CMS stands for content management system and there are a number of different types available for free and to purchase on the market (WordPress, Joomla, Drupa and Movable Type to name but a few). I have designed sites on all of them and all have features that I like and dislike. Customers regularly ask me if they should set their site up as a CMS. Here are some of the things to think about before investing the time and money.
First and foremost sit down with a piece of paper and write down 4-6 things you want the site to do for you. I bet they at least include the following.
- Be a marketing tool for my business that I can add to my brochures and business cards
- Allow me to put up product information so people can see what I sell
- Have my contact information readily available for people when they Google my business
- Add links to other related sites so people who vist can see related products
- Show people how to get to my business.
- Get traffic to my site that will improve my sales.
All of the above can be accomplished by a brochure site. But you can go a significant step further by using a CMS
If you do not plan to update your web site regularly (by regularly I mean more than once a month) then I would stick with a static site. If you want to add / change content on a weekly or daily baisis then a CMS will be of more use to you. However it is most important to get your initial message and wording right and stick with the simple site initially and perhaps migrate to a CMS later.
If you are on a budget then a brochure site should meet most of a small business needs. Brochure sites on their own can deliver a powerful message if designed correctly with smart graphics, a good style and solid content. A CSM can bring you to the next level with the addition of excelelnt automation tools for SEO, mailing lists, adding users to forums and so on.
Finally be realistic with your expectations for a site. There is a belief that it will increase your level of business significantly (it can but takes a lot of time and effort) so having a site alone is only the starting point. If you want more information please contact me anytime.
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