Content Management Systems that Win

Delivering new content regularly, at least on a predictable weekly basis, is essential for building an audience online. A website that doesn't deliver new content will fall in web search rankings and eventually loose its communication impact.

The CMS Solution

Producing new and exciting content at regular intervals is challenging and often cost prohibitive. The content problem has led many organizations to look to content management platforms (CMP) such as Drupel, Business Catalyst, Wordpress and others for solutions. The idea is to enable nontechnical users within the company to add content to the organizations’ website without having to write a single line of code.

Examples in Action

I’ve been using a few Google technologies to set up a content management system that doesn’t require any set up fees or monthly costs. This blog is one example of a custom content management system solution. Blogger is free to anyone with a Google account (also free). Google has kept the code open for users to manage custom CSS, which enabled me to build this blog to match the style of my professional web site. Other CMS sites such as Wordpress offer custom CSS, but you have to pay a yearly fee for the service.
Blogging tools are a great way to enable nontechnical users with tools to contribute great looking content to existing communication venues. Blogs keep the content managed through the use of keywords and date stamps. Content can be moved, searched, archived and even interacted with by viewers via built in comment box systems (Wordpress and Blogger both offer free commenting services).

Journey Christian Church is another great example of a free CMS implementation in action. Google Blogger and also the free embeddable calendar tool enable church volunteers and staff to contribute content to the web site. Go to the calendar page, student ministry page and the Journey Press page to see the example in action. This CMS solution was built using a javascript package to embed each blog directly into the web site. The result allows the site CSS to be used to format each blog while maintaining all of the Blogger functions.

Do You Need a CMS?

If you want to create a meaningful communication venue, the answer is yes. The ever-expanding content appetite of consumers, and the bounty of new gadgets that stock the buffet of instant information, are driving demand for fresh professional content to crazy levels. A content management strategy is essential for any serious communication plan.

Of course developing with a free solution may not work for your specific goals goals or organizational structure. Be sure to thoroughly research your communication needs and the audience you want to reach before taking a look at the many CMS options. Focus on how each tool best enables the talents and current knowledge of the resources that will drive these systems. Also consider how much and what type of content you want to focus on. Finally, remember to consider how your plan will connect new content to social networking venues and repurpose collateral for sales presentations and other physical marketing venues. You want to get the most mileage out of communication content, as the investment in time and other costs will add up quickly.
Don’t forget to have fun with it! A positive piece of content is contagious.