February 21st, 2008

There are basically two ways you can build any web site. You can build it as static pages, meaning manually constructed pages that rarely change, or through a content management system (CMS), meaning a backend database system that can easily be modified or enhanced at any time by an authorized user. There is also a hybrid between the two, so let’s compare the differences and benefits.

Static pages are mostly used for small sites with limited information that rarely changes. If you build a web site about sun decks, odds are you’ll only need a dozen pages that only need to be changed every few years or so. The advantage is that static pages are often cheaper to build and they are often more secure than dynamic, CMS created pages, depending on which CMS is used.

The disadvantage of static pages is that it doesn’t work well for larger sites, and it’s much more difficult to add and change pages. If you build sun decks but want to have monthly specials, you’re going to have to call your designer back in to make the changes. If you notice a phone number missing or want to remove an employee from the bio page who is no longer with the company, it’s a hassle and will require you to call the designer back to do it for you.

Once you have to call the designer, you’re paying for the site again, and the potential savings you enjoyed up front may quickly evaporate.

Static pages also do not allow for reader comments, blogging, or any other dynamic content that may increase customer interaction and loyalty.

There are a number of advantages to using a CMS:

• You can add or edit as many pages as you want at any time without calling in the help of the designers.
• You can allow for comments, ratings, discussion forums or blogs.
• Your site can be very big, while small changes to all of the pages will remain very easy.

The cost concern can be resolved by thinking of the cost on a longer term. It may be more expensive for the first month, but cheaper over the first year when you don’t have to call in work orders to make fixes big and little. Many reputable companies don’t even charge extra for CMS construction over static, so it may not even be a real issue.

The companies that automatically build a CMS system, even when a static site would work just fine, are the best. That’s the hybrid option. It looks and acts like a static page but still gives you all the options you might need.

Best advice is to ask as many questions as you can in advance before you sign the contract and get answers to all your important concerns.

There are several options for a Content managment system.  There are many good open source CMS systems that can be setup and running in a matter of minutes.  There is also the option of customizing your CMS either with a out of the box solution or with a custom desinged CMS system.

With the custom designed CMS you will have the flexibility to have the site look and act like you want it to.  You will then be able to manage your content images and functionality from the CMS control panel. 

There is no one size fits all for managing content and you should talk with a few competent design specialists that know the different Content Management Systems and what the pros and cons are to each. 

 

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