All content management systems (CMS) have strengths and weaknesses. Some are built for niche uses, such as eCommerce or membership sites. Others aim to be a jack-of-all-trades. In addition, these systems range from open source to proprietary. WordPress is the clear market leader. It’s my go-to app for building websites. But I have also worked […]
Why Modern CMS Shouldn’t Do Everything Read More »
As an industry, web design doesn’t sit still. It seems like there’s an almost-daily barrage of new tools and technologies to explore. And some will eventually become standard practice. That’s why web designers need to evolve. It’s a key factor in long-term success. But making the transition to the “next big thing” isn’t easy. There
Reasons To Change Your Web Design Workflow Read More »
Let’s pretend we’re back in the year 2003. You and I are sitting in a coffee shop. And I casually mention this new blogging software called WordPress. We discuss some of its built-in features. And how it makes starting a blog easier. Oh, and we can’t forget that it’s free and open-source. It sounds pretty
WordPress Turns 20: Its Secrets of Success Read More »
The ability for clients to update their websites has become a common project requirement. Thanks to content management systems (CMS) such as WordPress, this functionality is now well within reach. In its most basic form, a user needs only an account and a web browser to get started. But while the technology is in place,
Keeping Barriers Low for Clients Who Update Their Website Read More »
The web design marketplace is flooded with choices. And it’s especially tough for those of us in the mid-to-high pricing tiers. We’re competing with both discount designers and DIY services that promise the moon (all for one low monthly price). Thus, convincing a client to invest in a custom website can be difficult. They may
How To Convince Clients To Invest in a Custom Website Read More »
In the early days of Facebook, I recall having a few conversations with people who wondered if the platform may one day serve as a website replacement. Facebook Pages, after all, enabled organizations of all sizes to easily connect with their audience. The argument made sense on some levels. Facebook Pages were free – websites
How Social Media Uncertainty Reinforces the Importance of Websites Read More »
Free, open-source software powers much of the web. And it’s part of what makes the web design industry so unique. Could you imagine a traditional line of work that relies so heavily on no-cost tools? The concept would likely be unfathomable to anyone from an accountant to a zoologist. Yet it’s something web designers have
Making Money with Open-Source Software: What’s Our Responsibility? Read More »
There’s no doubt that WordPress rules the roost among content management systems (CMS). It has grown so much and for so long that even a small drop in market share is considered noteworthy. Being the top dog has plenty of benefits. WordPress enjoys an extensive plugin and theme ecosystem, a dedicated community, and a good
The Challenges of WordPress’ Massive Market Share Read More »
All the world’s a popularity contest. That holds true whether we’re talking about movies, cars, or even content management systems (CMS). Everyone wants to come out on top. But, unlike those first two items, the number one entrant in the latter dwarfs all others. That would be WordPress, which happens to hold more than 40%
Should Market Share Matter When Choosing a CMS? Read More »
For much of recent history, a sizeable segment of professional web designers turned up their collective noses at DIY website builders. You know, those products that promise literally anyone can build a site with minimal effort. This makes sense on a couple of fronts. First, the marketing hype rarely held up when viewing the results
The Line between Custom Websites and DIY is Becoming Blurred Read More »
