Think small.

Not every business or organization needs a web site that requires weekly or even daily updates. For example, the web site that replaces the printed 2-page flyer with the basic overview of the services or products provided by this business. The only difference: it is available world-wide, 24/7, right?

The comparison with the 2-pager might be an understatement. Even a mini web site requires quite a bit more work: Competitor research on keywords for SEO, writing, translation, interface design, sometimes custom photography, scanning or at least some imagery research, coding of XHTML templates and finally the integration into the CMS. Integration into a CMS? Why would you do that for a 8 or 10-page site?

We have just launched three of these mini-sites. And one of the questions we asked ourselves in the beginning was exactly this one: Do we bulid these sites straight forward in HTML or do we use Kentico CMS?

We finally opted for using a CMS for the following reasons:

• Maintenance: Any text changes will not require a HTML coder or a designer and can be immediately done by an editor;
• Scalability: Web sites are alive and if a client ever wants to enhance his site with a contact form, a PDF library a secured customer area or any other feature, the site is ready for the upgrade;
• Efficiency through a streamlined integration process: If you use the same tools over and over and in the same way, you get better and faster;
• Lowering the learning curve: There are many different approaches and techniques on how to setup a site with Kentico. Experimenting with these techniques on smaller sites contains lower risks and the experience acquired can be useful for bigger projects;

 And finally, while they may be mini, we think they're well done. Have a look at the sites:

Radiateurs Willard

Distributions Robitaille*

Of course there are limits to how small should you go. This one pager was not done with a CMS:

AQPMO**

* Created in cooperation with DvCom
** Created in cooperation with Gazolyne Design