It is true that a modern one-page website can be generated in seconds using AI or static site generators. While this speed is impressive, we have chosen to use a Content Management System (CMS) for this project for critical reasons like future management and scalability.
In our latest video tutorial (embedded below), we demonstrate how to build a fully functional One-Page Website using Joomla CMS. We take a very simple and efficient approach: rather than complex coding, we build the entire structure using Joomla modules. This allows us to take a client’s raw text and turn it into a clean, easily editable website in just a few minutes.
The Problem with Static HTML
Last time, we explored how AI can generate websites instantly. But relying on static HTML brings significant challenges the moment a project is handed over to a client.
Static HTML is rigid. Updating content, adding new languages, or expanding a one-page site into a multi-page web application requires manual coding. If a client wants to change a paragraph or swap an image, they cannot do it without technical knowledge. As requirements grow, perhaps adding eCommerce or advanced user features, a static site faces limitations in its flexibility and capability.
Why Choose a CMS?
By choosing a Content Management System (CMS) over static files, we prioritize the future of the website. A CMS handles the heavy lifting, allowing for:
- Easy editing and management in the future
- Simple content updates for clients or non-technical users
- Easy redesign and layout changes
- Scalable and extendable with new features
- Built-in tools for SEO, caching, security, and user management
- Supports multilingual content out of the box
- Reduces dependency on developers for everyday updates
- Website can grow from one-page to full web application
Why Joomla?
For this project, we chose Joomla because it offers a perfect balance of power and flexibility. Unlike some platforms that rely heavily on bloated plugins, Joomla is a robust system built on modern code architecture.
Key advantages of using Joomla for this build include:
- A real system built on modern code architecture
- Template overrides: Customization without breaking the core
- Menu architecture with full control over navigation and links
- Modular extensions: Plugins, modules and components
- Performance, SEO, and Accessibility: Optimized out of the box
- Advanced access control levels (ACL)
- Multilingual Support: Native and simple
- A powerful system with flexibility at its core
- Security: Designed with protection in mind
- Community and development focus on best practices
What We Build in the Video
In the tutorial below, we guide you through the complete process step-by-step.
Since this is a one-page website, we take a slightly different approach than the standard "article-based" structure. Instead, we utilize modules to build distinct rows and containers.
To achieve a lightweight and responsive design, we utilize:
- Phoca Spectrum Template: A clean template that uses standard Joomla settings and Bootstrap classes without heavy frameworks, and allows us to easily add containers (rows) and columns.
- Phoca Particles Module: A tool designed specifically to create structured content blocks (like services, team members, and features) easily.
- Phoca Maps: For integrating a privacy-friendly map in the contact section.
We walk through setting up the Home banner with animations, an About Us section, Team profiles, References, and a Contact form. Finally, we demonstrate the power of Joomla's customization by using user.css to globally change the color scheme in seconds, proving that you can have a custom design with the stability of a CMS.