May 21, 2007
Content Management Tips
A basic CMS primer

The primary mistake that people make when selecting content management is not selecting the RIGHT tool for the job at hand. There are SO many selections, that companies are often overwhelmed in just making a toll selction. Here then, are some hard and fast rules for making a proper decision.

1. Custom Built Solutions may be the immediate and lowest cost solution. And this includes off the shelf software. Getting locked into some third party packages if you are a small company can be a costly mistake, and customization of these often bloated systems costs far too much.

2. SIZE MATTERS!. Not every website needs to change every page. In some cases, your "About Us" page may NEVER CHANGE, so why build a CMS that changes a page that won't need to be touched? Likewise, if your "Events Page" needs to be updated daily, perhaps your CMS ONLY needs to be able to handle adding events to one page. Designing a system for your specific needs will serve to keep cost down as well.

3. Support is as important as the solution you choose. Websites change. Content management systems need to change with the website. Your developer should be able to demonstrate ongoing support for training, changing needs, scalability, and support. If your web developer cannot show you at least 3 HAPPY customers using the product, then you may want to consider alternatives.

4. Make sure the system is easy to manage. Does your developer support the package? Will he train you or your employees? Will he let you see the administrative interface and play with it BEFORE you commit? If your developer cannot include the cost of training along with the software, then this might not be the right solution for you.

5. Don't forget email, search and RSS. Depending on the size and function of your CMS, you may want o consider adding even more function. Again, your BUSINESS NEEDS SHOULD DICTATE the solution. Do you need your information to be searchable? Do you have subscribers that may want to be FED the information? When you enter the new content, does it need to be emailed out to everyone who is intersted? Your developer should be able to integrate multiple solutions cost effectively.

6. Integrate your online advertising planning with website planning. Now that you are genrating some inbound traffic, don't forget to integrate your traditional marketing and customer service realtionship systems so that you keep these clients and prospects interested in your products and services. Forgetting the ultimate goal of all of this technology is another classic mistake of corporations who lost focus. Now shut up and sell! - Jeffrey

As VP of ImageWorks, LLC, Jeffrey Cohen's extensive professional career includes owning American Screen Graphics, an award winning graphic design and silkscreen house, A stint at Travelers Insurance in IT, Technical Support for ITW/Promark, and Director of Operations at Fleming Industries. A Graduate of the University of Bridgeport, Jeffrey also holds a degree from the Computer Processing Institute, and is currently on the board of directors for the Tolland County Chamber of Commerce, and The CT Business Hall of Fame. Aside from his chairmanship of the Economic Development Comission in Vernon, CT, Jeffrey is also executive Director and Host of the Connecticut Business Network.