Utilizing WordPress As A Content Management System (CMS)

wplogo.pngWordpress I used originally only only as a blogging tool, but I learned that it was indeed quite a powerful content management system (CMS). This especially became true in version 2.0+ as additions were made that made it more conducive to the average user (such as integrating TinyMCE).

The following steps are the introductory steps I use in setting up websites using Wordpress. In fact, for me web design is no longer done apart from Wordpress; for me Wordpress = Web Design. I am assuming a general knowledge of installing Wordpress, but if you need help in this you can consult the Codex.

Choosing A Theme

One of the strengths of Wordpress is its development community. There is almost no shortage of resources to utilize in designing your website around Wordpress. A well chosen theme is instrumental in how your application will not only look but function. I suggest the following tips when selecting a theme for a website that uses Wordpress as a CMS.

  • Choose a theme that looks less stereotypically “blog like” such as Kubrick.
  • For the sake of the designer, choose a theme that uses widgets for easy updates.
  • Choose a theme that has clear, not ambiguous, navigation.
  • I suggest themes that have a fixed width, but I realize this is personal preference.
  • Less is more in a theme; that is why Almost Spring is a better choice than Kiwi.

Necessary Plugins

Here are a few plugins I’ve found absolutely necessary when designing a website with Wordpress.

The great thing about the Wordpress community is that if there is something your client wants done there is probably a Wordpress plugin to help you do it!

Setting Up the Site

There are a few steps I go through when setting up my site with Wordpress as a CMS. I first make sure that the splash page contains only one post. While you can create a static front page in Wordpress, I just use one post so it is more easily editable. I then put all my actual content in pages.

I usually don’t use the link part of Wordpress for my own blogs, but I use it on my sites because then my clients can easily update, delete, and categorize links. If you do this, I also suggest using the My Link Order plugin.

Next, be sure to set up Permalinks which give the impression of directories. Your client will be happier with domain/about/ then domain/?page_id=12. And lastly be sure to create your customer accounts with “Editor” privileges so they don’t break everything!
Examples

Here are sites that I have used Wordpress as a content management system (*working).

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4 Comments

  1. And…? Did you forget to write about how you actually DO set it up as a CMS? ;-)

    Oyvind on 01.17.07

  2. @Oyvind: What did I forget?

    Chris Poteet on 01.17.07

  3. @Oyvind too: “I then put all my actual content in pages”

    That’s the key to Wordpress as a CMS.

    Nice concise article Chris

    Chris Marshall on 02.25.07

  4. This is a great resource. I’ve thought about using Wordpress as a CMS before, but in my mind there were always a couple loose ends as to specific action steps and mods.

    This is a great guide. It really helped me visualize how the process would work. thanks!

    dan gluckman on 04.26.07

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