KarmaSites is an affordable, user-friendly CSS/XHTML site builder. You can set up a first-class site, even within a day or two, for just the cost of a domain name. We're happy to manage your site for you, but if you'd like to do it yourself, here's a brief overview of the process:
1. Buy a Domain Name
Buying a domain name costs only $10.21/year through KarmaSite's domain registration service. If you already have a name, you'll just need to switch the nameservers when you're ready to go live with your new KarmaSite.
2. Select a Starter Design
2. Select a Starter Design
Choose a design to get started. A complete list is available at KarmaSites. "Clean" is the most generic version. At this stage it doesn't matter which you select; you can change it later.
3. Submit Your Request
Submit your request through KarmaSites.
4. Set-up Your KarmaCMS
4. Set-up Your KarmaCMS
Once your request is processed, you'll receive an e-mail message detailing the procedures to get started. The KarmaCMS admin area is an easy-to-use interface:
Main Account- Set Password
- Forgot Password?
- Billing
- Email Accounts
- Set Password
- Mailing Lists
- Webmail
- Home Page
- Web Stats
- FTP Accounts
- Site Builder (CMS)
5. Set-up Your E-mail
5. Set-up Your E-mail
We prefer to set up e-mail at this point (with KarmaSites you can create unlimited e-mail accounts). We usually set up one called "info," "admin" or "contact."
6. Test
6. Test
There are three main areas to the Site Builder:
- Module List
- Main Preferences
- Manage Designs
Module List governs all the individual modules and their preferences.
Main Preferences governs the home page, site head info, the h1 tags, site footer and overall defaults for the site.
Manage Designs governs your pre-made or custom designed skin(s) and the Site Photo feature.
A.) As a first step, we install our selected design into Manage Designs, and then under Main Preferences, we notice the design—if it's the only one loaded—is listed as the default selection.
B.) Next we load our first module, usually the Contact module. In the module's individual Set Preference area, we select the Contact Form and fill out the requested fields, including our new e-mail (step 5 above).
C.) Then we go to the Main Preferences and add the Contact module through the Main Links area. The Home Page now should have Contact (the only module) listed as the default. (This can be switched later when more modules are added.)
Test by going back to the main admin area (step 4 above) and selecting the Home Page link.
7. Launch
If you registered your domain name through KarmaSites, your site will go live as soon as you login and set up KarmaCMS. If you don't want it available to the public right away, load a Splash Page with a "Coming Soon," "Under Construction," or some such notice. You also can restrict access to select pages, or just not list them in the Main Links area (though in the latter case they'll still be indexed by search engines).
If you already owned your domain name, and you already have an active site, just switch over the nameservers when your new site is ready.
The Pixel Parlor offers a low-cost service for transferring your content to your new site. Contact us for a quote.
If you already owned your domain name, and you already have an active site, just switch over the nameservers when your new site is ready.
The Pixel Parlor offers a low-cost service for transferring your content to your new site. Contact us for a quote.
8. Manage Your Hosting Account
8. Manage Your Hosting Account
When you sign up directly through KarmaSites, you'll be provided a free hosting deposit. You're under no obligation to continue with the site; just let the hosting run out to cancel the service (or notify them if you'd like it removed sooner). To keep the site, add deposits to your hosting account through HostKarma's management interface. Once you log in to your account, you also will be able to see the daily breakdown of fees for your site. Most sites cost under $12/month.
9. Help!
If you run into any glitches along the way, KarmaSites provides a support forum and user guides. You'll also find a lot of guidance right within the KarmaCMS admin area.
10. Relax
With the KarmaSites CSS/XHTML site builder you have a wealth of power and potential at your disposal for a very low cost. Feel free to experiment! Install and uninstall modules and set preferences in a variety of ways. It can be fun once you get the hang of it.
Once you have your content situated in KarmaCMS, you can change your design through the Manage Designs area. You may load any of the free Karma designs. You can also adapt designs and create your own custom skins free through The Karma Wizard.
Once you have your content situated in KarmaCMS, you can change your design through the Manage Designs area. You may load any of the free Karma designs. You can also adapt designs and create your own custom skins free through The Karma Wizard.
