MODx: My Content Management System of Choice

By Lee Brinckley, Web Marketing Director 7.15.09

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When I came to Nehlsen Communications, one of my top priorities was to take a look at ways to make web development more efficient and flexible while maintaining high levels of quality in user-friendliness, search engine optimization (SEO), and other website standards. %0A%0A To read the entire article go here. http://www.ncpr.com/modx-my-content-management-system-of-choice.html" title='Email this to a friend?'>

When I came to Nehlsen Communications, one of my top priorities was to take a look at ways to make web development more efficient and flexible while maintaining high levels of quality in user-friendliness, search engine optimization (SEO), and web standards.

I began by looking at different web content management systems (CMS). A web CMS is an application used to manage the website’s workflow behind-the-scenes. These systems make it possible to collaboratively create, edit, review, publish and archive text and digital files with little technical knowledge.

With so many different ones out there, it was overwhelming at first, so I decided to write down a few core non-negotiables to weed out some of the contenders.

My CMS of choice:

Must produce code that is compliant with web standards.
Must be SEO-friendly.
Must have a user-friendly development interface.
Must have a strong documentation/support community.
Must be flexible with design to compliment client marketing campaigns.

Believe it or not, points 1 and 2 knocked probably three-fourths of the CMS's out of the running. I was amazed how many of them produced horrible code. Others were strong with the first two points, but were weak with points 3 and 4, while others were restrictive with design flexibility. That left me with just a couple to review.

After testing the remaining contenders, I chose to develop with MODx for our client websites (as well as our company’s new website). Not only did MODx pass the four-point test above, but it also excelled in other ways.

Other reasons that sold me on MODx:

MODx is an open-source application. There is no license fee, so I can keep the cost down for our clients, but has a strong community support.
Clients have the ability to control their content and make updates without having to learn web development or hire a developer.
MODx is database-driven. Backups are made of the site to prevent content loss if a server malfunction should occur.
MODx allows easy integration of dynamic functions such as jQuery, Flash, and Lightbox, among others, to give our clients unique, interactive sites.
MODx allows the flexibility for a site to grow.
There are no layout restrictions with MODx. I can give our clients exactly what they want.
If needed, I can create custom components to accommodate our clients' needs.

Plus, it is important for me to be able to work efficiently with the Nehlsen Communications design team to maintain both a unique look and brand consistency for each of our clients. In the end, MODx allows me to create an online presence for each client that is part of their brand or marketing campaign – instead of its own entity. Our clients appreciate the MODx CMS advantage.