Why do you keep putting off updating your website?

2011-05-11T04:23:00.000-07:00

Chances are that when you first got your own website you chose someone who could “handle it all for you”. I know I did. Trouble is, that now every time you need to update something you’ve got to brief your web developer – and pay them to do it! So you keep putting it off. And off. If only you had decided to go for a CMS site.

CMS stands for Content Managed System. And a CMS website can be easily and quickly updated or maintained by a non-developer, which means you – no, honestly!

Past experience not necessary

Don’t let the functionality of a CMS site scare you off. If you’re a member of LinkedIn or Facebook then you’re already happily using lots of handy tools to navigate around these formats without ever thinking about it. CMS Websites are as simple to use as that. Yes, believe it or not, your website can be updated just as easily. I bet your web developer never told you that!

The truth is that a CMS is insanely easy to use and can be built into your website. It allows you to hop on whenever you like; make changes, upload photographs, delete or amend copy instantaneously. Imagine, now you can truly connect with your inner programmer. Bye-bye Mr Middle Man.

Better things to do?

If you have a business to run you will have far more pressing tasks at hand than designing and writing a multi-page site. So it’s undoubtedly better and quicker to get the experts in at this stage. A well-designed site is a pleasure to look at and navigate, while well crafted (as well as SEO optimised) copy can really talk to your customers. But why should you always have to involve your web guy if you only want to alter a date, change a photograph, add a blog or update some sales figures? That’s just throwing money away.

Just a little self-belief

The key message here is this: Don’t be frightened by the thought of taking control of some or all of your website management.

I believe it’s always better to offer clients the chance to stretch their budgets by enabling them to handle their own content management.

One client, a mid-sized property developer, followed our suggestion of uploading images of their new developments with a short description. Soon they were adding links to their sales and lettings agents. And even before one development was completed they could start promoting the next. By changing and uploading new information to their site themselves they have dramatically increased their online presence by continually changing content to keep up with their growing business.

CMS works for them. And, whatever your web developer might tell you, it can work for you too!

Effective communications

Why do you keep putting off updating your website?