It can be overwhelming trying to decide what to do when you get going with building a website. One of the many important decisions is how and who is going to manage the content on the website, once your new website is up.
Options on content management range from having a static website with absolutely no ability to manage content, to having a limited content management system, or having a completely custom content management system to let you fully manage every ounce of content you have. Below we’ll break each option down a bit for you.
Static Website
A static website is a website that is made up of static files. Static files means that everything within the pages of the website are static, and cannot be changed without logging in and editing the code. The opposite of a static website would be a dynamic website, where the dynamic portions are manageable.
Having a static website might cost you less up front, but overtime can cost you more than just fat checks and a headache. With a static website, not only do you have to contact your web team or developer, but you have to pay for each and every update.
Some companies will bundle this into a managed hosting package, but it will still cost you more in the long run than a dynamic website, and it can also be a hassle to get a hold of and work with someone just to update a few things on your website. This should never be the case.
Limited Content Management
You don’t have to go to extremes when it comes to content management system. Notice, I said HAVE to. I don’t recommend this option, but it is certainly better for you than having no control over your content.
Limited content management is achieved by using an out of the box, open-source platform such as Wordpress or Joomla. Many customers turn to WordPress and Joomla because it’s easy for inexperienced companies to install, and it’s cheaper than going completely custom.
While this option is cheaper than custom content management systems, and more beneficial than not having any control over content, I wouldn’t get stuck in this situation. Not only do you only have limited control, but you leave yourself without the ability to grow your website. Many out of the box platforms don’t offer scalability (the ability to grow your website and add on new features/technologies without having to redo the entire site).
Most of these platforms are also very insecure. Due to the fact that they are open-source – which means anyone and everyone can have access to the source files for free (including hackers) – these systems are known for being hacked. Once a hacker, developer, or disgruntle web-savvy user discovers a hack, it’s very easy for 100,000 or more sites to get hacked via the same hack tool.
These hacks can and will continue until the open-source platform releases an update, which in itself is another flaw. When you use one of these open source/free platforms, you have to constantly upgrade your website, and unless you are technically-inclined, this is going to result in more invoices heading your way.
Full and Custom Content Management
The best choice for content management, for a plethora of reasons, is having full content management. This is generally achieved by having a custom content management system powering your website.
A custom content management system is a content management system that is built from scratch and is built based on the design of your website. The first step to a custom website is to design your website however you want it, and then custom build a system to power that. Doing it this way allows you to make sure that each and every area of the website is manageable, versus having to design a site with WordPress/Joomla limitations in mind.
While there are so many advantages of a custom website, here are just a few of the highlights:
- Complete Control: No calls to anyone to update any area on your website. At any time of the day or night, you or anyone you/we train on your admin panel can update your website for you.
- Safe and Secure: Since your file and database structure is unique to your website, it would take a lot, and I mean a lot of effort from someone to try and hack it
- Scalability: With a custom CMS (Content Management System), you can easily add-on new modules and functionality, due to the site being designed and developed with future growth in mind.
Going custom can cost a little more than the first two options, but the benefits and impact it can have on running your business far outweigh the difference in cost.
Though specializing in all-things custom, Basch Solutions, LLC offers solutions for all methods of content management. Regardless of your web design and web development needs, do some research, and give us a call to see how we can help you grow your business and better maintain your brand.
