I’m currently working on a web site for a friend of the family and thought I’d share some details on how I’m using WordPress, not as a blog, but as a Content Management System (CMS).

I had no idea some people would be so adverse in their opinions of blogs. When I mentioned, “it’s the best blog script, but we can use it for your needs,” the response was, “We don’t want a blog.” Ok…… Then you don’t have to use it for that. After some explaining and re-explaining, we’re proceeding.

What the “client” needs to use their web site for:

1. Signup and renewal for real world membership
2. Store for selling books and clothing
3. Information about their event(s)
4. Photo gallery to display event photos
5. A page for the latest news
6. Information about their location
7. A page for links to related sites

Why I recommended WordPress as a CMS:

1. They want to be able to change content
2. It’s secure and updated frequently
3. It’s easy to set up, use and update
4. Use of Pages vs. Posts (to not be a blog)
5. Use Picasa or Flickr gallery plugin
6. Set a static page as the front page

Several plugins I will be looking at using:

1. WP-ContactForm
2. Flickr Gallery
3. WordPress Simple PayPal Shoppping Cart
4. WordPress Easy PayPal Payment Accept
5. eShop

For the photo gallery, rather than have the client try and manipulate photos, upload and arrange them via WordPress manually, we looked at other solutions. While they are familiar with Coppermine, we also wanted to keep the use of other scripts to a minimum and perhaps cut down on hosting costs by hosting the pictures elsewhere. For these reasons, a Picasa or Flickr gallery plugin is ideal.

The various PayPal plugins may be used on different pages, depending on their need – There is only one link needed per book. For shirts, there may be one link per size for each shirt. The membership registration and renewal will require more information, which the eShop plugin should be able to handle.  I proposed using subscriptions, but the association’s Treasurer would rather handle renewals manually. Understandably, an automatic yearly payment would catch some people off guard.

While it’s not a terribly complicated site, I think it’s a good example of how WordPress can be used for purposes other than a simple blog. Being able to create a theme, or alter an existing one, and not have any links or blog structure is a major benefit. Also, because of it’s ease of use, rather than create a few static mockups, I created a test blog and let them get an actual user experience.