How to keep your website up to date

One of the most common questions we are asked when chatting to new clients is how they'll be able to update their website. More and more people want full control - so they can keep their websites up to date, fresh, and useful for repeat visitors. A fine and noble goal!

It comes down to two choices, having your web developer make updates for you, which is all well and good if they have the time and the instructions are clear and followed. Or there is CMS, or a content management system, which gives the client access to the website to edit certain sections themselves.

There are merits to both methods, so we say, and a good web designer will offer both, to cover all the bases. That way if you just want a quick edit you can make the change on the spot see the result instantly, or if it's something a bit more fiddly or you simply don't have the time, you're not left out in the cold.

When getting a new website, make sure you find out from the designer what options you have for updates. If there is no CMS and they plan to make the updates for you, what sort of timescale will that be on? Within 24 hours? Within a week? Six months? Also, if it's more than a very minor change, will they show it to you in a development areas first to make sure they understood your instructions?

If they do offer CMS, ask to see it in action. You should be able to follow how it works intuitively. Some sites have complicated folder structures and procedures which can take weeks of hard graft to learn. If you end up with one of these, chances are you'll get frustrated and abandon it after tearing your hair out for a few months, leaving your website to go stagnant.

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