The Internet is a constantly evolving medium, which makes updates and revisions a necessary evil.
FatCat Strategies can tip the scales in your favor by building web sites that have an integrated Content Management Solution (CMS).
What does that mean? A CMS is a tool that empowers you to easily manage your website.
With a CMS, everything is managed through your browser (Internet Explorer, Safari or Firefox). That means there’s nothing installed on your computer. And you can make updates to your site anywhere you have Internet access.
When we build your site with a CMS, that means you can:
- edit pages
- post company news
- manage products and services
- make new blog posts
- syndicate your company news through an RSS feed
Frequently updated and useful content encourages your visitors to keep coming back. And, it helps your search engine placement. Why? Because search engines, like Google, reward fresh content.
Not so long ago, a CMS was expensive and was reserved only for big companies with big web sites. Now, it is a must for every successful web site.
CMS Options
For most of our small business customers, we use either WordPress or Expression Engine, or BusinessCatalyst depending on your needs and budget.
We can help you determine which solution is right for you after one or two short planning meetings.
WordPress is open-source blogging software that millions of web owners use to manage their content. Even though its primary function is a blogging platform, it can be adapted to suit the needs of many small business websites, provided lots of advanced or custom functions are not required.
Find out more at wordpress.org
Expression Engine is a flexible content management system that can be adapted and customized to meet almost any small business need. It also has several core functions built in, like newsletter management, membership management, event calendars and more.
Find out more at expressionengine.com
Which one is better?
Both have strengths and weaknesses. During the strategy and planning phase of your web site, we will provide a quick demo of each system and walk you through how each one might be used for your business.
Custom CMS for Special Needs
Sometimes, our customers have more complicated web needs that go beyond WordPress or Expression Engine.
For those clients, we use a system called Carbon, which was developed by a local firm called Third Party Labs.
Examples of completely custom CMS solutions include:
- customized user communities and social networking
- an online application that manages job postings and job applications
- event registration calendars
- e-commerce
- dynamic map building
- and more...
How much does it cost?
If you hire us as your virtual marketing department, it's included in your monthly fee. That means if you don't already have a CMS, we'll build you one.
If you don't need an entire marketing department, but you do want a sweet, new, easy-to-manage web site, check out our sample web fees page.
