Here at Delphic Sage our web site projects are generally larger scale. For these projects, we either tend use our code base to create a custom Content Management System based on Microsoft .NET or for enterprise size projects we usually recommend packaged CMS solutions like Sitecore.

But sometimes, these solutions are just overkill. Smaller clients with simple web site needs or marketing campaigns that need a supporting microsite demand a simpler solution. For these situations we are using Wordpress as a CMS.

Wordpress is a LAMP (Open Source) based solution whose foundation is as a blogging engine. You can run it on a Windows server (though it has minor some issues that are supposed to be resolved with new Microsoft Server) or preferably on Linux/Apache. With Wordpress as a CMS you can still create really engaging visual designs with the power a data-driven engine that makes upkeep much easier.

I hate to beat a dead horse - but I am still surprised at how many companies do not measure their online marketing efforts. This post is aimed at the basics of ROI measurement for web and online marketing campaigns.

Working in the online marketing space targeting small - mid size firms, I hear alot of marketing depts saying we have a website b/c it's important for our customers to access our information, but then they don't really know how their customers are using their website.

• Where are your customers going?
• Which pages are most valuable?
• How are users interacting with your site (sequence, contact forms, purchase behavior, etc.)?
• How many people can't find the information they are looking for and quickly bail out of the site?

Choosing A Content Management System

Assessing how much functionality you need today and in the future is a good place to begin. Like Microsoft Office, most people only use a small amount of the offered functionality. Complicated features can leave many users feeling overwhelmed. While this may not always be the case, it is important to assess your immediate and long-term needs with the end user in mind.

Factors for Choosing the Right CMS

• What kind of permissions, workflow and versioning will you need
• What functionality is required - product catalog, eCommerce, partner extranet, reporting, etc.
• What other systems does it need to connect to - CRM, accounting, ERP
• Is it likely to scale and extend
• What technologies align with your organization
• What is the computer skill level of your admin users
• How many sites will you be supporting with the CMS
• What sort of localization features will you require
• What resources will build and support the site - are they one in the same