We have had a number of clients request that their site be built with a content management system so that they can easily update or add their own content once the site is launched. However, in almost every case, we've discovered that either during the design process or later, when the client wants to start editing, the site built with a content management systems lacks the flexibility to maintain design integrity. For instance, the client will try to upload an image that's the wrong size. Or, during the design process, we've had problems integrating CSS. Usually, implementing our design in a content management system also adds cost to the design process.

So, we've taken the stance that we're going to advise our clients not to build with a content management system unless it's truly a catalog-type of site, and instead are providing consultation to the clients on how to edit their sites using DreamWeaver.

Any thoughts?

Hi Angie,

We've been on both sides. So far, CMS issues (primarily Joomla) have not been major. The only problem we've run into is the same one you mention about images breaking the layout, but that's been taken care of by educating the client on how big they're images can be, or setting up some kind of gallery if necessary.

As far as using Dreamweaver goes, this can be a bit difficult. You'll need to create a strict style guide and ensure that it is enforced.

We still lean more towards using a CMS, unless the client has somebody in-house with basic web knowledge and they'd prefer using Dreamweaver. There just seem to be too many issues with adding new pages, and linking to them from other pages...

John

Hi Angie - using a CMS is probably better in the longer run, if you got all your clients to use the same CMS - your maintenance costs will be very low and you can also charge a fee for site maintenance even if they are on a CMS. Dreamweaver is great but the client can potentially do a lot of damage with it.

I totally agree with John.

I have ended up with a similar problem and I also have been using CMS for my clients. Dreamweave is not bad either but I have run into a few problems with it.

Yeah CMS solutions are the future but currently lack some features in terms of flexibility o end up restricting the editors too much. It's evolvin rapidly and new solutions will show up very soon. Stay tuned folks
--
San Francisco Web Design - SF Web Development

And the House bears a grudge.

It is not bad to use the CMS for making a website but you can only make a simple site with CMS. If you got some prob with that then you surely looking for a web designer or you need web design knowledge.