Database
A database will allow you to update, create new pages or otherwise control your entire Web site. You could even create your entire Web site using your database. Database implementation for your Web site generates what is commonly known as "dymanic" pages for a Web site. This means pages are created by your database as opposed to someone writing the code for and uploading a "static" page for your site. Static pages are those that are only changed when the code is physically altered manually by a professional who understands what changes to make and how. Using your database you can make changes anytime you desire and know nothing about programming.
Database control is, without a doubt, the best solution for those who know little or nothing about design and implementation of HTML - the programming language used to create pages in a Web site. Using a database, if it is designed well, allows the user to easily understand how to create or make necessary changes. Even if you do know or have someone who can create or update for you at a very reasonable hourly rate, if you have many updates monthly or an extensive products list that mandates multiple changes monthly, you would be well advised to implement a database due to the overall cost of having your site updated often.
So why doesn't every Web site use a database? Database design and implementation requires professional programmers who come at a significantly higher cost than those who create "static" HTML Web sites. Database implementation as compared to static pages is, no doubt, far less expensive over time. However, initial costs for design and implementation of a database for your Web site is cost prohibitive to the general public or small business. In general, the least expensive database, something very simple, will cost several thousand dollars. The more intricate the database requirements, the higher the cost.
L.T. Creations, LLC. would be happy to discuss your options and needs regarding a database and content management system. Please contact us today in order for us to consult with you on your project.
Content Management System (CMS)
What is a "content management system"? Very simply, it's the way in which you communicate with your database. Without a content management system you have no means to make changes to your database. The name alone should tell you how it's used. The content of your Web site is controlled through your database. In order to add pages, make changes or updates to your Web site you use a content management system.
There are many variations of a content management system and all too often they are designed so that only those who wrote that content management system understand how to use the program. A content management system should be "intuitive", meaning that it should be easy to understand where you want to go and how to use the various actions of your content management system. L.T. Creations, LLC. believes in creating a content management system that even the novice computer user can understand and use.
Working with your database, your content management system allows you to edit pages or create pages in your database for your Web site much the same as if you were working with a Microsoft "Word" document. A "good" content management system will allow you to change font, change the color of the font, create bold or underline important information as well as use "Spellcheck".
A good content management system also allows you to easily change prices on your products, change descriptions or even upload a change in pictures for your products. In general, there will be nothing you can not do with your content management system if it is designed well. You will have 100% control over every page and portion of those pages in your Web site with a content management system designed properly.
Is there a cost for your content management system? No. At L.T. Creations, LLC., your content management system is part of your database. The two components work together and as such are priced as one project. Contact us today to consult on your project. Initial consultations are free.