An alternative blogging option to WordPress
I love blogging and have been using various blogging systems for many years. I recently created a new blogging site with help from a technology expert Sylvain Zyssman, who is a technical mentor to me. I will upgrade it soon and open it to the public for guest blogging, especially for gamers, YouTubers, and podcasters.
I own a gaming and media publication called videos/podcasts on Medium.com. I also have a Substack newsletter called Technology, Gaming, Movies, and Social Media.
Initially, my goal was to promote my YouTube channel. Later, I used blogging for other purposes, such as creating teasers for my articles and stories on multiple platforms.
In addition to my editorial, curation, and media coordination roles, I recently became a guest blogger on digitalmehmet.com a site owned by my mentor Dr Mehmet Yildiz (Main), chief editor of ILLUMINATION Integrated Publications on Medium.com and Substack.com.
Dr Yildiz is a seasoned writer, author of multiple books, and also an experienced content marketing strategist guiding freelance writers and content entrepreneurs via his website and also his Substack newsletter Content Strategy, Development, & Marketing Insights.
In addition to be a contributor as a guest blogger to his website I also volunteered to be an administrator and educator of the guest bloggers just starting to contribute. I provided instructions on how to join this blogging community and practical tips on how to use it. I also how to leverage our YouTube Substack Mastery Channel. Combining blogging and YouTube can be a game-changer for freelance writers, especially to grow their Substack audience.
Here is a brief intro to our Substack Mastery YouTube channel.
Please remember to subscribe to our channel and you are welcome to contribute.
Dr Yildiz also wrote a new story about the value and importance of guest blogging for freelance writers, and he invited all writers onthis platform to join his website as guest bloggers for free. You can read his insightful, educational, and inspiring story from the following link.
Here’s Why I Opened My Website to Freelance Writers as Guest Bloggers from Multiple Platforms
I explain why and how writers can benefit from this free blogging opportunity, empowered by a non-commercial writing…medium.com
Dr Yildiz also authored a book called Substack Mastery which I read as an editor and beta reader and shared the chapters on Medium, Substack, and his website for free. If you missed them, you can find the from the following links.
Preface of “Substack Mastery” for Beta Readers, Chapter 1, Chapter 2, Chapter 3, Chapter 4, Chapter 5, Chapter 6, Chapter 7, Chapter 8, Chapter 9, Chapter 10, Chapter 11, Chapter 12
Here are a few reviews of the book by beta readers like Mike Broadly, DHSc, Britni Pepper, and Ana J.
The Substack Mastery Book Helped Me Make My Every Metric Green on My Dashboard
How a Practical Book by Dr. Yildiz Introduced Me to Substack, Transformed My Progress, and Introduced me to 80+ Leading…medium.com
Three Weeks on Substack …
… And I am so sucked in!medium.com
Insane ideas about growing on Substack
I can’t believe I get to beta read this booksundayroasters.substack.com
You can also join our Substack Mastery of ILLUMINATION Community to collaborate and grow your audience quickly. We offer a 3-tier service to creators, freelance writers, and content entrepreneurs, as documented on our website. My editor colleague Mike Broadly, DHSc and also a founding member of the Substack Mastery community articulated the value and invited writers to this valuable initiative in a bulletin linked below.
The Strategic Move: ILLUMINATION Community’s Commercial Arm for Charitable Success
Discover the Strategic and Tactical Benefits and Impact on Our Nonprofit Mission and Join Our Exciting Journey for…medium.com
After this background I want to introduce you to Joomla as some of my readers asked about blogging options other than WordPress. There are many options, of course. One of the Joomla, so I want to briefly introduce it to get you started.
What is Joomla, and how do you get started with it?
Joomla is a flexible content management system (CMS) that allows you to build and manage websites, including blogs. Creating a blog site with Joomla is a great option for freelance writers and content creators.
This step-by-step guide will walk you through the process of creating a Joomla blog site and posting content there.
To create a Joomla blog:
- Install Joomla through a hosting provider or locally.
- Configure categories, menus, and templates.
- Post blogs by creating articles, optimizing them for SEO, and adding social sharing or comment functionality.
- Regularly update and maintain your blog for optimal performance and security.
Here are the specific steps you need to follow.
Step 1: Install Joomla
Option 1: Install Joomla on a Web Hosting Platform
- Choose a hosting provider: Most hosting providers offer one-click Joomla installation through their control panels (like cPanel). Popular options include SiteGround, Bluehost, and A2 Hosting.
- Set up your hosting: After purchasing a hosting plan, log in to your hosting control panel.
- Install Joomla: Look for the Auto-Installer (usually Softaculous or similar). Search for Joomla and follow the one-click installation process. Choose your domain name and set up your Joomla admin account (username, password, email).
Option 2: Install Joomla Locally (Optional)
If you want to test Joomla before launching it live, you can install it locally on your computer using tools like XAMPP or MAMP.
Step 2: Configure Your Joomla Blog Site
- Login to Joomla Admin Panel: Visit your Joomla admin panel at and log in with the credentials you set up during installation.
- Install a Blog-Friendly Template: Go to Extensions > Templates > Install. Find a blog-friendly template from Joomla’s template directory or third-party providers like Joomlart, RocketTheme, or ThemeForest. Install the template, then go to Templates > Styles to set it as default.
- Create Categories (optional but recommended): Go to Content > Categories > Add New Category. Create categories such as “Blog”, “News”, or any specific topics related to your blog.
- Set up Menu for the Blog: Go to Menus > Main Menu > Add New Menu Item. Choose Menu Item Type as Category Blog. Select the category (e.g., “Blog”) and save. Now your blog will appear in the site’s navigation.
Step 3: Create and Post a Blog
- Create a Blog Post: Go to Content > Articles > Add New Article. Write your blog post in the editor. Set a Title, assign it to the Blog category you created earlier, and add any tags. You can include images, videos, and links in your post using the editor.
- Enable SEO Settings (Optional): Go to the Publishing tab and fill in the Meta Description, Meta Keywords, and SEO settings to improve your blog’s visibility in search engines.
- Post the Blog: Once you’re done writing, hit the Save & Close button to publish the post. Your blog post is now live on your website, under the “Blog” section.
Step 4: Customize Your Blog
- Enable Comments: Joomla doesn’t have a native comment system, but you can install extensions like JComments or Komento to allow readers to comment on your blog posts.
- Add Social Sharing Buttons: To make your blog more shareable, install extensions like Social Share or EasySocial.
- SEO Optimization: Install an SEO plugin like OSMap (for creating sitemaps) and configure SEO-friendly URLs: Go to Global Configuration > SEO Settings and enable Search Engine Friendly URLs and URL Rewriting.
Step 5: Manage and Maintain Your Joomla Blog
- Regular Posting: Continue creating and posting articles in the Content > Articles section.
- Backup Your Site: Use extensions like Akeeba Backup to back up your blog regularly.
- Security: Install a security extension like Admin Tools to keep your site secure from attacks.
- Keep Joomla Updated: Regularly update Joomla and its extensions to ensure optimal performance and security.
Additional Tips for Beginners
- Choose a catchy domain name and a reliable hosting plan: A memorable domain name and a hosting plan with enough storage and bandwidth will help your blog succeed.
- Leverage Joomla’s Community: Join the Joomla community for support, resources, and inspiration.
- Experiment with Extensions: There are numerous extensions available to enhance your Joomla blog’s functionality, so don’t hesitate to explore and try different ones.
Can we install Joomla on a Windows machine and test the blog site before making it live?
Yes, you can. It is called “Local Development with Joomla on Windows.”
Do you want to test Joomla before launching it live?
You can set up a local development environment on your Windows machine using software like XAMPP or WAMP. These tools create a local server with Apache, MySQL, and PHP — all the components you need to run Joomla.
Here’s how to get started:
1. Choose Your Tool: XAMPP or WAMP
Both options create a local server, so you can choose whichever you’re more comfortable with:
- XAMPP: Download the Windows version from the official XAMPP website. During installation, make sure to select Apache, MySQL, PHP, and phpMyAdmin. Once installed, launch the XAMPP Control Panel and start the Apache and MySQL services.
- WAMP: Download the Windows version from the WAMP website. During installation, you’ll set your preferred browser and text editor. Once installed, open the WAMP Control Panel and start the Apache and MySQL services.
2. Download Joomla
Go to the Joomla official download page and download the latest version as a ZIP file.
3. Set Up Joomla with XAMPP or WAMP
- For XAMPP:
- Extract the Joomla ZIP file into your XAMPP htdocs folder (usually C:\xampp\htdocs).
- Create a new folder within htdocs (e.g., joomla).
- Extract Joomla’s files into this new folder (C:\xampp\htdocs\joomla).
- Open your browser and go to http://localhost/joomla to start the Joomla setup wizard.
- For WAMP:
- Extract the Joomla ZIP file into your WAMP www folder (usually C:\wamp\www).
- Create a new folder within www (e.g., joomla).
- Extract Joomla’s files into this new folder (C:\wamp\www\joomla).
- Open your browser and go to http://localhost/joomla to launch the Joomla setup wizard.
4. Create a Database for Joomla
You’ll need to create a database for Joomla to store its data.
- Open phpMyAdmin:
- For XAMPP, visit http://localhost/phpmyadmin.
- For WAMP, either visit http://localhost/phpmyadmin or click the phpMyAdmin icon from the WAMP system tray.
- In phpMyAdmin, create a new database (e.g., joomla_db).
5. Run the Joomla Installation Wizard
- Go to http://localhost/joomla in your browser. This will start Joomla’s installation wizard.
- Fill in the details for your site, like Site Name, Admin Email, Username, and Password.
- In the Database Configuration step, select MySQL as the database type, and set the Database Name to the one you just created (e.g., joomla_db). Use “root” as the username, and leave the password field blank (this is typical for local setups using XAMPP or WAMP).
- Click Install, and Joomla will configure your site.
- Once the installation is complete, you’ll be asked to delete the installation folder for security reasons. Click the button to do so.
Congratulations! You can now access your local Joomla site at http://localhost/joomla and the admin panel at http://localhost/joomla/administrator.
6. Post on Your Local Joomla Blog
Now that Joomla is installed, you can create your first blog post:
- Log in to the Joomla Admin Panel at http://localhost/joomla/administrator with your admin credentials.
- Go to Content > Articles > Add New Article.
- Write your blog post and assign it to a category (e.g., “Blog”).
- Click Save and publish the article.
- To view your blog post, go to http://localhost/joomla and check the blog section.
And that’s it!
You now have a fully functional Joomla site running on your Windows machine, which is great for testing and development. Remember, this is a local setup and not meant for a live website. For live hosting, you will need a web hosting provider.
Happy blogging 😂
Featured Substack Newsletters
I recently reviewed and subscribed to several newsletters featured by ILLUMINATION-Curators. I link them here for your exploration.
Substack Mastery Featured Newsletters: Episode 12
Curated newsletters of writers contributing to the Substack Mastery publication on Medium for joyful collaboration and…medium.com
Unfiltered by Tim Denning [see the Interview]
Cardiology Made Easy by David Mokotoff, MD [see the Interview]
Silver’s Substack by Michelle Mariscal [see the Interview]
THE BHIVE BUZZ by Elle [see the Interview]
Changing Lives Wendi Gordon [see the Interview]
Joshua Mason Weekly Joshua Mason [see the Interview]
Technology, Gaming, Movies, and Social Media Aiden (Owner of Illumination Gaming)
Gabriella’s Addiction and Wellness. The Nurse’s Voice Dr. Gabriella Korosi
Integrated Healthcare by Dr. ADAM TABRIZ [see the interview]
Above The Middle, Joe Gibson by Joe Gibson, Above The Middle
Michael Goitein’s Upstream, Full-Stack Journal Michael H. Goitein
Desi Slice — Seize Opportunities in India’s Race to $5T! Sridhar Pai Tonse — Startup Coach
Just Britni Britni Pepper a second newsletter with a new theme
Your Next Decision Nika Kabiri, JD PhD
Featured Articles from Substack Mastery Publication
My Technology Excellence and Leadership Site on Substack Dr Mehmet Yildiz (Tech)
Finally Joined Substack: A New Chapter in Supporting My Readers Mike Broadly, DHSc
A New Beginning: Join Me on My Writing Journey on Substack Dr. ADAM TABRIZ
Transitioning to a Focus on Newsletter Growth: My Shift from Five Years of Medium Publishing to… Lawson Wallace
After A Month On Substack, Here Are 5 Things I Have Discovered. Sompa Mensah
Here’s The Ultimate Reason Why Substack Is Far More Rewarding Than Medium Raveen
Two Weeks Ago, I Decided To Get Serious On Substack. Sompa Mensah
The Substack Learning Curve — As Told By A 3x Substack Editor Ellen “Jelly” McRae
Introducing My Substack Newsletter on Medium Waleed Mahmud Tariq
Substack rival Ghost federates its first newsletter James David
Dear Medium, I Have Avoided Substack Long Enough Le Voir N. Lewis
Introducing My Substack Newsletter on Medium 😀 Patrick OConnell
My stats after writing for 2 months on Substack and Medium Sonaakshi Sinha Jamwal
Dancing Elephants Press Magazine on Substack Dr. Gabriella Korosi
The Substack Learning Curve — As Told By A 3x Substack Editor Ellen “Jelly” McRae
Medium, Substack & Mailchimp — A Canonical Debate Sana Uqaili
Not in the Regular Direction Julie Chavanu — The Idea Compass
The Great Purpose of the Great Reality Newsletter on Substack Chandni Challa
My Substack Journey: If You Want to Change Your Life, This Will Help Wendi Gordon
Here’s Why I’m Growing Fonder of Substack Every Day Sana Uqaili
Why I Decided to Add Publishing on Substack to Medium for My Writing David Mokotoff, MD
I’m Publishing on Substack (again), and on Medium. Bill Petro
Safe and Sound: A First Aid and Safety Newsletter on Substack Gill McCulloch
Why Writing Exclusively on Medium or Substack is a Mistake Joshua Mason
Thrive in Your 50s and Beyond Because it Can Be the Best Time of Your Life Jerry Keszka
Do You Even Read the Newsletters You Subscribe To? Susie Winfield
My Time Management and Productivity Site on Substack Selda Seyfi
A Clarion Call to Substackers: Let’s Collaborate! Chandni Challa
Thank you for reading these inspiring stories.
Our mission is to support and empower content creators.
We will continue providing free services to creators. However, to support freelance writers who want to earn money from their content on Substack by increasing their paid subscribers, we will offer a premium service through an optional $5 monthly subscription. This means that we will still support non-paying members with complementary content to guide them in building their newsletters and will give marketing support to freelance writers and content entrepreneurs.
This $5 membership for ILLUMINATION Premium through our freelancer library on Substack or Substack Mastery of ILLUMINATION Community will provide extra valuable resources in all our Substack newsletters, including educational opportunities, promotional support for newsletters of creators, and amplification of content on Substack, Medium, blog sites, other content platforms, and our tailored social media tools. We will design a comprehensive service for content entrepreneurs using our founding membership price.
ILLUMINATION Substack Community Support – Dr Mehmet Yildiz
This is a summary of 3-tier service offerings for creators, freelance writers, and content entrepreneurs on Substack…digitalmehmet.com
Under the strategic leadership of Dr. Yildiz, our chief editor, and his team of 10000+ industry leaders on LinkedIn, we will be crafting a comprehensive marketing strategy. Our ambitious five-year goal is to grow to 5 million members, establishing ILLUMINATION Connect as a premier network for creators.
Dr Yildiz committed to invest 80% of his content marketing efforts to Substack as he explained the reason in this story on Medium.com. He has been supporting Medium writers since 2019 through his leadership for ILLUMINATION Integrated Publications.
Join us at ILLUMINATION’s Substack Mastery, where your creativity meets a supportive network dedicated to helping you shine.
To guide you on Substack, our chief editor wrote a comprehensive guide for writers. How to Start Substack Instantly & Own Your Content/Audience Effectively
We invite you to join Substack Mastery on Medium and Substack to become part of a collaborative movement that celebrates and empowers Substack creators. Together, we can create a supportive ecosystem where your voice is heard, your stories are shared, and your success is celebrated. Let’s illuminate the path to your success together.
A Little About Me
I write articles in my field covering gaming, film-making, social media, and design. I am also a YouTuber. Thank you for subscribing to my account to get notifications when I post on Medium. I also created a new blogging site to share my content for free and promote stories of writers contributing to my publications on Medium. I have a Substack newsletter. Let’s connect on Twitter and LinkedIn.
I own two publications on Medium. One for video gamers and another for YouTubers and Podcasters. I also support Illumination Integrated Publications as a volunteer editor and participate in collaborative activities in the Slack Workspace. Writer applications for my publications can be sent via this weblink. Please add your Medium ID.
You may also consider being a Vocal+ member to monetize your content. I write for both platforms and repurpose my content to reach a larger audience. Here is more information about Vocal Media. I also enjoy email marketing using Cliqly.
Get an email whenever Aiden (Illumination Gaming) publishes.
Thank you for subscribing to my newsletter on Substack.
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