How to create an online store using DJ-Catalog2 and SiteGround hosting

Creating an online store in most cases is a big undertaking. But it does not have to be a complicated task if you're adequately prepared and have the right support. It’s easier than you think.

If you’re reading this post, perhaps you’ve already got an idea, but you’re not sure how to start.

In case if you want to launch your e-commerce website, you should know that Joomla and DJ-Catalog2 component would be the best choice for this purpose. It is undoubtedly one of the most affordable options on the web.

Choose a host and get the site running

How to start? The first thing required is the foundation for the website. The process includes buying a web domain and setting it up on a web host. One of the best hosting services you can find come from SiteGround.

Why? It's because they are offering the straightforward one-click Joomla installation that provides a full comfort without the need of the extra setup.

Siteground also provides a Joomla support, speed and security with a team of Joomla hosting experts. It’s important to mention that Joomla installed by SiteGround comes with a built-in hackers protection.

As they advertise themselves - Joomla site will be working very fast on their servers. It’s because their hosting plans include the latest speed technologies.

If the website is registered and hosted, it’s time to launch it. It’s the right moment to get and use a template for this purpose.

The DJ-Catalog2 extension, recommended by us can be installed at every Joomla website, but we suggest you consider the option of buying a Joomla template with included and implemented DJ-Catalog component, which was developed with eCommerce in mind.

Powerful e-commerce solution for Joomla!

The DJ-Catalog2 is a Joomla solution that can be used as an Online Store.

This E-commerce software is straightforward to set up and provides a modern responsive output. It does not require an advanced configuration and additionally offers RTL support.

The Joomla shopping cart is a feature-rich solution, giving the possibility of selling products online with access to all features required for a professional e-commerce website.

Some of the most important features are:

• Customers can make an order as a guest or create an account
• Various payment and delivery methods,
• Various combination of one product,
• Different VAT rates,
• Variable price or discounts (tiered pricing feature, discount coupons, customer group specific prices)

What’s more?

DJ-Catalog2 is a potent tool, so replace all its functions in such a short article is a difficult task. If you are interested, please refer to the product page where you will find descriptions of all features.

Of the more important things, it is worth mentioning that the component supports several payment plugins, has many language translations and is integrated with many other additions for Joomla, which gives tremendous opportunities.

Besides that, the DJ-Catalog2 allows to:

• create, manage and generate invoices / proforma documents.
• display product specific details directly from list of products page - without leaving it nor being redirected individual single product page.
• create payment method
• create delivery method
• use watermarks in DJ-Catalog2
• and much more

The DJ-Catalog2 extension can be easy installed from the Joomla control panel in the website’s backend.
Go to -> Extensions and choose -> Install

The next step requires find the DJ-Catalog2 installation package file at your disk and installing it. That’s all.

Click here to see DJ-Catalog2 product page

Joomla template based on DJ-Catalog2

As we mentioned earlier, installing a component on an existing site is one of the options. We suggest using a ready template based on DJ-Catalog2. The best choice is JM ZoneStore template.

It’s a responsive, GDPR compliant eCommerce website template.

The template offers plenty customization options, so it’s an excellent choice for those who want their online store to stand out from the competition!

Features include content management, responsive layout, layout builder, font size switcher, and unlimited template color versions.

Click here to see the JM Zone Store template

SiteGround Hosting

SiteGround is a hosting provider, present in the industry for many years. A group of university students founded it. Their primary goal is to provide something more than standard hosting companies are offering.

Today SiteGround employs over 400 people and hosts more than 1 million domains. They have data centers in various countries around the world. The brand is distinguished primarily by an intuitive UI and a great approach to the customer. SiteGround is a preferred option by many Joomla and WordPress based stores.

Joomla Hosting Plans

Siteground hosting plans include special Joomla features and expert Joomla support. You get the access to the administration panel where you can manage your hosting space, and available Joomla features included. Buy a hosting plan starting at just $3.95/monthly. 

See below the list of aailable hosting plans and features they offer:

• StartUp (recommended for beginners) - it includes Essential Joomla Features, One Website, 10GB Web Space and is suitable for ~ 10,000 Visits Monthly

• GrowBig (recommended for easy Joomla growth) - it includes Essential and Premium Joomla Features, Multiple Websites, 20GB Web Space and is suitable for ~ 25,000 Visits Monthly.   

• GoGeek (recommended for Joomla geeks) - it includes Essential,Premium and Geeky Joomla Features, Multiple Websites, 30GB Web Space and is suitable for ~ 100,000 Visits Monthly. We recommend this hosting plan as a best choice for ecommerce websites as it includes Staging, PCI Compliance and all three levels of the SuperCacher tool.

Siteground is currently offering signup discount for their hosting plans. You can choose the Hosting services billing period between 12, 24 and 36 months. Promo prices apply to the first invoice. The regular rates are applied upon renewal.

Joomla Hosting features

SiteGround provides several unique tools for Joomla:

1-click Joomla install - For the Joomla installation, you can use the SiteGround wizard and get Joomla preinstalled on your hosting account. The process is straightforward and required a click on the Joomla button.

Joomla SuperCacher (boost site's speed up to 4 times) - If you are hosting your Joomla website with Siteground, you can use the advanced cache feature which will increase the performance of your web page. After enabling this feature, you will see an improvement in the production of your Joomla website.

Staging - Staging tool was created to provide Joomla users an easy way to create and manage development copies of their websites. This feature publishes the development copy to the live version of the site.

Free SSL - Encrypt certificates are available to all SiteGround customers for free, and they automatically issue them for all domains hosted on their servers.

Summary

If you want to run a successful online store based on Joomla, you need to find an e-commerce tool and a right hosting company that you can trust.

The chosen host should help you install and run the DJ-Catalog2, online shopping software, be secure and ready to resolve your issues related to the hosting.