An oft-repeated phrase is that WordPress is “just a blogging platform.” While it certainly started out as one, it’s long since moved forward into becoming a full-fledged Content Management System (CMS). In short, a CMS is a platform that enables you to create and store digital content. Currently, its primary use is to create websites, with WordPress is by far the most popular option.
In modern business the quality and relevance of your online content is critical to the success of your business. A Content Management System offers you the flexibility and freedom to quickly add, delete and edit the content of your website. You don’t need any technical skills or programming knowledge. It means you can respond to market demands instantaneously, keeping you in ultimate control of your business. By keeping your website fresh for your customers with a Content Management System, you could enhance your findability on search engines too.
How does a Content Management System work?
First, we’ll design your website with ‘dynamic’ pages. A dynamic web page is simply a page where the content is created from a database each time the page is viewed. If you change the information in the database, the next time someone views that page it will display the new information. We’ll then set up a secure admin area that you can access from any computer that has internet access. Once logged in, you’ll be able to view, add, edit and delete the content. As you change this content it will update the database that is used to display your website’s ‘dynamic’ content – therefore updating your website.
What are the advantages to having a CMS?
Cost: The most obvious advantage is that you can change your website’s content yourself at no cost. Whether you want to add a news item, change the price of a product or advertise a special offer, a CMS allows you to make changes and modifications without having to pay for the services of a web designer.
Keep up to date: It is crucial to have current and up to date content on your website. A CMS will ensure that you keep your web content current and relevant. It ensures your customers are always informed about what’s happening in your company in real-time, so there’s never a time lag between your company’s status, developments, products, services and offerings.
Flexibility: A CMS gives you the flexibility to build content over time. For example, you may only have limited information at website launch, but subsequently you may need to add more content. In this instance, a CMS is the ideal cost effective solution that allows your site to evolve with your needs.
Your website will be built with an integrated CMS that will allow you to add content as often as you like – so you can get your site up and running as quickly and easily.
Where to start?
We start by researching your company’s needs and discussing which content on your website you would like to be able to change. We’ll then custom build your CMS, in conjunction with designing your website. We use the same styles (fonts, colours, layout etc) across both the website and the CMS. This means that when you amend the content it will automatically be formatted so that it looks like it will on your website, allowing you to concentrate on the content rather than getting bogged down by the design.
How much does a Content Management System cost?
The cost of your CMS will depend on the technical complexity of your website. For example, the CMS for a five page brochure style website will cost much less than an online shop with fully integrated secure payments and stock controls. Please get in touch with us for a free no obligation quote or pop in to our web design studio in Staffordshire to discuss your requirements.
We know, that as a business, you’re probably going to find it difficult to choose a web design company, Red Box provide packages tailored to your needs and offer fantastic 5* support which is vital to help your business as you grow. If you want to know more about CMS or our pay monthly packages don’t hesitate to contact us on 01785 248101 or info@redboxweb.co.uk