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Note: This article was originally published in The Greeley Tribune, Sunday Business Section, December 1, 2004 DaGama Web Studio, Inc.Web WiseManaging your Web site wiselyBy Lori Gama-White One of the great benefits of having a Content Management System is that it gives you the freedom to update your own Web site without having to learn HTML or other programming and without having to pay someone else to update the site for you--saving you money in the long run. I strongly recommend this feature to non-profit organizations especially. If you have the time to update the site yourself, via an easy to use administration panel, then be sure to have a Content Management System built into your Web site. Sometimes that type of feature is an additional cost or it might come with the "package," depending on how your Web company sets it up. Even if it's extra, it'll pay for itself in the long run. A CMS's initial cost varies according to its type of programming, number of pages, the complexity of each page and a few other factors, which may be unique to your Web site. Some pre-built Web sites sometimes include a CMS. But you can have a custom designed Web site and have your own Content Management system, too. Most Content Management Systems will allow you to update your Web site through an administration panel that you log into. You should be able to easily choose which page or section you want to update by clicking on its link. Then simply fill out the fields that make up the text and upload photos by browsing from your computer. It should be as easy to handle as filling out an online form. Copy and paste your text into your administration panel fields or type in your text. Then click "submit" and the page is published to the Web. Freeware Content Management Systems Two great examples of already-built Web sites with Content Management Systems are PHP-nuke and Blogger. They each have their limitations so be sure to research examples to see if one of these tools would be right for you. With PHP-nuke (phpnuke.org and phpnuke.net) , you download the files and install on your server. If you have the patience and time to learn it, this CMS is a terrific choice. Even though thousands of others use this software, customization of the template is fairly easy. Security features have been improved to prevent hackers from hacking into your site. PHP-nuke might be a bit complex for most people and very easy for some (like us geeks). Blogger (Blogger.com) and other blogging software, such as Movabletype.org, is the easiest solution for the average person to use as a Web site that has a Content Management System. No need to download any files, instead, you create your account, choose a template, and you're off and clicking. If you have an information-driven type of site, this solution is recommended. Communicate your thoughts to the world by publishing to the Web. It's very basic as far as design is concerned but there's room for creativity and many bloggers have some fine looking sites, considering none are custom designed. A good Content Management System is like having a good cell phone: it allows you to efficiently manage your communication, is there whenever you need it and gives you the freedom to keep in touch with your Web site visitors without having to depend on or pay someone else. Taking control of your Web site and effectively using it to communicate with your audience can be a very empowering experience. Lori Gama-White owns DaGama Web Studio in Greeley, Colorado. Developing strategic, results-oriented Web sites since 1997, Lori Gama-White and her team of Web professionals are passionate about helping people get their businesses on to the Internet. For more information, questions or comments, call 970-378-7822 or e-mail . |