Introduction
Purchasing a new (or updated) website that requires directly editing HTML code to create (or update) content can be a daunting process for a client. After selecting a company for the project at the budgeted price, the client must undergo intensive collaboration to facilitate user interviews and focus groups on completing the site’s content. After endless hours, days, months, and potentially years of working with the delivery company, the website is handed over.
Now what? Who will update a page if the ‘mission and goals are updated in a year? What if an embedded link breaks? What if the images on the homepage become stagnate and are no longer relevant to visitors? Content changes to a website can have the client returning to the delivering company with more money in hand to make the necessary updates.
Is there a more cost-effective and user-friendly solution? A customized Content Management System can be the answer.
What is a Content Management System?
A Content Management System (CMS) is a browser-based software that gives non-technical users a user-friendly web interface to create, manage, and publish content on a website without utilizing programming language.
Why Choose a Content Management System?
Google “benefits to utilizing a CMS,” and the results will endlessly boast the benefits of employing a CMS. Let’s get to the highlights.
- No web programming experience is required.
Upon delivery of the CMS, the ability to update, manage, and publish content lies solely with the user. No need to continually pay a company to update content. - Advanced Search Engine Optimization (SEO) tools.
CMSs can implement a basic SEO strategy to help your site rank better in major search engines that do not require an online marketing team. - Ease of access.
Access the CMS from any browser, allow multiple users to be signed-on at once, and foster content collaboration between users. - Moderators can create custom workflows.
Multiple content creators can have editorial permissions, while moderators can keep publishing permissions at an administrative (leadership) level. - Return on Investment (ROI)
Deploying a CMS will save time and money throughout the life of the website. No added expense of outsourcing website maintenance. Save time by implementing website changes at your fingertips (without waiting for a company to get to it).
Okay! You’ve convinced me to pursue a Website Content Management System. But why AIS?
Customization
There are a lot of CMS Platforms available to users. However, making your website fit into a set CMS template can result in a lack of website usability and visitor frustration. Additionally, most CMS plugins are not deployable by non-technical users.
AIS will:
- Conduct a trade study to identify your website needs. Let AIS determine which solution is best for you while you focus on your everyday tasks.
- Host focus groups to identify website functionality priority before development to ensure your project budget completes its goal.
- Ensure CMS plugins are secure. While leveraging them to boost SEO, enhance security settings, and complete website content as envisioned.
- Migrate the content of your legacy site to the CMS.
Training
Content Management Systems are user-friendly. However, to increase user acceptance, training is recommended. AIS can develop and deliver two levels of training with the custom CMS.
- ‘Basic-level’ training is intended for a broad audience of website content creators, editors, and/or approvers.
- Administrative-level training is intended for the site’s primary moderator (or team). Advanced topics such as: how to add users, edit user permissions, and enhance internal search features are topics covered.
