So, what is content management? Content management, also known as CM is the process of managing published content for websites, internets and portals. It allows companies to take control and keep authority over their content, adding or removing content when needed and making sure the right people see the content before each page goes live. Content management also makes sure that content is accessible to as many users as possible and that the right visitors come to the site from the target audience.
Content management involves collaboration between a variety of people and it will vary between each individual project what procedures are used. Here is a summary of the basic roles and responsibilities in a typical content management project:
1) Creator/author who is responsible for writing the content for the website.
2) Editor is needed to proofread and finely hone the words to fit the style of the site.
3) Publisher will be responsible for releasing the text for use.
4) Administrator is important in providing support to the user and also providing access to a number of files and applications. They will give access rights to particular groups or users.
5) Viewer, guest or consumer is the person who actually reads the content after it is published.
It is very important to manage and control different versions of content as your business evolves. Version control systems are needed to ensure that the most up to date and relevant versions of the text are used. Also, a review stage is extremely vital to the whole process of CM and this will ensure that the finished product is of a high standard and adhering to the actual project brief of the client.
There are numerous content management systems available which manage the complete web site life cycle from collaborative authoring to storage, publishing an then archiving material. If you are a business choose carefully though- some can be free however some require a large subscription cost. Some also need regular licence updates and upgrades.
A CMS is not just limited to publishing content you can use a CMS for a whole range of web solutions. Examples include e-commerce online shops, directory sites, online magazines or publications, social networking sites, property sites, community portal sites, directory sites and business sites. Joomla CMS is one of the biggest website solution providers.