Selecting a web content management system is a complex job, complicated further by the fact that most people have never made this choice before. So we offer a few tips based on our experience with higher education client/partners. It is a process that, with a map, can be done fairly easily.

Great projects and necessary ones only happen if they are funded. Colleges and universities must do more with less, and the pressure is on IT just like everyone else. While frustrating, we all know that the administration has a long list of projects and must evaluate, then pick projects by highest priority.

So, how to get your web content management project approved? You'll need to construct a tight rationale for your project, and prove the urgency of your needs. Here are some tips from our experience with technology evaluation committees just like yours.

Paint a big picture

Emphasize the importance of the Web site in the big picture. This is not simply about editing. It is about your institution's presence on the web—it's presence to the world. Some thoughts to consider:

• Prominence: The Web site has become the most prominent medium for the campus. Worldwide and 24/7, it has more reach than most all other media combined. When all these visitors find your Web site, it better reflect your campus in a positive way.
• Mission: Most colleges and universities address the distribution of knowledge in their mission statement. What better and necessary - way than with the Web site?
• Prospective students: They look to the Web site first. Then they make their decisions and create their short lists of potential colleges. Out-of-date and unappealing content is not the way to make a good impression. (These are sophisticated Web surfers!)
• The portal factor: More and more, the Web site is the portal to the campus for all stakeholders. Not just students and faculty, but parents, visitors, researchers, donors they all come to the Web site and it is often their first stop. Their impressions will be formed by what they see on the Web site.
• Continuity: Content and graphic continuity are highly important in making an impression for the campus, and engaging stakeholders. They'll find their way around more easily, cover more pages, and overall have a more rewarding experience. Web content management is key in this.
• Image and branding: In todays competitive world, even colleges and universities are using marketing professionals to attract students, faculty, and funding. Appealing graphics, rich and accurate content and continuity are a big part of setting the stage.

• Users need only know word processing skills which everyone already does.
• We train-the-trainers so there are free consultants right with you.
• Managing and content approval is easy, using your existing email as the vehicle.
• OmniUpdate adapts to virtually any Web site with no alterations or re-engineering of your site. The setup is easy and quick.
• Proof is the successful adoption of OmniUpdate for over 200 academic Web sites and growing fast.

We find that once content owners are empowered with editing skills, they take ownership of their Web content and the improvement is dramatic. Again, as it should be.

Efficiency and cost effectivenes
The modest investment in OmniUpdate creates a lot of efficiency:

• So many paper tasks can be done on the Web site if it is accurate and complete. Many campuses are no longer publishing course catalogs, and student financial management is often online, too. Not to mention the all-important sports score, ASAP please. Significant cost savings can be accomplished this way.
  
• Each professional does their job, and with these tools, can do it effectively and efficiently.
  
• The Web site does not need to be changed to accomplish highly effective Web content management.
  
• Many higher-ed-specific tasks are handled easily by OmniUpdate, such as ADA 508 compliance and customizable approval processes.
  
• OmniUpdate is affordable and is thousands less than many platform systems and enterprise software systems.

Proven success

OmniUpdate is used by over 450 academic Web sites today. Our customers are more than satisfied, and happy to confirm this:

"I continually get compliments on the website and I owe it to your assistance through the entire process. Copper Mountain College couldn't be happier with OmniUpdate." -Donna Faoro, Copper Mountain College

Summary: Web content management is not an "option", it's a necessity.

The administration needs to be appraised of the fact that Web content management is not an "option". The Web site is just too important these days.

So the question is HOW will you accomplish Web content management.

Setting the right tone and image, effective communication, cost containment, marketing and student recruitment all are enhanced with an effective Web site.

We've helped many Web teams with this challenge and would be delighted to help you, too. Let us know—we're here to help.

Phone: 805-484-9400
Toll Free: 800-362-2605

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