Self-Managed Websites

Web pages were once all created the same way: hand-coded by a developer using special editing software, in a language called HTML. JavaScript was often added for more advanced functionality. It all worked fine. In fact, that method remains appropriate for many small to medium sized sites. Using the tools that have served us well for over a decade is still the quickest and most economical way to develop many websites.

But an issue arises when frequent changes are desired. Adding new text or photos to a static HTML website requires a skilled developer’s time — and of course, the associated hourly fees. Unfortunately, modifying HTML directly can be tricky. Sometimes even a tiny mistake can leave a carefully-constructed layout an unrecognizable mess! A sample of the HTML needed to display part of a very simple web page is shown below.

Content Management Systems

Websites developed using a CMS can be updated by the owner using a simple online interface. If you’re familiar with basic word processing software, you’ll be able to easily add text or photos to your site whenever you wish. Compare the CMS user interface below with the HTML code above.

This simplified interface also prevents an owner from inadvertently altering the overall look of the site. The CMS authoring tools allow access to only pre-defined content areas of specified pages. The updated page will always display correctly, consistent with the original design.

Larger companies can take advantage of many other benefits of CMS. Features such as revision tracking and control, workflow management, multi-level access privileges, article archiving and a centralized searchable repository for all web content are built in to the system.

The initial cost of designing a CMS website is sometimes slightly higher, but reduced maintenance and update fees can result in significant savings over time. Please contact Garnet Design Group to discuss the pros and cons of using a Content Management System to build your website.

Garnet Design Group is experienced with both the Joomla! and WordPress Content Management Systems — the two most robust and widely-used CMS platforms in the world. In fact, this website runs on WordPress. Should you choose a self-managed website, the refinement and stability of either Joomla! or WordPress insures that your site will be fast and reliable.