:
1. Reduced design time - The functionality is already built in, just populate it with your content and select a design.
2. Scalable - Your investment in your website will be protected, as it can easily grow to meet your requirements.
3. Content - Enables non-technical users to update website content easily i.e. text, graphics, video etc.
4. Modular design - Add additional features when required. See here for a list of common website extensions we can provide for your CMS based website.
Once you have decided that this is the option for you, we then need to discuss your design requirements i.e. the look and feel of the website. This is where the CMS template comes into play.
What is a CMS template?
A CMS template is a series of files within the Content Management System that controls the presentation of your website content. The template by itself is not a web site but the basic foundation for viewing your web content. To produce the effect of a completed web site, the template works hand in hand with the website content stored in the Content Management Systems database (a database is simply a repository of information).
When selecting a CMS template, you have the following options - Prestyled Template or a Custom Template.
Prestyled Template
One of the most cost effective ways to get a good looking website is to purchase a template designed by a professional template provider. There are many organisations devoted to developing such templates.
This solution also has the advantage that the "look and feel" of the website is predefined, although of course it is possible to customise a template to whatever you want. It is an excellent way to get your site up and running if you are struggling for design inspiration.
Some template providers we can recommend include YOOtheme, RocketTheme and Joomlashack. All of these companies provide professional Joomla templates. Another site worth a look for some inspiration is the Joomla section of TemplateMonster, which you can find here.
You dont have to worry about the technical aspects of the templates, just browse and find something you like the look of then contact us. We will take it from there and use your chosen Joomla template to design your own individual website.
This option is very popular with our clients, as it provides a professionally designed website for a low fixed cost. More information on this can be found here
Customised CMS Template
If you can not find a template that meets your needs, or you have a specific requirement, then we can custom build a CMS template for you. Prices for a website are more designed this way are expensive when compared to a template based system, but can still be surprisingly affordable. More information on this can be found here.