Updating content yourself?
I’ve had a couple of clients recently enquire about updating their own websites. These sites were not designed with a CMS integrated, they were pure HTML creations, so I thought I would investigate a few “free” options to allow non-programmers to add/change content. Surprisingly, there are a number of free WYSIWYG (What You See Is What You Get) editors out there. Unsurprisingly, most of them are rubbish. After looking for recommendations, I downloaded and installed the “best” programs – Amaya, NVU and Trellien.
Now hats off to the legends who created these programs. I am full of admiration for those people who devote many hours into creating Open Source software. The fact that I don’t recommend these programs to my clients is not a reflection on these people.
I simply can’t ask my clients to use software that won’t perform to their exact needs. Why won’t these programs perform? Because the sites were never intended to be updated by these magnificent pieces of programming. If the sites were built using these programs, I doubt I’d have a problem.
Solutions?
1. Get me to do the updates (of course I’d say that – I want your business).
2. Invest in Dreamweaver for $800 a copy.
3. Spend a little extra at the beginning and have a CMS built into the site.
Obviously, #3 is the way to go. Businesses/Organisations need to realise that a site is not simply stuck on the web to remain the same forever. They need regular updates to keep visitors returning. Bottom line – invest a little more in the initial stages and reap the benefits later on.
