What CMS to Use?

So, you want a dynamic site but not yet decided on what system to use?
Try visiting this wiki page for an overview of all CMS: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_content_management_systems

Based on personal observation, the most commonly used CMS are Wordpress, Joomla, and Drupal. But it really depends on what website you are trying to make. If it's just a blog that you want, wordpress is perfect. Though you can also develop wordpress to a stunning corporate site. If you need a multi-functional highly-extendable system, then joomla is the right choice. Drupal is also a fair choice, but at the moment, available extensions for drupal are not yet as extensive as drupal. If you have a resident programmer, or someone you can hire to do the customization work, then the drupal system will prove best for you.

I'm a fan of opensource softwares so I wouldn't care to inlcude some commercial CMS on this post. Other Opensource CMS softwares worth mentioning includes Elgg for social networks, B2evolution and Nucleus for blogging, Plone for hardcore programming, and Mambo as joomla equivalent.

Building a website

Having your own website is easy. Do you have a myspace or friendster account? Then you have a personal space on the web already. But if having your own site is what you need, then here's what you need:

1. Web Host - This is where you put your website files. If you have a static ip address, then you can host your own files. If not, then you can search pick a hosting provider from the web. You can choose between a linux or a windows server, depending on what your site will require. Many reputable hosts starts at only 5$ per month. You may see cheaper ones, but you get what you pay for. No business is designed to lose. Once your site pages are uploaded, they can already be seen online. But the web address wouldn't be too easy to remember as they rawly appear as 4 strings of octets (example: 121.168.192.24).
2. Domain Name - the complexity of remembering ip addresses brings the need to get a domain name. We can think of them like text-based web addresses in replacement for the ip address. (example: www.tenameofyourcompany.com)
3. Web Design - your site presentation. How will your site look like? What will people see on the homepage? On the about page? On the contact page? On the product or services page? Or on any other pages? Will there be images? Videos? Flash media?
   
4. Web Development - how are you going to realize the desired design. Will you use a content management system? What CMS then? Or will you use hard-codes? Pure xhtml/css/javascript anyone? Do you want your site powered by flashscripts? Or do you require advance programming with php and database tweaks?
5. Search Engine Optimization - this is the lifeblood of your website - traffic. What is a website with no visitors? Search engines should find your site well so you can appear during search queries.

If you think this is like midnight if you are to do it yourself, or you're just short of cash to hire someone to do it, there are many free blogging and hosting sites that can serve as your playground. Just ask my uncle.

Why Build a Website For Your Business?

Are you fine being the second best? don't stop on the threshold, you're almost there but how can you win over business when you don't have what your competitors have...

In today's age of information technology, more and more people are bringing their businesses online. Entrepreneurs, big and small, are taking advantage of the power of the web to take their business to the next level. If you are a non-techy type, or you don't have any idea of how these stuff work, you might ask - what is there to get if I get my business online? Does my business really need a website? That do I get for paying some hundred or thousand of dollars for a website? What is there to benefit?

Let me ask you now, are you contented with what you have now? Or would you be rather more satisfied if I say you can become a "Big Time" entrepreneur - if you bring your business online?

This article will explain you why you should invest for a website to level up your business. I'll make it as concise as possible, so please read on.

Reason #1: Online presence.
A fourth of the world's population uses the internet. That's more than 1.5 Billion people. Will you just let your business stay at your office? Or tell the whole world about your products or services? Having a website is an essential step to reach more customers!

Reason #2: Readily available information.
INTERNET is like a convenient store which is open 24/7 and 365 days a year. It doesn't even need your presence all the time. Your website alone can serve the customers with just a click, to make online inquiries and purchases.

Reason #3: Reduce Business Costs.
As your website can already help you in the business process, you'll be needing less staff. Reduce the need for costly printed materials too, as you can already divert people to see your website for the latest promotions. As most consumer questions are already answered in the website, you'll spend less time on answering phone calls.

Reason #4: Compete even with the Big Guys.
No small business that is definitely known globally, so you can compete with those 'big time' entrepreneurs! Once people reach your site, prospects are now at your business doors

Reason #5: Prestige
A well developed website will boost the corporate image of your company. Having a website grants you some bragging rights tellin' your friends "Hey, mannigah, checkout mah website"

Reason #6: Customer Confidence
Businesses with online presence appears to have more popularity ratings compared to those who doesn't have one.

Reason #7: Definitely increase your sales
Of course, for sure. For a business with services or products to sell, a website is a way to go!

Good luck to that online venture!