Manage Your Website

You can take control of your own website… With relatively no existing knowledge of websites required!

What is a Content Management System & Why do I want one?

Times are changing. Websites used to be comprised of static pages that would require someone with relevant knowledge to edit the HTML files whenever a change was required. This static method of developing websites is largely becoming redundant as more people; developers and front end users alike are replacing static pages with dynamic content managed methods. With a Content Management System in place, the user will log into the administration panel, and will be presented with a list of pages of which they are able to edit in a similar fashion to that of a Word Document. Perhaps the reason for the popularity of CMS’s is the fact that anyone who knows how to type can hop on and publish their own webpages!

Which Content Management System to Choose?

Knowing which content management system to choose can be a tricky process, not helped by the sheer volume of systems available, nor the jargon that you find accompanies them…
What you need to know is that there are CMS’s designed for developers to tinker around with and create dynamic websites; on the flip side there are CMS’s aimed at publishers and writers who are not “Computer Minded”…
We here at Pelling Marketing by Design use a wide range of CMS’s as well as developing our own from time to time, however the two that we favour above all others at the moment are WordPress & ExpressionEngine. Both of these have their own advantages, and both have different approaches to data publishing, it would be hard to say that one is better than the other, its just a case of which one works best for your project.

What are the benefits of CMS’s?

With the fast paced schdules in which we engage on a day to day basis; it can be hard to find the time to sit down at the computer to do anything… Let alone try to keep on top of your website content. One of the key features of any good CMS will be the ability to keep control of your content whilst on the move. The WordPress app for example provides a handy interface with your phone, or any tablet device, meaning that you can make new pages from quite literally anywhere.

Key Benefits

Quick creation of new content
Secure Content
Accurate Content
Multiple editors can be granted access
Freedom to easily embed media from HD Video to High Quality Photographs.
Asthetic Continuity – No matter what content you write the site theme will stay consistently smart.
User friendly interface – The only prerequisite is an internet connection!

ExpressionEngine

ExpressionEngine is such a versatile system, developers can really get stuck in to customising every element of the back and front end of the site. ExpressionEngine simplifies the process of managing your site while giving developers complete creative control. You can simply add your content in the EE Control Panel and the system will automatically format it based on your template designs. And since ExpressionEngine is managed using your web browser, you can update your web site from anywhere you have access to the Internet. The front end users will enjoy using this software as they can have it tailored to their exact needs.

WordPress

WordPress can be used as anything from a simple blog to a full blown E-Commerce website. The flexibility is incredible. The most compelling reason to use wordpress is because anyone can! Hand just about anyone an internet enabled device and log them into wordpress, and all they have to do is type…! It doesn’t stop there however, once familiar with it you will find yourself embedding videos, photos, downloads and much more into your posts & pages. With a little knowhow and a couple of plugins you can soon find yourself climbing the ranks of google too, so not only will this content management system make maintaining your web presence easy; it can bring with it a great deal more exposure.