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Content Management System (CMS) refers to an application that allows the management of site content through the use of specific forms that are accessible to only site administrators. The CMS must be easy to learn and use. This type of application stands in contrast with site authoring tools such as Microsoft FrontPage and Macromedia Dreamweaver which gives the user free reign to not only edit all the code but also the ability to completely destroy a site.

Couloir Graphics has developed a CMS that allows the site administrator to easily maintain the entire site using a WYSIWYG (What You See is What You Get) text editor. If you use Microsoft Word you already know how to do this. You can manage your site, create pages, edit content, add images, manage documents and much more, through your web browser, anywhere, at any time.

Our content management system is sold as a core unit and with additional options. The following are core features:

  1. create and edit site content using templates that govern the look and feel of the web site
  2. manage a searchable library of documents
  3. manage a contacts database
  4. manage multiple site administrators with multiple admin options
  5. view detailed web statistics

Additional options can be added later and include:

  1. members only section integrated with a member management application
  2. events calendar
  3. online donations
  4. email newsletter system
  5. web gallery
Core Features

Create and Edit Site Content

Our CMS allows the site administrator to edit pages using a simple Microsoft Word like WYSIWYG (What You See if What You Get) editor. There is a built in option where you can use templates to control the layout of your site. If there are active templates, people who create new content will be asked to choose a template. Administrators can then replace the filler content with content of their own and maintain the same look as the template.

The editor page allows administrators to enter a subject, introduction, author, related file and the actual content. The editor has a built in image manager that works just like Windows in that you can create and delete folders that you will use to organize your images. Images can be uploaded to the server right from your computer. For administrators who know and understand HTML there is an option that lets you switch to HTML view and manually edit the code. There is also a built in code sweeper that can clean up Microsoft formatted text and remove font / span tags



Manage a Searchable Library of Documents

Using a series of simple forms you can upload documents from your computer and link them directly to your website. This feature is especially useful for posting weekly press releases, monthly newsletters or annual reports. Once you upload the files they are automatically linked to a documents search page where users will be able to easily search for files.


Manage a Contacts Database

An important aspect of internet business is being able to track users who have contacted your business. Our CMS is set up so all correspondence is via a contact form where users must enter their name, contact information and comments. This information is in turn stored in a table that site administrators can easily search and edit. Administrators have the option of archiving messages so they are still stored, but only viewed if the 'Archived' option is checked on the search screen. The contact form also has a built in mailing list field that, if enabled, allows you to collect information from users who want to join your mailing list. All of this information can be easily exported to Excel using the built in export option in the administrative area.


View Detailed Web Statistics

In order to market your business or organization you need to know who is looking at your site, where they are at, and when they are accessing the site.

Our CMS records all this information every time a user visits the site. Reports are generated monthly and a detailed record of all statistics are displayed in graphs you can quickly read and understand.


Manage Multiple Site Administrators with Multiple Admin Options

In order to edit the web site, administrators must have a username / password created by an existing site administrator. Our CMS allows you to set up multiple administrators - you can also designate various options that restrict access so users can only access certain sections. For example - you might designate one person to be in charge of all contacts but not want her to be able to edit site content. To do so you would just check the 'Contacts' option but not check 'Edit Content' in the site administrator form.


Additional Options

Members Only Section and Member Management Application

The application has a members option which allows you to create pages that are accessible only by password. This section can be set up one of three ways:

  1. If you would like to manage a database of members where each registered user will have a username and password which they will use to access the private area, you can set up a Members Area with Members Database.
  2. If you would like to accept payments online from existing or potential members but not maintain a private area, you can set up a Members Database without a Members Area.
  3. If you would like to have only one main password that users will need to enter in order to access the private area, you can set up a Members Area with One Password.

Features include:

  • Simple online application process for new members combined with secure payment option
  • Secure online member area where active members can view members only content, register for events at a reduced price, or purchase products at a reduced price
  • Backend member management tool that allows staff to quickly search for members, edit data, record payment history and keep a record of comments linked to each member organization
  • Online invoicing system where staff can automatically generate and email invoices to members whose renew date has lapsed; this system allows members to renew their membership online via secure form, or mail their payment with the printed invoice
  • Detailed payment records that records transaction ID, authorization code, IP and payee information




Events Calendar


The events calendar enables you to easily insert classes and events. This calendar also allow users to register and pay for an event and allows the site administrators to track users, classes and payments.

Features include:

  • Quickly create events and categories
  • Track how many people sign up for an event and limit the number of seats or allow standby
  • Allow users to pay for events online
  • Offer events only to valid members or give them price discounts
  • Track how many people attended an event and send an automatic online survey to attendees
  • Generate reports showing how many events, how many locations the events were in, and how many people attended
  • Detailed payment records that records transaction ID, authorization code, IP and payee information



Email Newsletter System

An integrated newsletter system can be enabled and linked to the members and contacts table. When a user fills out the member form on your site, they can opt to sign up for the newsletter. Likewise when a user contacts you via the contact form, he/she can also opt to sign up for the newsletter.

The newsletter system itself is set up so you can create different templates and send out campaigns to contacts, members, specific member groups, or everyone. The campaign manger tracks who the campaign was sent to and keeps track of who opened the email and what links the reader followed.

Features include:

  • Send rich content HTML emails
  • Create print campaigns and print labels
  • Allow users to subscribe or opt-out with just the click of a button
  • Set up multiple lists including private lists (that only you can add users to) and public lists (that anyone can join)
  • Detailed search and export options
  • Easily set up multiple templates for any campaign
  • Create multiple lists and add users to them quickly
  • Write your own queries to search your list and send special campaigns
  • Attach files to any campaign
  • Track who received the email, who opened it, who clicked links
  • Track the percentage of successful emails






Online Donations

If you choose to accept online donations on your site you can use the same simple form wizards used throughout the site to quickly create campaigns. The donation option lets you create one or multiple campaigns and easily keep track of how much revenue has been generated.

Features include:

  • Create multiple campaigns and allow them to run simultaneously or set campaigns up to only display on certain dates
  • View reports of each campaign showing who has donated and how much has been raised
  • Export data of everyone who has made a donation
  • Visual graph showing growth as your goal is reached

Web Gallery

Create a gallery of images for your users by simply uploading an image file. Using simple wizards you can create multiple portfolios and upload images into them. Images can be uploaded straight from your desktop using a form. A thumbnail and regular sized image is automatically created.



 
  © Couloir Graphics | PO Box 92203 Anchorage AK 99509 | 907.229.3626