C-M-S … it sounds big and scary, but I promise it’s not!  As noted in the title, CMS stands for “Content Management System.”  In this post, I’ll focus on a CMS for web content.

You’ve likely heard of some of the more popular CMS tools out there: Wordpress, Drupal, Joomal! to name a few.

If you have any more than an informational website, you probably have some type of CMS at work behind the scenes.  The CMS in this case is a web application that uses a database to store and manage all of your web pages and content.

The beauty of a CMS is that you don’t have to be a web developer genius to use one (although that never hurts!).   Most often you can get started with just a few clicks and some basic technical knowledge.  Depending on your requirements, however, you probably want to consider using a professional to “set up” your site initially and then to train you on how to maintain it through the CMS user interface going forward.

As I mentioned above, using a CMS does not require any major degree of technical understanding.  So once you get comfortable with the user interface, you can typically edit the pages of your website and the content of those pages with ease (so long as you’re not trying to change “the structure” of the site – which is a little more advanced).

Now you know all there is to know about a CMS!  Ok, well maybe not … but you at least know enough to get started.  Don’t hesitate to contact MDesign Media if you need some help!

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I was inspired to write this post after a recent personal experience (names and industries have been changed to protect the innocent!).  I was researching accountants (ok, so I wasn’t, but remember, I changed the names/industries to protect the innocent!).  I googled “accountants Tampa” and up came my list.  I reviewed the top 5 results and was very impressed by one accountant in particular.  Their website was informative, eye-catching and well-designed.

I narrowed down my shortlist to 3 of the top 5 accountants and began making phone calls.  I talked with one of them and left a message for the next.  Not wanting to bias myself any further, I saved the accountant with the great website for last.  Was I surprised at what happened next!  An auto-attendant answered.  No problem.  I listened to the directory choices and input the number for the person I was trying to reach.  After a long pause, the auto-attendant said “no one is answering at that extension.  Press 1 to leave a message in the general mailbox.”  So I pressed 1.  Then I heard “You cannot leave a message for this person.  The mailbox is full.”

Now keep in mind that I was calling around 11 AM on a weekday (not Monday!), so there should be no reason that the mailbox would be full if it were regularly tended to.  And what happened to the accountant that was not answering his/her extension and had no voicemail set up?

I walked away from that experience with a reaffirmed belief that having a great website is a “must” but is not the “only”!  Sure, the website caught my attention, but then it was downhill from there.  The best companies are those that have a strong brand, great customer service, broad and relevant experience and a flawless reputation.  Oh…AND a great website!

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1. The choice of providers is totally up to you. Landline or computer based both have some good features, just make sure you have great speakers and a headphone. You will find these useful for the next accessory on the list.

2. Online XM radio - For company, amusement or inspiration, this is awesome and a must have for anyone that spends more than a few minutes at a computer.

3. Eye glasses (with a back up when your first pair get misplaced) – This almost made it to the number one slot. Without these eye accessories, you’ll be lucky to get that computer booted up. They used to make controls with bigger lettering, didn’t they?

4. Electrical converters and adapters and an APC unit- this made it easy to group all of these together in their own category. You have to be prepared for anything and having these on hand will let you keep on working through almost any type of unexpected predicament.

5. Ergonomic mouse, chair, and keyboard – Another multitasked group category. These are all necessary to keep the cramps and strain away from your fingers, wrists, back, and rear. Long stretches of time are so much better tolerated when there are some material comforts available.

6.Mouse pad- This needs to be smooth, clean, intact and contain some great picture or saying that will always keep you focused and on task. Mine is a picture of Tahiti, it keeps my dreams alive.

7. Calendar- Every web designer of any note has at least 3 of these in his office at any given time. This is necessary to keep track of projects assignments and meal times. There are always the electronic versions on your computer and I-Pod that you can use, but the old-fashioned ones are pretty cool. These are in full view at all times, so there’s no excuse for forgetting dates anymore, on second thought maybe these aren’t so necessary after all.

8. Caffeine-The way you get this must have accessory is up to you. Sodas, coffee, tea….just stay away from the decaf stuff….that’s a real buzz kill. Only with that caffeine amping your system will you be able to complete all your projects on time.

9. Drink Coaster/Holder-This is necessary for number 8, but make sure you place it in a secure location. Better yet use secure this gadget with some Super Glue.

10. Laptop for those on the go- A lot of people are probably thinking this should have been rated higher, but real web gurus don’t leave home base that often.
 

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