One of the biggest complications for website managers is the amount of information coming in. Between contact inquiries, lead information, product inventory and more, things get confusing quick! Some web managers start off using Excel to store information, but the wealth of data can be difficult to manage. When this happens, the best option is to upgrade to a relational database like Microsoft Access.
Microsoft Access allows you to manage data more effectively and create a database driven website. This way, you can add features such as submission forms, search boxes, login pages and more. Let’s learn more about database driven websites and the advantages they can bring to your business.
What is a Database Driven Database Exactly?
A database driven website is an example of a dynamic website. When a user visits one of your web pages, the page pulls information from your database. The information is the same each time it is loaded. Because the database and the website are connected through programming, the information is updated immediately.
Examples of database driven websites are:
- Ecommerce platforms. With changing product prices, special offers, inventory and more, ecommerce platforms need to be constantly updated.
- Content management systems (CMS). With a CMS, users can easily update web content without needing a background in programming. Content management systems include WordPress and Joomla.
- Blogs. Most blogs are database driven because they contain comments, likes from users and updates from various writers.
Benefits of Database Driven Websites
If you are considering a database driven website for your business, there are clear advantages to consider. These sites do cost more and require strong backup services, but they can make all the difference in the experience you deliver to customers.
- Faster and easier to update content. A few clicks allow webmasters to update content.
- Add data-driven capabilities. Bring your website to life by adding capabilities such as submission forms, searchable directories, feedback forms, membership management and more.
- Changes made in real-time. Most changes that are made on the site are updated in real time.
- Ideal for ecommerce sites. Ecommerce sites are complex and need new products added, price changes updated and special offers applied. Linking a database to the site keeps this information current and accurate.
- No need for specialized programming knowledge. Multiple users can go in and make changes to the site without having a background in HTML. Updates can be made to the database and the information will be pulled to the site.
- High scalability. Database driven sites offer room for growth. You can change the graphics, update the layout or add interactivity features.
- Less risk for error. Manually entering data can lead to errors, resulting in downtime, bugs and inaccurate information. When problems are managed on the front end, the user experience is improved.
The first step in creating a database driven website is having a database that meets your needs. If your database needs work, call Arkware for a free consultation. We’ll optimize your current database or upgrade you to a new one that can be used with your site.