Lenzmarketing.com Re-Launches With Content Management System

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By John R. Lenz

My initial planning of the database structure

When we embarked on re-launching our web site, we knew that we needed to implement a content management system (CMS) to help our collaborators post and review content easily. Our web site had become stagnant, mainly due to the time it takes to create, review, and post new content. We also spend our time staying focused and thinking about clients' needs, since without them, we could not be in business.

But we needed to carve out some time for our own marketing, and it became apparent that it was time for us to take some of the medicine that we prescribe our clients: We needed an up-to-date web site that could engage our audience, share our ideas, and tell our story.

To tackle this issue, I first installed and reviewed off-the-shelf blog software that is freely available for download, including WordPress and Movable Type. WordPress and Movable Type are really well-written software tools, but each package was too laden with features that were overkill for our needs. So I decided to "roll my own" CMS and learn a bit along the way.

I knew from previous research that we needed an administrative back-end (tecno speak for a way for administrators to post blog entries to a database using a web browser) that allowed our four collaborators to write content, modify it, upload images, review content, tag the content with topics, and set a virtual on/off switch for the content to either show up in the live part of the site, or be filed in the archive. This was fairly challenging due to the learning curve.

First, I had to figure out what scripting language and what database to use. I chose PHP paired with MySQL. After making that choice, I tried to learn enough to be dangerous using both PHP and MySQL with Dreamweaver. I purchased and read the excellent book "The Essential Guide to Dreamweaver CS3 with CSS, Ajax, and PHP" by David Powers. It is a great reference and helped me immensely. The pages are dog-eared with highlighting everywhere. After working through the book and many hours of trial and error, the CMS that is driving this web site was born. Our collaborators are now able to add blog entries, add images and descriptions of our projects to our portfolio, add clients to our dynamic client list, and add tags for each piece of content.

This system allows multiple stakeholders to update the site without the need for one person to be present and available to update static pages. And it alleviates an important barrier to keeping the site fresh and worth visiting. At this time, the blog system is operational and we have launched the reminder of the site. I'm excited about the direction we're headed, and I'm looking forward to helping our clients who's needs match ours with this same system. 2008 will be a fun learning year for sure.

—Filed under Technology by John R. Lenz