Database Driven Website Delights
CMS Websites (i.e. content managed websites) are certainly a hot topic at the moment and something I get asked about a lot. I am, it has to be said often guilty of going into ‘techie talk’, spouting such phrases as ‘you need to upgrade your existing site to become database driven, what you need is a better web design and online strategy’ - (you have to understand techie talk often has no direct translation into English Language). While I am proud of my new found knowledge, I won’t bore you with the technical detail but thought I would take the time to introduce you to the wonderful world of database driven websites, and more importantly the benefits they bring.
When browsing the internet, it is very rare (unless you are a techie that is) that anybody gives a second thought as to where the website they are looking at originated from and ultimately how that website is maintained over time. So I’ll take a moment, put my knowledge hat on and explain a few things about the wonderful world-wide web and how D4 can utilize its potential.
Originally, and still in abundance now, millions of websites have been built using static material. Although quick, cheap and easy to host initially, these websites more often than not become stagnant to the viewer as the information contained on them rarely changes due to the expertise required to aid web development. These static pages also restrict the user’s interaction with the content, often meaning they look elsewhere for more up-to-date, modern material.
What’s that I hear you ask, “Are there any better options apart from these static websites?” Well…… thankfully there is and this comes in the form of dynamic, database driven websites. Clued up and ready to spring into action, the design team here at D4 are able to upgrade existing static websites or build from scratch to become fully database driven, utilising the numerous benefits available from doing so.
When a website has been constructed using dynamic content, it is supported by a database that automatically changes and customises the content contained on the pages every time the page is requested. The main advantages are four fold:
“Scaleability” which allows for expansion and development of the website in the future, which long term will save costs and time for any amends or updates. Using a database ensures that data is never lost as the site grows and changes over time, so should you decide in 5 years that a new site is required, we store all the previous information, meaning any renovation is accessible and easier than a complete overhaul.
“Fresh Content” - Dynamic sites allow us to integrate a content management system (CMS) = a marketing managers dream! This means that all copy, images and links can be all managed and kept fresh in-house. The results of which will mean delighted clients about having access to relevant, up-to-date content, and you don’t have to fork out unnecessary costs for us to make changes to your website.
“Multiple Languages” - Another key reason our clients are biting our hands off for a website upgrade is this allows the site to house translations and display multiple language options. Not only that but translated copy can be entered directly onto the site through the content management system - this opens up sites to international market opportunities, which as we know for many of our clients is a potentially huge growth area at the moment with the pound being so weak.
“SEO” - Lastly, a big advantage and a very important part of business development that can arise from upgrading to a data driven site is better search engine performance (this helps with SEO). As the information contained within the database utilises the very latest programming techniques allowing clients to add in key words, meta descriptions, meta tags with ease, this combined with fresh content can really maximise and improve search engine ranking.
So there you have it, just some of the benefits available to you via an upgrade from static content to a fully database driven website. Like the sound of it? Why not indulge in the database driven delights and contact me (Marianne) to see if we can help.