Skip to main content

Content Management Systems

What is a Website CMS?

In short, a CMS is a Content Management System.

In more detail, a CMS is a system that separates the publicly viewable content of a web site (the text, images, etc.) from the administrative tasks of linking pages together and controlling how the pages appear. In most cases, this is done to make a site easier to maintain than it would be if it was built exclusively out of hard-coded html pages.   The value to the owner of a website is that, because a content managed website can be updated more easily and more frequently, the website owner is better able to communicate with the target audience. More frequent and timely communication improves the level of service and helps generate customer loyalty.   Furthermore, because the owner of the website has control over the content, there is no longer a need to contact the website developer or designer for every update. In short, the website owner can stop sinking money into the site on an on-going basis just to maintain the status quo!   There are many website content management solutions available in the market, each targeting a different segment of users. When selecting a content management solution, it is important to select a solution that meets your needs. Before making your final selection, try asking yourself the following questions:
  • How often would I like to update my website?
  • How much time am I willing to spend learning how to use the software?
  • How important is search engine optimization to me?
  • How broad a feature set do I need?
  • Who will be responsible for making updates to my site?
These questions will help you and your web developer make the best decision on which software title to use.   \

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Website Usability and Web Accessibility

Why are Usability and Accessibility Important? The web design and development industry has undergone a number of radical shifts over the last few years - in fact, many industry experts claim that it is the most rapidly changing industry in the world. What these changes have led to though, is increased potential - "anything is possible". The inevitable side effect of this is that software and web sites have become so feature-rich and complex that they are practically impossible to use.   This matters to individual website owners because, if they are not careful, their website project or website content management solution can easily suffer functional overkill. When launching a web design project, be sure to ask yourself and your web site vendor the following questions: How does your software meet accessibility standards? How do you implement usability best practices? Can users with disabilities use my website? How readable will my website be by visitors...

Keeping Web Design Alive

Staying Competive in Changing Markets There are a lot of forces impacting the business of web design today: from do-it-yourself software packages that allow anyone to build a website, to the proliferation of Software as a Service (SaaS) models that offer template websites for a low monthly fee. In effect, what is now happening to the business of website design is the same thing that has occurred in the hosting industry over the past few years. The big players are becoming massive through consolidation, while the smaller players are being absorbed or gradually squeezed out of the marketplace entirely. And everyone is caught up in a mad dash for that last, rapidly shrinking dollar. Similar forces are being brought to bear on website design. It is no longer enough to have the best creative talent and a killer portfolio. You must offer a complete package of design and functionality...and do it faster and more economically than ever before, just to remain competitive. The...

RFP Guidelines

An Introduction to Writing RFPs A Request for Proposal is a crucial stage of the client/supplier relationship. Guidelines for an RFP are only now starting to become standard in the relatively new industry of web-related technologies. However, an RFP can help establish a line of communication and clarify the needs and requirements of your development project. This document can help you create a RFP. The proposal that Lewis Media and other proponents will prepare in response will attempt to cover, in detail, the time line, scope, technical requirements, and budget of the project. Therefore, the initial RFP should be as detailed and clear as possible; any budget limitations and time constraints should be initially established. This will help us all be on the same playing field from Day 1. Often a client can be daunted by a perceived need to approach a RFP from a technical perspective. An RFP should define your needs - Lewis Media will then interpret these needs into te...