Why a custom website can be under $5000 or FREE!

In an article written by a webdesign company, of course there going to sell you the story that a website of any size is going to cost you more in the long term, in fact anything you commit to will cost you, your fridge, car, children, food and even websites.



What they fail to mention is you can set up your own custom website and host for under $100 and you have full control over what / where / and who runs it. The key to a good website is content and a successful business that you run should grow from this model.


It's easy to run your own website as all you need are the key tools! Here are my favourites:

Joomla content management system

It is now in version 3.0 but the main release is 2.5. and you need to keep it updated.
See more here : http://www.joomla.org/25

What Joomla parts you'd like to install?

Since the standalone install really needs articles & menus (webpages) for you to create, I'd start there.

Also a good template is also useful, although the basic ones are not too bad.

http://www.jm-experts.com/free-joomla-templates

You'll need to also install some security and back up options.

Secure your admin login location:

http://extensions.joomla.org/extensions/access-a-security/site-security/login-protection/12271

Backup options:

I'd do this through your webhost's cpanel as I've found that some get nancy when you use zip on the server.

Help me I'm stuck!

From there it's really up to you what you want to do, if you run into problems, don't forget that Joomla has forums where even I started out in using and creating my own low cost website.
forum.joomla.org


References:
Dream Consultancy http://www.dreamconsultancy.com.au/web-blog/why-your-custom-site-cannot-be-less-than-5000/
JM Experts http://www.jm-experts.com
Joomla http://www.joomla.org