Wednesday, January 25, 2012

Training for CMS Websites

Many web developers will now offer content manageable websites (CMS) so that clients are not reliant on the developer to make changes to text and pictures (even create new pages) when they are required. The advantage to the client is that changes can be made as and when required and being dependent on the developer finding the time to do it. This is necessary for a website today as it can become dynamic and responsive, not just a passive brochure site.  This has to be positive moves forward in users taking control of technology.

I see two issues that need to be addressed and resolved:

1.       Every web developer I speak to seems to offer a different CMS product be it: open source, bespoke or a commercial. I guess some solutions will be more suited to some business than overs but what are they key feature we should look for or be told about when deciding on the most appropriate CMS site for a business?

Is there not a training need for business leaders and owners so they are able to make informed and therefore appropriate choices when deciding on a CMS system for their business?

2.       What is the level of training is provided by the developer to ensure that the client has the capability to manage the site as intended? As with all potentially brilliant systems it will only be as good as the training its users receive. Many web developers and programmers I find are not natural trainers and therefore undertake a training role reluctantly. What training that does take place may just consist of an hour’s introduction and some help notes. This cannot be considered adequate for the client to have the understanding and capabilities to content manage their site successfully.

Poor training leaves the risk of changes to the site looking messy and amateurish. Spoiling the original site design. My experience is with Joomla and I know form this experience that a good number of hour’s training will be required, the amount also dependent on the level you wish the user to manage at.

I would love to hear other opinions.

1 comment:

  1. Nice Post!
    The information given by you on the CMS training is good and very informative. How it is useful for the client as well as developer and their issues. I like your way to write the information in the sequence.

    ReplyDelete