Do you really want a website you can update yourself?

I wanted to call this the myth of the easy CMS. It’s a topic I’ve discussed before but it warrants discussing again.

A number of my clients in the last few years have requested the ability to update websites themselves so I have begun to offer the ability to all. Generally I will explain that it is a good option if the following is true:

• The client feels comfortable technically
• The client will be needing updates frequently enough that the increased cost of integrating content management into their website will be amortized over time and become a savings over having me perform their updates.

Usually I recommend WordPress (the easiest to master) or Joomla (for more robust applications). I’ve  also used Drupal (not a fan) and Moveable Type. A good CMS should be easily to master for someone who is comfortable and familiar with Microsoft Word but not everyone is and therein lies the problem.

Some take to it fairly well:
If the site is being created for a sole proprietor or a small business and one of the principals will be performing the updates they generally work through the learning curve fairly well and only call upon me for updates and changes that are beyond the ability of the CMS to do. They decided the CMS would save them money and they will ensure that it does.

Some give it up:
Occasionally after adding a CMS to a site I’ve had people contract with me to do the updates anyway as they are too busy or decide they can’t be bothered. They know the ability is there.

And some don’t take to it well at all:
The greatest panic is experienced by people who don’t feel comfortable with, and are often frustrated by, technology.  This can range from the extreme case who isn’t really sure where their documents are saved to and honestly thinks you are supposed to get to a website by typing it into the Google bar to those who have made a truce with Microsoft Word and perhaps very basic Excel but that’s the extent of it.  Administrative Assistants in larger companies or organizations who have been tasked with updating the website are often in this category. In many cases I have found that while they are afraid of learning how to use the CMS, at the same time, are afraid of letting their boss know how difficult they are finding this new responsibility.

If you are considering adding a CMS to your new or existing website its critical to evaluate the comfort level you or your employees currently have with technology. Often its a matter of additional training. In some cases it may be a better idea to contract outside for your updates.