Are any plans for an official, web based admin interface for managing Elements CMS content.
Specifically, something that would allow non technical users to create, edit and delete blog posts and other site content such as general website text and images through a browser.
The file based CMS works really well, but editing Markdown directly isn’t always ideal for clients. At the moment, this is the main thing holding me back from using Elements in anger across all of my customer websites.
If something like this is planned, it would also be helpful to know how it might be positioned from a licensing or pricing point of view, as that would help with forward planning.
We’re aiming to have something released this year, but I can’t say when that might be or how much it might cost. I know that’s not particularly helpful, but I’d rather not announce something that isn’t ready. Not to mention we’ve not even discussed pricing internally yet.
In the meantime, I’d be interested to hear what you realistically need from an online CMS for Elements…
From my perspective the main requirement would be a simple browser based interface for clients to manage their content. At the moment the Markdown based CMS works well for developers but it is not something I could realistically hand over to most clients.
What I would need in order to use Elements for client sites is:
A secure login where clients can access a simple admin area in their browser.
The ability for clients to edit specific content areas on pages without touching layout or code. For example headings, text blocks, images and similar content that have been defined as editable in the design.
A straightforward way to create, edit and delete blog posts or news items.
Media management so clients can upload and select images rather than manually placing files.
The ability for the developer to control which areas are editable so the structure and design of the page cannot be broken.
One additional feature that would be very useful for client projects would be the ability to define simple collections of repeatable content such as team members, testimonials, services or events. Clients could then add and manage these items through the admin area and the developer could display them in different layouts across the site.
From an agency perspective it would also be ideal if the CMS could remain file based rather than requiring a database. Being able to manage content through a browser while still generating static sites would keep hosting simple and fast, and would avoid the need for PHP or MySQL on most projects.
The key thing for me is that clients should be able to update their site entirely through the browser without needing to understand Markdown, file structures or the build process.
If something like this existed it would remove the main barrier that currently stops me from using Elements for most client projects.
Many thanks to John Higgens for this excellent summary of the requirements for a user-friendly CMS system for Rapidweaver Elements. The ease of use for customers to update content via a browser is exactly what I’m looking for.
I completely agree with you and would be very grateful if a corresponding add-on were available.
I’m perfectly fine with the add-on being a paid feature. But such a CMS tool is definitely missing.
Yes, everything @johnhiggins said. I am loving Elements but am only using it for my personal sites. I have never had a client that wants a site that they cannot edit. Even if they never do , it gives them peace of mind. Most of my client sites were built with RW & TCMS, and I was able to build user friendly admin areas for the client to sign in to. Personally, I would prefer do to all the changes on their behalf as most are really not technically enthused! However that is not what the client wants
Saying all this though, I have been doing this since 2010 and am (very) happily easing off and focussing more on my personal projects. I can still see myself doing the occasional new site for others in the future, but only if there is a CMS they can use easily.
, it gives them peace of mind. Most of my client sites were built with RW & TCMS, and I was able to build user friendly admin areas for the client to sign in to. Personally, I would prefer do to all the changes on their behalf as most are really not technically enthused! However that is not what the client wants 