Content management systems?

lincolnbill · 09-29-2006, 09:50 AM

If I wanted to start using CMS to administer my site, would the whole thing need to be re-written or is there a way I can implement on into the pages I already have???

StupidScript · 09-29-2006, 10:14 AM

CMS programs typically use a storage system of some kind tied to a script:template system.

If your current site is strictly page-driven, then you'll need some way to get that content into the CMS storage so the script:template combination can access it. CMS that use "flat file" storage may allow you to do some fancy copy-and-pasting to get your content into them.

If your content is database-driven, then you'll probably be able to devise a way to dump that info into your new CMS structure, as long as it also uses a database for storage.

Other than that, it's not too tough to grab a CMS like Joomla and spend a weekend creating pages in the CMS and copy-and-pasting-and-tweaking your existing content into it. While it's almost like manual labor (!), it goes pretty quickly.

Most likely the biggest issue for you will be designing/modifying the template system to get the look you want. Plan on spending at least a day or two to get that done. Or more, if you're not used to working with often-unusual CMS syntax. I can assure you that making an exact duplicate in a CMS of a unique site, particularly one with lots of cool dynamic features, is a pretty big challenge for even expert coders.

Bookmark their support forum!

lincolnbill · 09-29-2006, 10:25 AM

Thanks, StupidScript!

If I did this, would my current pages, and directories and PR remain exactly as they are now?

StupidScript · 09-29-2006, 10:40 AM

That is highly unlikely.

Pages would all be 'new', and use paths/rewrites used by the CMS.

Since the pages (and site) would all be 'new', PR would start fresh.

Not sure what you mean about 'directories', except perhaps your current directory structure, which would change to the one used by the CMS.

One other option is the equivalent of you creating your own CMS. The primary element in a basic CMS is the content entry/formatting mechanism, of which there are several available (find some here). Tie that into your content storage system (or craft a script to work with the server to create/edit page files), and you've got a basic CMS over which you have complete control re: directories, page age and look-and-feel.

It's a pretty big row to hoe, though ...

pnelson · 10-06-2006, 05:49 AM

I have been using joomla, its fantastic.

You have to use 301 redirects to retain PR dont you?

you could probably assign the same .html filenames with the opensef module, and rebuild your structure

StupidScript · 10-06-2006, 11:18 AM

Correct; according to all sources 301 redirects would retain the PR of existing pages if the new page name were the same.

Izzmo · 10-06-2006, 12:09 PM

Just to add on the 301...

They do take a couple months, most times, to actually transfer the PR, and in which that time, if you get enough hits to your new page and Google has already seen it before the PR is transferred form the old page, you could get a better or worse PR adjustment.

I've had this happen to me, and it was for the worst, on my site a couple months back.

Also- I would suggest creating a Google sitemap index as well.