Content Management Systems (CMS)

When it comes to updating your web site, there are generally two choices:

  1. someone (i.e. a web developer) can do it for you; or
  2. you can do it yourself with the aid of a Content Management System (CMS).

The option you choose will be determined by how often you update the site, how many changes you need to make, the nature of those changes and whether you have the time to perform any of these tasks.

Using a CMS gives you complete control over your site's content, enabling you to update your web site yourself by adding or editing text and images, and adding or removing pages, using the sort of word processing interface that would be familiar to most people.

All this activity takes place in a password-protected area that only you can access and all that is required is an internet connection and a web browser (e.g. Internet Explorer or Firefox).

I use ExpressionEngine, one of the most flexible, feature-rich systems available. Besides an impressive list of default features, ExpressionEngine can also be extended and upgraded with a variety of extensions, modules and plugins. I've used ExpressionEngine on a variety of different sites and besides the usual editing capabilities available to site owners, has also used it for:

  • intranets
  • blogs
  • photo galleries
  • portfolios
  • forums
  • calendars
  • directories/listings
  • search engines, and
  • mailing lists

But the best feature of ExpressionEngine is its ability to be customised to each individual site's needs. Both the public website and administration control panel can be customised to handle different types of content, so ExpressionEngine is the ideal solution for most small- to medium-sized web publishing requirements.

Tyssen Design is a member of the ExpressionEngine Pro Network and I've used ExpressionEngine exclusively for all CMS projects since 2007. You can view a selection of the sites built with ExpressionEngine in my portfolio.

CMS services for creative agencies

As well as ExpressionEngine, I also have experience in a number of other content management systems, both large and small, (including Wordpress) and have the experience to choose the right solution for your situation and the ability to integrate it into your design and provide training in its use. With extensive experience using these systems, I also provide services to other creative agencies looking to outsource the work of installing and customising a CMS.