A question I often get asked is "how can I add new content and menus to my website, without having to pay my web developer all the time?"

We call this - "Being held Hostage, by your web developer"

The simple answer is get a website built using an Open Source Content Management System (CMS). And MOST importantly get your web developer to Train you in using it.

Word Press and Joomla (which we use) are really easy to use. I teach my customers to use Joomla in 1 hr. 

One hour of training and they can add as many articles (pages) and menus as they like to their new website.

Don't settle for anything less

Selecting a web developer can be a difficult choice. Here are my top 5 tips for making that choice easier.

1. Will they build your website using a CMS. These days it's imperative they do.
2. Will they train you to use the CMS. 1 hour of training on creating menus and content will save you a lot of money down the track
3. All CMS's use Templates to create the look and feel - don't be fooled when they tell you how much time it's going to take to develop your custom template. Which may actually be the case (see next point)
4. If you want your website developed quickly and more cost efficiently - use a standard template and get it customised rather than getting a template built from scratch
5.  Choose a platform that is going to grow with your business, see my previous post about choosing a CMS

Some Bonus Tips

• Does the developer install any security modules to prevent hacker access to the backend administration
• Does the developer install any backup software
• How is your site going to be backed up. DON'T rely entirely on your web hosting company