The Joomlashack Blog
On the Grid: Tips for Grid Layouts
- Written by Joomlashack Joomlashack
- Published: 12 June 2014 12 June 2014
Grid Layouts Rock!
Nothing trumps a reliable, easy-to-use UI. No amount of killer graphics, clever landing pages, or HTML5 showboating can equal a site that displays information clearly and concisely. Grid-based layouts are a perfect tool to do that. They can present a huge amount of content at a glance, and are easy to update. But, keeping them interesting can be a challenge. Here are some tips to bring the "wow" factor.
Keep it cohesive
One of the dangers of this layout is that it can feel cluttered. You have to give it a seamless look. Grid layouts can't feel arbitrary. Your readers' attention gets scattered if the layout looks like it's thrown together. If you are using a lot of images (and it's not a news-based site), pick ones that are similar in color scheme or composition, like Canvas Magazine does with its neutral photos. Viktoria Klein uses images that are linked by color, pattern or content to add variety while still keeping the aesthetic flow.
5 Tips To Create Engaging Facebook Posts for Joomla Marketers
- Written by Steve Burge Steve Burge
- Published: 12 June 2014 12 June 2014
Contrary to popular belief, us marketers know better than anyone that marketing isn't all glitz and glam. Some days are better than others, some days are easier than others and then you have those days where nothing goes your way.
It's happened to all of us. You think you've created the most amazing piece of content yet and for some reason it just doesn't seem to be resonating with anyone. How can this be? Why don't they like me?
Read more: 5 Tips To Create Engaging Facebook Posts for Joomla Marketers
OSPositions - Always Show Joomla Module Positions
- Written by Nick Savov Nick Savov
- Published: 08 June 2014 08 June 2014
OSPositions is a simple Joomla plugin that keeps adding tp=1 in your URL so you can view your template's module positions on all pages.
Now you can navigate through your site and see where your module positions are.
This is a dream come true for people building sites that use many modules.
Here's how to use OSPositions ...
Read more: OSPositions - Always Show Joomla Module Positions
OSUrl - Find the Real URL of a Joomla Page
- Written by Nick Savov Nick Savov
- Published: 03 June 2014 03 June 2014
Joomla, along with all dynamic websites, has at least two version of each URL.
There is the Search-Engine Friendly (SEF) version which contain keywords that are useful and easy to remember. There are also the "original" version of the URL that is longer and harder to remember.
However, sometimes developers and site-builder do need to know the original URL. We've just released a module called OSurl that will help you to do just that.
OSURL will display the original Joomla URL for any page you visit.
Techie - A Refined and Trendy Responsive Template
- Written by Oscar Rodas Oscar Rodas
- Published: 03 June 2014 03 June 2014
Our new Trendy & Responsive Joomla Template
Using the top trends for this summer 2014 for inspiration, Techie has a simplistic and minimalist view without loosing the full complexity your site may need. Its the template you have been waiting your next app, component, software or any other technology. It makes for a great event and corporate site too.
Read more: Techie - A Refined and Trendy Responsive Template
Joomla in the Enterprise with Sears
- Published: 30 May 2014 30 May 2014
Cory Webb used to run a Joomla design shop, but since last year he's been working for Sears.
His role at Sears is to manage an internal Joomla website for over 1000 Sears associates.
In this video, Cory talks about the server architecture, workflows and user authentication methods used to power this Joomla site.
Some of the tools he talks about include Jenkins CI server, GitHub, JomSocial, Easyblog, and AcyMailing. Cory discusses how a lot of these tools can be used in non-enterprise websites.
Hook 'Em and Sink 'Em: Examples of Effective Landing Pages (And Why They Work)
- Written by Steve Burge Steve Burge
- Published: 30 May 2014 30 May 2014
There is no shortage of landing pages on the web. From eCommerce to news to lifestyle sites, there remain very few name brand sites that haven't caught on to the idea of directing action with strategic landing pages.
Still, many newbies are unsure what differentiates an OK and a great landing page. While there are countless wonderful articles out there about the guidelines for creating a killer landing page, I always find it best to learn by example.
Thus, here's a look at some effective landing pages, and a quick assessment of what they're doing right:
Read more: Hook 'Em and Sink 'Em: Examples of Effective Landing Pages (And Why They Work)
The Top 5 Inbound Marketing Myths - Debunked
- Written by Steve Burge Steve Burge
- Published: 30 May 2014 30 May 2014
Inbound has literally taken off since it stepped on the scene. You've probably seen it mentioned online, heard about it at conferences, and maybe even done some research yourself.
And you're not alone - the word is out about Inbound Marketing, and people are looking to find out more.
We can see this clearly evidenced on Google trends, which shows an incredible spike in search interest for the term "Inbound Marketing" over the past seven years:
How to Pick the Right Social Networks to be Active On
- Written by Steve Burge Steve Burge
- Published: 29 May 2014 29 May 2014
As a marketer, or even a small business owner (in that case you probably play the role of the marketer too) it can be a little overwhelming when deciding which social networks you need to be active on.
So, stop stressing out and repeatedly asking yourself these dreaded questions - Do I need to be on every single social network out there? Is having a presence on all of them that valuable? Do I have enough time for all of this?
Let's talk about where you should start.
Read more: How to Pick the Right Social Networks to be Active On
A Joomla Core Developer Introduces You to Joomla 3.3
- Written by Steve Burge Steve Burge
- Published: 27 May 2014 27 May 2014
Over the next few weeks we're going to be publishing videos of some great presentations from Joomla Day Atlanta.
The event featured some really excellent Joomla and PHP presentations.
This week we showcase Michael Babker from the Joomla core team. His presentation was called "Looking at Joomla! 3.3" and he talks about what's new in the latest version of Joomla.
Micheal makes a major announcement at the 14 minute mark, so be sure not to miss that.
Read more: A Joomla Core Developer Introduces You to Joomla 3.3