Yesterday, I was meeting my client and I told them that I use Blocs as my primary platform to build websites. Then, he asked me, “What happens if you’re , how will I get access to my website if I need to make edits?”
It was an excellent question that I never thought about. I was stumped. So, I wanted to reach out to the community for your thoughts and/or solutions.
Hypothetically, let’s say these clients or their new designer doesn’t have a Mac or Blocs.
No Lock-in: The website runs on standard HTML/CSS hosted on their server. Any developer on Windows or Mac can edit the code directly using any text editor. Hand Over Backups: Give them a .zip file with the .bloc project file and all assets. Another Blocs designer can take over anytime. Browser CMS: If they want to edit text or images themselves, integrate a solution like Volt CMS or WordPress. They can log in via any web browser on Windows.
If it is text changes etc. then use something like Volt CMS, simple and effective.
If more than that, then possibly WordPress
If he wants to do redesigns, then that’s maybe a new website? Employ a new web designer. That’s not going to be a regular item though.
You dying wouldn’t be much different to a client from, say, a company going out of business. What has he put into his contract with you about this?
I don’t have a lot of clients, but when this comes up I ask what they envisage they might be doing. It’s usually text changes.
I’ve also used Repository Manager to allow a client to upload files, and have some php snippets that put those files into the right web pages in the right place.
Funnily enough I’ve thought the same, I’ve got a few websites for people that aren’t much bother, they would be easy for somebody to recreate in a couple of days if they have all the assets (handing the assets over is a good thing, I do that routinely as I believe if they want to switch from me to somebody else then that is a good thing because it would mean the working relationship isn’t working so I have no bother with that).
But then… I have three sites that are a little more complicated using Volt and also importantly use code widgets with some quite complicated code in them. I know if somebody with a strong knowledge of Blocs and web building would be able to sling the code in the widgets in to AI and say “What is this doing?” would be a way to grasp it and work with it). However the folk I work with I wouldn’t want them to be in a jam if for some reason I can’t continue with their site.
This has led me to thinking it could be a good idea a couple of times if Blocs website/forum has a list of website developers that has folk listed that would take up existing builds and clients. It has their credentials and experience with there skills (such as Blocs, Design, Volt, Custom Code, PHP etc), their location UK, Germany, USA etc. Or if not a list or directory some kind registered list with Norm/Blocs that can be requested. Just a thought and could be a good part of the Blocs ecosystem.