A potential client asked the other day:
“Why would I pay more for a Content Management System (web site) – when I can have a normal (HTML) web site that will do the same thing?”
Aquafruit’s Answer:
In the long run, it will save you time, money, and improve your marketing – both socially (if used correctly) and most definitely from a business “perspective”
Our competitions answer:
“Content Management Systems (CMS’s) are next-generation tools for web developers. They allow design/developers like us to provide an online interface for clients to edit much of their content.
Translation: long-term savings (few maintenance costs), the ability to frequently update content (fresh content is good), plus tracking tools that provide you with the who, what, why, and when of your sites visitors.
Interesting isn’t it?
From both Aquafruit Media’s perspective and our direct competition, the answer is the same – YES.
The real question is “Will it – save me time and money – and improve my business?”
It’s a valid question. A lot of small business owners will tell you that they can’t afford several thousands of dollars for a web site presence – as their cash flow or marketing budgets just don’t allow for it.
From Aquafruit’s perspective, It’s an argument that is really mute in the current economic environment, as the question should really be “Can you NOT afford to have a CMS web site” – if you are running a business?
It’s all a part of the bigger picture.
One piece in the Marketing puzzle.
Ten years ago, having a web site was seen as a distinct advantage to many business owners. Now, it’s a distinct disadvantage – not to have one. But, the question still remains as to whether or not your web site should be CMS driven.
What is the difference between a CMS and a non-CMS web site?
Non CMS
What is a Non-CMS web site? The answer is pretty straight forward – there is no database behind it. These types of web sites are normally very graphic orientated, look fantastic and employ a combination of scripting (client side / server side) and static code.
Great from a design perspective – no great from a content / management perspective. Why? How do you update them?
If you are technically savvy and can code (html, script, flash etc) – then using a non CMS web site is certainly a cost effective option – as long as you have the time of course – and your time costs less than it does to have someone else code it for you.
Seriously though – if you are a code cutting company, design company, web site company, then building your own site is achievable. If you not an expert within these fields, then is it good business practice to do it yourself?
CMS
There are several Open Source engines on the market that will provide you with CMS ability – out of the box – for $0.00. WordPress, Joomla, Drupal, Mambo to name a few. These engines provide a CMS platform upon which a web site can be built on – through customisation of both the interface and standard functionality changes as required.
With CMS engines like wordpress for example, if your web site needs are basic, then you don’t even need to employ a design company to build it for you. Most web hosting companies these days are more than familiar and can set up everything you need.
But, if you need a unique identity – as all businesses do – then you will need to employ a design / code cutting company of some kind to make it work.
Also, you will need an expert marketing company to give you the in’s, out’s and information you need to promote your web site and brand. More on that in a latter article.
Which is better for small business?
Of course, it depends on what you need.
First off, let’s take the “New” business owner.
Scenario – you are in the education sector. You have just started your small business and decide (as a part of your marketing strategy) that you need a web site.
Ok, so you go about talking to a few people who are in the “know” – are business owners themselves, or other people who recommend a web design company to talk to for the purpose of getting a quote.
The quotes from several web design companies arrive after a conversation with the right people and you decide to choose one to build your web site.
The quotes are varied – including the following types of sites:
- html (static)
- flash
- CMS
- other
So, which one do you choose? The most cost effective? The one that has a great portfolio? The one that understands what you need?
Our answer is “all of the above”.
Not only should you choose a designer based on price, success and perception, but also one that has a good reputation within the industry, is easy to deal with and will provide value within what they deliver. It also needs to be said, that any product delivered should be scaleable, robust and secure.
In regards to the question above, it depends on your business needs (which should be clearly defined before you ask for a quote). As we are talking about an example within the education sector, it’s important that the “message” they are trying to get across is delivered in an “easy to sell, easy to buy” mannor.
At Aquafruit, we build 90% of our web sites on scaleable engines – content management systems. We also build and integrate HTML & flash into a majority of the sites we build.
We believe in “adding value” through designing and building sites that deliver the message, provide a funnel that channels the end audience to make contact and – delivers a reliable, scaleable engine for future proofing.
In closing
In our opinion, a CMS is one of the bare essentials for a web site. But, don’t just take our word for it. Google it and see for your self ..
If you require more information, please do not hesitate to contact one of our friendly staff directly.
Warm Regards,
Scott Malpass
Director
Aquafruit Media..
Content management system – is it worth the extra cost?
A potential client asked the other day:
“Why would I pay more for a Content Management System (web site) – when I can have a normal (HTML) web site that will do the same thing?”
Aquafruit’s Answer:
In the long run, it will save you time, money, and improve your marketing – both socially (if used correctly) and most definitely from a business “perspective”
Our competitions answer:
“Content Management Systems (CMS’s) are next-generation tools for web developers. They allow design/developers like us to provide an online interface for clients to edit much of their content.
Translation: long-term savings (few maintenance costs), the ability to frequently update content (fresh content is good), plus tracking tools that provide you with the who, what, why, and when of your sites visitors.
Interesting isn’t it?
From both Aquafruit Media’s perspective and our direct competition, the answer is the same – YES.
The real question is “Will it – save me time and money – and improve my business?”
It’s a valid question. A lot of small business owners will tell you that they can’t afford several thousands of dollars for a web site presence – as their cash flow or marketing budgets just don’t allow for it.
From Aquafruit’s perspective, It’s an argument that is really mute in the current economic environment, as the question should really be “Can you NOT afford to have a CMS web site” – if you are running a business?
Ten years ago, having a web site was seen as a distinct advantage to many business owners. Now, it’s a distinct disadvantage – not to have one. But, the question still remains as to whether or not your web site should be CMS driven.
What is the difference between a CMS and a non-CMS web site?
Non CMS
What is a Non-CMS web site? The answer is pretty straight forward – there is no database behind it. These types of web sites are normally very graphic orientated, look fantastic and employ a combination of scripting (client side / server side) and static code.
Great from a design perspective – no great from a content / management perspective. Why? How do you update them?
If you are technically savvy and can code (html, script, flash etc) – then using a non CMS web site is certainly a cost effective option – as long as you have the time of course – and your time costs less than it does to have someone else code it for you.
Seriously though – if you are a code cutting company, design company, web site company, then building your own site is achievable. If you not an expert within these fields, then is it good business practice to do it yourself?
CMS
There are several Open Source engines on the market that will provide you with CMS ability – out of the box – for $0.00. WordPress, Joomla, Drupal, Mambo to name a few. These engines provide a CMS platform upon which a web site can be built on – through customisation of both the interface and standard functionality changes as required.
With CMS engines like wordpress for example, if your web site needs are basic, then you don’t even need to employ a design company to build it for you. Most web hosting companies these days are more than familiar and can set up everything you need.
But, if you need a unique identity – as all businesses do – then you will need to employ a design / code cutting company of some kind to make it work.
Also, you will need an expert marketing company to give you the in’s, out’s and information you need to promote your web site and brand. More on that in a latter article.
Which is better for small business?
Of course, it depends on what you need.
First off, let’s take the “New” business owner.
Scenario – you are in the education sector. You have just started your small business and decide (as a part of your marketing strategy) that you need a web site.
Ok, so you go about talking to a few people who are in the “know” – are business owners themselves, or other people who recommend a web design company to talk to for the purpose of getting a quote.
The quotes from several web design companies arrive after a conversation with the right people and you decide to choose one to build your web site.
The quotes are varied – including the following types of sites:
So, which one do you choose? The most cost effective? The one that has a great portfolio? The one that understands what you need?
Our answer is “all of the above”.
Not only should you choose a designer based on price, success and perception, but also one that has a good reputation within the industry, is easy to deal with and will provide value within what they deliver. It also needs to be said, that any product delivered should be scaleable, robust and secure.
In regards to the question above, it depends on your business needs (which should be clearly defined before you ask for a quote). As we are talking about an example within the education sector, it’s important that the “message” they are trying to get across is delivered in an “easy to sell, easy to buy” mannor.
At Aquafruit, we build 90% of our web sites on scaleable engines – content management systems. We also build and integrate HTML & flash into a majority of the sites we build.
We believe in “adding value” through designing and building sites that deliver the message, provide a funnel that channels the end audience to make contact and – delivers a reliable, scaleable engine for future proofing.
In closing
In our opinion, a CMS is one of the bare essentials for a web site. But, don’t just take our word for it. Google it and see for your self ..
If you require more information, please do not hesitate to contact one of our friendly staff directly.
Warm Regards,
Scott Malpass
Director
Aquafruit Media..