Web Strategy and Development Blog

Recap: Hello Omni CMS, goodbye Web Press!

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During MarCom Training Week, the office of web strategy and development presented “Hello Omni CMS, goodbye Web Press!”

The goal: Help all web editors become familiar and comfortable with using the university’s new content management system (CMS), Omni CMS.

A summary of the presentation is detailed below. You can also download the full presentation (.pdf).

What’s changed and basics

Compared to the old system, Omni CMS is easier and quicker to use.

Key takeaways:

  • To log-in, just go to the page you want to edit and scroll to the very bottom. Look for the little copyright-looking symbol (c). This is the DirectEdit link. Click it.
  • To start editing your page, select the green rectangle icon labeled “Main Region.”
  • To navigate between pages or sections of your site, select Content->Pages. All pages are saved as .pcf files. Your “homepage” is always default.pcf.
  • WYSIWYG Toolbar: Where all the editing magic happens. This is where you add, edit or enhance your content.
  • Dashboard: The command center for all your editing activities.
  • Global navigation links are displayed site-wide. Local navigation links are limited to a specific page.

Design system

The web design system is the foundation for building your pages.

Key takeaways:

  • Everything comes from snippets (puzzle piece), components (atom icon) and assets (box with arrows).
    • Snippets: The starting point for building your page. Grids are the most common. Grids “hold” your content.
    • Components: Where you showcase or highlight your content. Examples include touts, call to action (CTA) and more.
    • Assets: Specialized, frozen content. Maps, catalog content and policies are the most common.
  • Use the elements guide for determining how these items should be used.
  • Make sure your content is accessible and legible to all.

Access and support

How to get access or request help for updating your website.

Key takeaways:

  • Know the steps for becoming a web editor.
  • Contact us or review our documentation if you need help.
  • Common support questions:
    • Directory and profiles: Profile details are updated by our office. Office location and phone number can be updated by the individual person.
    • Broken images in preview: Unpublished images won’t display in preview. You must publish the photo(s) for them to display in preview mode.
    • Forms: A work in progress. Minor edits to frozen forms can only be made by our office.

Download the full presentation: Hello Omni CMS, goodbye Web Press! (.pdf)

Improve your Omni CMS skills at this free training

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Learn how to make your web content shine using Missouri State’s new content management system (CMS), Omni CMS.

During MarCom training week, the office of web strategy and development will be hosting two free training sessions (Hello Omni CMS, goodbye WebPress!) on Omni CMS.

Whether you are a new editor or seasoned user, you’ll learn about the tools available to get the most out of Omni CMS.

At the end of the presentation, we’ll have an open lab to address individual questions or issues you need help with.

Key details: Hello Omni CMS, goodbye WebPress!

  • What: Omni CMS training, as part of MarCom Training Week.
  • When: Monday, Feb. 27 and Wednesday, March 1, 1-3 p.m.
  • Where: Glass Hall 486
  • About: You only need to attend one session. The same information will be covered in both sessions.

How to register

Registration is required in My Learning Connection at my.missouristate.edu.

  • Go to your profile tab.
  • Find the Professional Development box.
  • Select My Learning Connection.
  • Search for this session.
  • Sign up.

Other ways to enhance your skills

MarCom Training Week will also offer free sessions on design, social media, writing, videography and more.

Explore the MarCom Training Week schedule

Discover the power of analytics in higher ed

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Want to have a better sense of what analytics can do for your website and marketing strategies?

Then join us Feb. 12 at the Meyer Alumni Center for the 2020 Higher Ed Analytics Conference.

Web Strategy and Development will host a live stream of the conference in Meyer Alumni Center, room 505 . There is no cost to attend, but let us know if you’re coming. Seating is limited.

RSVP via email to attend

The conference starts at 10 a.m. and features a dozen, 10-minute sessions.  You can attend any session(s) and stay as long as you’d like.

There will be breaks and a question-and-answer session at the end.

Key details

Recap: Making Your Statement in a Digital World

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Web strategy and development staff members Kai Raymer and Erika Brame delivered a half-day training session Feb. 8 on digital marketing.

Whether you attended or couldn’t make it this time, here’s a recap and a chance to download slides and view video from Making Your Statement in a Digital World.

Key takeaways

Readability

Readability: The ease with witch a person can understand written content.

  • Two keys for readability: Concise text and scannable layout.
    • Use simple words and short sentences. Use headings so people and software can scan your content.
  • Write inverted pyramid style, not chronologically. Put the most important information near the top of your story, content and/or website.
  • Tools like Hemingway App and Yoast SEO can gauge and test the readability of your content.
  • Aim for a 6th-to-8th grade reading level for your content. Most people read at that level.
  • Prioritize what goes on your website. Don’t clutter. The more content and links you have, the less important everything becomes.
  • Know that readable content can help you:
    • Reach more people
    • Increase what they understand
    • Get them to act
    • Save money
  • No one wants to put extra effort into reading. Even smart people (deans, department heads, graduate students etc.).

Download readability slides (PDF)

You need Adobe Acrobat Reader to view and print these documents.

Social media

  • Share human – don’t be afraid to act like a human and interact with your audience one-on-one.
  • Set up a Facebook business account where people can find your contact information. Be prepared to respond to their questions.
  • Facebook ads can be helpful but use with a strategy for want you want to accomplish.
  • Third party platforms can help teams collaborate and offer insightful analytics.
  • Keep it simple. Not everything goes viral and that’s ok. Keep interacting with the audience.

Download social media slides (PDF)

You need Adobe Acrobat Reader to view and print these documents.

Accessibility

Accessibility helps people with disabilities or limited abilities better use the web.

  • Think of your website as a public space. Make accommodations for all users.
  • Not following accessibility standards could lead to lawsuits or legal trouble. Higher education websites are often targeted for accessibility issues.
    • Following accessibility standards will make your website better. You’ll improve SEO and reach more people.
  • Three staples of accessibility: alt text, headings and descriptive links.
    • Alt text is the text equivalent of a photo. Imagine you were describing the image to someone via text message or phone call.
    • Headings are vital for screen readers and give all visitors an easy outline of your website.
    • Descriptive links explain what the link offers. You shouldn’t have to read surrounding content for context. Don’t write “click here” for your links.
  • Use tools like WAVE and the Web Press accessibility checker. They’ll find accessibility issues on your website.
  • Follow our ongoing Accessibility blog series for the latest tips and strategies.

Download accessibility slides (PDF)

You need Adobe Acrobat Reader to view and print these documents.

Video

  • Think visual – when on location for an event share raw photos, but when promoting the event utilize photo services to help boost your presence.
  • Video is king across all platforms. Be sure to add captioning for accessibility and to increase views.
  • Measure your success based on the goals your team sets: more followers, increased engagement, more views, etc. Keep a log of your analytics so you can compare data from previous years.
  • Start thinking of ways you can add video to your workflow. Start slow and make goals for yourself for when and how often you want to post videos.
  • Don’t backlight your subject. Let the natural light work for you, not against you.

Download video slides (PDF)

You need Adobe Acrobat Reader to view and print these documents.

Watch on Zoom

For the first time, we live streamed the training through Zoom.

Watch the replay

Improve your digital content strategies

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You’re invited to Making Your Statement in a Digital World on Feb. 8.  Join us as we cover best practices for websites, blogs and social media.

Please register on My Learning Connection via My Missouri State. You’re welcome to bring a laptop and/or mobile device.

This is a terrific opportunity for MSU faculty, staff and students who haven’t previously attended this training session.

Key details

Attend on Zoom

Can’t attend in person? Join a live stream of the training session via Zoom.

About the session

You’ll learn practical strategies for managing websites, blogs and social media. We’ll answer questions like:

  • How do we repurpose our website and blog content and distribute it on social media?
  • What do users want my website, blog or social media to provide?
  • How do we become better strategic storytellers?
  • What are some tips and tricks we can use to make sure our site accessible and readable for all users?
  • How do we manage messaging on multiple social media channels?
  • What are some advanced strategies to increase our effectiveness on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram?
  • How can we best leverage photo and video content?

Meet the trainers

Erika Brame, web strategy and development

Kai Raymer, web strategy and development