These days a Content Management System (CMS) is a no-brainer for most businesses. Fresh, well written content keeps your web presence current and exciting, and because you’re doing the updating it costs you nothing but your time For most of our clients, we believe that a CMS is the right solution, but there are some potential pitfalls to be aware of:
1) Aesthetics
Mos CMS systems come with a WYSIWYG editor allowing you to format and manipulate your text and images in many ways. Unfortunately, some people use this power to fill every page with bold italicised pink text on a yellow background in one inch high letters, using the MS Comic Sans font. 9 times out of 10, it is best to keep your pages understated and consistent, using different levels of headings to improve readability, and moderate use of images to brighten up long pages of text.
2) Limitations
The WYSIWYG editor has more in common with a basic word processor than a desktop publisher application. Don’t expect pixel perfect positioning, 3d text, or anything too fancy. If you have specific requirements for design/functionality, you may need to bring in your web designer to meet those needs.
3) Noblesse Obligé
A loose translation is “With power and prestige come responsibilities”. A CMS gives you the power to inflict your musings on an unsuspecting public. While it is important to update your content periodically, don’t post if you have nothing to say. Furthermore, it is very easy to add a page here and there, and slowly turn your site into a meandering unstructured mess with lots of pages but little relevant content. Spring clean regularly. Finally, never ever post after consuming alcohol!
4) Editing
Editing your own content may well end in tears. We’ve all got a couple of words that we constantly misspell, and if you created the mistake, there’s a good chance that your brain will not see it as a mistake when you re-read your content. It goes without saying that you should spell-check your work, but resist the urge to publish right away. Save a draft and ask somebody you trust to read it and parse it for grammar errors, political incorrectness and bad writing in general. Don’t forget that your online content can be a great source of material for your offline printed marketing.
5) The Content Black Hole
There is little point in coming up with great content if nobody is going to read it. Let people know when you add new content. Make use of Twitter, LinkedIn, MySpace, Facebook, discussion forums and any other resource at your disposal to promote yourself. In general people are happy to receive relevant links to useful information.
