Content Management Systems
Content Management for Small Business Web Sites
I want to manage my Web site’s content quickly & easily…myself!
This is one of the most common goals of small business owners with Web sites, but the goal is rarely achieved - especially if you’re strict in your interpretation of “quickly & easily.”
Yet, you’re not asking for the world. You simply want the ability to add and update Web site pages on your own, when you need to, without having to call a Web developer and incur fee upon fee.
How it’s done
If you want to manage your Web site’s content, you have two choices: you can either learn HTML or you can use a Content Management System.
What is a Content Management System?
A Content Management System (CMS) is a piece of software that allows a business person to add and edit pages on their Web site, similar to how Microsoft Word allows you to create and edit documents.
CMS tools are designed for business people. A moderate amount of technical skill is involved (just like with Microsoft Office) but with the right training and support, CMS tools put the power of making Web updates into the hands of mere mortals.
What to Expect from a Content Management System
All of the content management systems provided by CommonMind allow our customers to quickly and easily handle the following tasks:
- Add a page
- Edit a page
- Upload a photo or image
- Place a photo within a page
- Create a link
Sometimes knowing what a system can’t do is just as important as knowing what it can do. In that regard, note that even with a Content Management System, you may need the assistance of a Web professional to complete the following tasks:
- Add a new section
- Make a major change to your navigation system
- Change the “look and feel” of your Web site
The benefits of Content Management Systems can be HUGE
Key benefits to having a Content Management System:
- Reduces Web site maintenance costs
- Allows you to make Web site updates and edits immediately, without having to wait for someone else
- Can delegate Web updates to a staff member, after some initial training
- Some CMS tools have built in blogging capabilities and other optional “add ons”
Choosing the right Content Management System
There are tons of content management systems available in the marketplace and deciding which one is right for your business can be overwhelming. CommonMind, however, is here to help…
To simplify both the selection process for customers and to improve our ability to provide a high level of support, CommonMind has standardized on three popular content management systems:
- Adobe Contribute
- Joomla
- WordPress
CommonMind selected these systems both because of their differences and similarities…
The three systems (Contribute, Joomla, and WordPress) offer a different set of pros and cons for small businesses. They allow CommonMind to serve a variety of small business needs. Depending on the size of your Web site, your technical abilities, and your budget, one system may be a better fit than another.
Although these systems are different, they share one important trait that most content management systems lack—each is popular, very popular. Why’s that important? Because popular software several advantages over esoteric and custom software.
Advantages of popular software:
- Updated and improved more frequently by the creator
- Large community to share experiences with and learn from
- More add-on products from third-parties
- More technical resources available who are familiar with the software
Should you consider a custom Content Management System?
Sometimes small businesses are attracted to “custom” content management systems that have been built “just for them.” These systems can be wonderful when they work well because they are most likely to mirror how your company operations.
For most customers the expense of a customer content management system simply isn’t worth it. And keep in mind, the expense isn’t simply in the short term. Future updates are more likely to require custom programming expenses, as compared to popular software systems, which are updated by manufacturers sometimes for more nominal costs.
Still there are times when a custom system is worthwhile. These usually occur when a small business needs to manage highly structured content, similar to a database.
Is a Content Management System right for your business?
If your goal is to quickly and easily make Web site updates, it may be time to start using a Content Management System.
If you’re ready to get started, CommonMind can assist with the setup and training.
If you still have questions — e.g. you’re not sure if having a CMS tool will help your particular business, or need some help determining which system would work best for you - scroll down below, and tell us your challenge. CommonMind is here to help!
