Content Management Based Websites

Lighthouse Media Works develops websites using a Content Management System (CMS) which is like an operating system for your website.  An operating system allows you to run programs on your computer that lets you do activities ranging from accounting to video chatting with friends around the world.  So too a CMS lets you run “apps” or helper programs on your website that makes it easier for you to control.  This can transform your website into an ordering platform for your website, an appointment maker for a professional’s office or an online store.  There are also apps that make it easy to link to social media, an important consideration in today’s world.

The real power of a CMS based website is flexibility and relative ease of use.  A CMS is a combination of a database program that stores all of you content of your website and a template that tells the database how to layout the information.  Your entire site can be updated by simple modifying the template.  In traditional “static” site you would need to pay a web designer to update every page on a site.

It is also easy to maintain a CMS website.  Because the CMS site is database driven adding content is really adding information into the database.  This is done by using word processor like forms.  Updating your website is as easy as updating your Facebook page.  Because you don’t need to know web programming or coding you get to control you website!  You don’t need to pay a monthly maintenance  fee to your web developer and wait for any small change.  Just do it yourself!

Lighthouse Media Works will host and develop your website to meet your needs and then train your staff how to use the system.  We will always be there to help you with your site but we do not charge an ongoing fee.

Harness the true power of the internet with a Content Management Based website that you control.

 List of selected websites.

Website Planning

What is your Media Plan?

Without question we now live in an age were we are immersed in electronic media.  Even our phones can surf the internet, play music and movies!  The good news is never before has the small business had such wide access to powerful and affordable media.  However with this variety comes the need to plan.  How are you using traditional media such as print, radio and broadcast?  Your website needs to have a central role in your media plan because it is a multimedia platform in and of itself.

In the beginning websites were mostly electronic versions of print brochures or catalogues maybe with an added shopping cart.  Today a website is a platform for hosting your own video and audio in addition to your print resources.  A website is branding central!  Your website is the best way to look your customers in the eye, introduce yourself, and SHOW them your products and services IN ACTION before you actually meet them.  Therefore your other media should always point back to your website.

When planning your site think about how your materials fit together to build your brand, help you stand out and establish you as an expert which will lead to informed clients and sales.