Creating a functional website can be tough especially if you don’t have a dedicated team for it. That team needs to be well-versed with coding or web design. However, with the help of a Content Management System (CMS), building a website has become much more accessible for non-technical users.
For example, a good CMS like Umbraco allows users not only to create but also to manage and publish content on a website without needing any coding knowledge (if you’re not sure what is Umbraco, it’s best to speak with an experienced web development agency that uses it).
Functional Website using a CMS
In this article, we will discuss the steps to creating a functional website using a CMS.
Choosing a CMS
The first step in creating a website using a CMS is to choose the right platform. There are several popular CMS options available, such as WordPress, Joomla, Drupal and as mentioned earlier, Umbraco. Each platform has its own set of features and capabilities, so it is important to choose one that best suits your unique needs.
Installing and Setting Up the CMS
Once you have chosen a CMS, the next step is to install and set it up. This process can vary depending on the platform you have chosen, but generally, it involves downloading the CMS software, uploading it to your web server and then running an installation script.
Note that some CMSs can be installed through a web-based installer, which makes the process even easier. After the installation is complete, you will need to configure your CMS by setting up the database, creating a user account and choosing a theme or template.
Creating and Managing Content
Once your CMS is set up and configured, it’s time to start creating and managing content. This is where the real power of a CMS comes into play, as it allows you to easily create, edit and publish your content even if you don’t possess coding knowledge.
Most CMSs include a built-in editor that allows you to format text, add images and create links. Depending on the platform, you may also have the ability to create custom fields, taxonomies and other content types.
Customising the Design
While a CMS provides you with a pre-designed template or theme, you may want to make design customisations to make your website look unique. With many of the popular CMSs, you can easily customise the design of your website through the use of templates or themes. You can also initiate customisations by editing the CSS (Cascading Style Sheets) code, which controls the layout and design of your website.
Publishing and Promoting Your Website
Once your website is complete and you are satisfied with its design and functionality, it’s time to publish it and promote it to the world. Most CMSs include the option to publish your website directly from the platform, allowing you to easily make it live on the web.
In addition, you can promote your website by using various online marketing techniques, such as SEO (Search Engine Optimisation), social media marketing and online advertising.
Summary
By following the steps we outlined in this article, you can choose a CMS, install and set it up, create and manage content, customise the design and publish and promote your website. With the right platform and a little bit of effort, you can create a website that not only meets your needs but exceeds your expectations.
