10 problems with your cms
DESCRIPTION
10 problems your content management system will not solve and how to overcome them.TRANSCRIPT
Nick France [email protected] @nfrance
CMS10 problems
your content management system
will not solve
and how to overcome them
Content management systems are often perceived as a silver bullet that will solve all your content problems.
In reality having a CMS is not enough. You must also address broader issues associated with the content of your website.
What follows is a list of 10 issues that are either directly created by content management systems or that a CMS will fail to solve
1. A lack of editorial controlThe Solution: Get an editor
Somebody to check what is being produced communicates a consistent message in a consistent tone.
2. A lack of personalityThe solution: Decide on your sites personality
If your website was a person what type of person would it be?
3. Uncommitted contributorsThe solution: Recognize the importance of the web
The website needs to be seen as a critical business tool – site maintenance is a key component of people’s job.
4. Poorly trained authorsThe solution: Provide video training material
Training in the technology is only half the battle. Contributors also need to know how to write compelling copy.
5. Bad copywritingThe solution: Provide a structure for content production
Copy written by content providers is often verbose, un-engaging and hard to scan.
6. Bloated websitesThe solution: Focus on users and remove
Is the content aimed at your primary audience? Is the content essential for helping users complete their objectives?
7. No clear calls to actionThe solution: Always guide the user to the next action
What is it that you want users to do next? How do you wish them to respond?
8. An organizational focused IAThe solution: Focus on user tasks
Users don’t think in terms of org. structure, they are task focused. Organizational IA can be entirely inappropriate.
9. No sense of communityThe solution: Build relationship not functionality
To build a successful community around your website, you need to actively and regularly engage with users.
10. Single language content
Sites fail to implement their multi-lingual support because they have not fully thought through what that involves.
The solution: Think twice before requesting multi-lingual support
• This is not a criticism of content management systems.
• Content management systems are a valuable addition to most websites.
• They are not the silver bullet that some may perceive them to be.
• The success of your CMS is dependant upon you being aware of its limitations and being prepared to deal with those restrictions.
• If you do then a CMS could be the best investment you ever make.
Conclusion
