Tuesday, 23 October 2007
The Scout on Content Management Systems
Written by Jason Ferris-Bush Marketing's Scout
For many years we've had great applications which allow folks to maintain their own website content. A good Content Management System (CMS) will allow you to easily update text, photos, prices, etc. on your site without going through your web designer. Nobody wants to wait a week every time their website needs updating after the content gets out of date or you spot a typo.
I've just completed a large web development project at RMIT University in Melbourne. The bulk of my work involved the implementation of four customised content management systems for the School of Architecture and Design. RMIT uses literally hundreds of CMS applications to manage a multitude of websites. Without solid content management in place the University's web presence would stagnate very quickly and their core business would suffer. As such, RMIT places great importance on keeping their website's content fresh and engaging.
Too often though, I see clients with great content management systems installed, but they never update their website! Difficulty learning the application is no excuse as the CMS learning curve is not steep, and if you can use a word processor you're already most of the way there. For many people however, it seems to be more about having control than actually taking control.
If you're thinking about having content management features added to your website you must consider two things:
Money - This is actually the easy part. It's inexpensive to have a web developer implement a CMS and hand you control of your website.
Time - Don't fork out money for content management if you're not going to find time to use it. You should commit to updating your website regularly. After all, it's your business, you should take control of it. Don't squander the opportunity to leverage the power of a good Content Management System.
Jason Ferris has worked with the Bush Marketing team since it was founded in 2001. Mr Ferris is currently based out of Melbourne.
For many years we've had great applications which allow folks to maintain their own website content. A good Content Management System (CMS) will allow you to easily update text, photos, prices, etc. on your site without going through your web designer. Nobody wants to wait a week every time their website needs updating after the content gets out of date or you spot a typo.
I've just completed a large web development project at RMIT University in Melbourne. The bulk of my work involved the implementation of four customised content management systems for the School of Architecture and Design. RMIT uses literally hundreds of CMS applications to manage a multitude of websites. Without solid content management in place the University's web presence would stagnate very quickly and their core business would suffer. As such, RMIT places great importance on keeping their website's content fresh and engaging.
Too often though, I see clients with great content management systems installed, but they never update their website! Difficulty learning the application is no excuse as the CMS learning curve is not steep, and if you can use a word processor you're already most of the way there. For many people however, it seems to be more about having control than actually taking control.
If you're thinking about having content management features added to your website you must consider two things:
Money - This is actually the easy part. It's inexpensive to have a web developer implement a CMS and hand you control of your website.
Time - Don't fork out money for content management if you're not going to find time to use it. You should commit to updating your website regularly. After all, it's your business, you should take control of it. Don't squander the opportunity to leverage the power of a good Content Management System.
Jason Ferris has worked with the Bush Marketing team since it was founded in 2001. Mr Ferris is currently based out of Melbourne.
posted by bbm
