My Market Toolkit was built to support a concept called DRY - "Don't Repeat Yourself". A website can be built so that if it needs to be altered, it can be modified in one place to affect the rest of the website where applicable.
A KBlock is a very helpful CMS concept. It provides the opportunities for web designers to build CMS templates and include HTML modules as needed. There are several different types of KBlocks and each has specific function.
Here's a brief example: take note of this web site. Note how most of the pages look the same? There is one template applied to every page. However, the site managers can turn certain parts of the template on or off from page to page as needed. We can also have multiple templates all using the same modules so that when a designer updates the template, he/she does it in only one place, saving significant time.
A KBlock is created within the My Market Toolkit CMS tool. Once it is created, a designer simply inserts that line into the template and that specific HTML is available throughout the website from page to page as needed.
There are numerous KBlock types. Each has a specific function.
| KBlock Type | Description | Example KBlock Code |
| Global |
A global KBlock is placed in a template. It shows on all pages using that template. Example - You might have a main menu that should show on every page. |
[kblock type="global" name="nav-main"] |
| Module |
A Module KBlock is an optional KBlock. When a site contributor adds a new page, the page lists the available modules at the bottom with check boxes. Checking the box next to the desired module will automatically add it to the page in the location it was inserted into the template. Example - You may have 3 different menus on the side navigation. The contibutor can choose which menu fits each page. |
[kblock type="module" name="menu-left-main"] |
| Toggle |
A toggle KBlock is used when some system event occurs that may need to display one of 2 results. Example - The system allows for a "flash notice" like "Your comment was saved" among other notices. A designer is able to place the KBlock anywhere within a template. There are multiple Toggle KBlocks:
|
[kblock type="toggle" name="site-notices"] |
| Form |
A Form KBlock is a dynamic web form. It allows you to automatically add fields to a form and it automatically passes the appropriate data to the CRM tool. The fields may be formatted with CSS styles and the regular field options are available for quick selection. Example - You may have a lead form on your site. Selecting the desired fields and pointing them to the CRM is simple. |
[kblock type="form" name="contact-form"] |
| Survey |
A Survey KBlock is a dynamic survey builder. It allows you to quickly build a survey. Example - You may want to inquire how your customer base enjoys their purchase. |
[kblock type="survey" name="customer-survey"] |
| Field |
Some websites provide content in multiple sections of each page. As a rule of thumb, it's not a good idea to include layout elements withing the content in case the website template is to change in the future. With a Field KBlock you can add the field to the template and a new content field shows on every page. Note: The Field KBlock content is not edited in the module, but on each web page. Example - You may have a main content area and sub content area for each page. |
[kblock type="field" name="sub-content-area"] |
KBlocks allow for tremendous flexibility. A website may have almost any layout and structure to provide key content or functionality.
Using KBlocks
To use a KBlock do the following: