Control is something we all want. Whether it be your car, your home or your website, everyone is looking for a way to cut out the middle man and manage everything themselves. CMS (Content Management Systems) give people who do not have any web design or development knowledge the ability to control the layout and content of websites. Everyone wants it now, but fail to realize the complications that are created for the designers and developers that create these systems.

When we create a website we follow a creative vision or project plan which guides in the production or successful web experiences. Throw a CMS into the mix and we must take into account every situation that would arise when a client goes to make changes to the original design. Pretty much idiot proofing every possible detail so that the design of the site does not lose aesthetic when items are added. Uploading pictures, writing sections, adding documentation are all functions of these types of systems. So what is the problem?

Seems like this would create less work to manage a site if all the control is with the owner, not true. When we develop websites there are certain guidelines and optimization techniques that we use to create a smooth operating system. Images and online documents need to be a certain size in order to speed up performance, files need to be named according to guidelines, and many other factors come into play. Open source CMS systems are available for incorporation into web designs which cut down development costs, yet the problem with these systems is that they can be very general and sometime fall short in the functionality that is needed for a specific client.

Custom systems are more fine tuned to the clients vision yet require a decent amount of development and creative direction to create an intuitive well designed interface. For the ill informed, this is an important ideas to keep in mind when you are looking for website development. CMS systems cut out management costs but require larger start up fees to develop the initial system. When shopping for a design company, make sure that the administration interface is as well designed as the site itself. Otherwise you may be stuck with a bare bones administration with no inherent flow or ease of use design.

Things to factor in when building a new website:

1. How often will I be updating my site?
2. Will I need to upload documents?
3. How much do I want to spend?
4. Do I want support for my site?
5. How much control do I want to pay for?
6. Will I be able to update the design with the CMS still in place
7. Do I know enough about web trends to keep my site up to date?
8. Do I have the time to manage my own website

Although there are many other questions that may go along with web development this list gives a basic overview of what to expect when diving into the world of the web and having a successful site. Popular websites need constant attention. Remember the web is a source of up to date information. Sites that are created and not managed correctly or fall stale do to lack of attention will get sucked into the black hole of the internet. Getting no hits and not doing their job of informing the people that land on your page. So if your in the market for a new website and want all the control to do-it-yourself make sure you have the time to keep your site up to date.

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