How to Choose the Right Content Management System (CMS)

Choosing the right CMS for your business can improve efficiency and productivity. If you want to know more, then keep reading.

A website Content Management System (CMS) is used to manage digital content such as websites and intranets. It is used to create, manage and edit your website’s content and gives you control of the appearance and navigation that is shown to end users. Keeping your website up to date is important to end users and therefore the success of your business.

An effective CMS like Continuum, is simple to use, but powerful - a complete platform. The best CMS will provide a host of benefits, including streamlined web content authoring, consistency across the system, improved site navigation and flexibility, in-built Search Engine Optimization (SEO) features, the ability to grow with your business, ease of use for visitors, advanced security and low system maintenance costs. Also, managing website content using a CMS minimizes the risk of deleting any code handling, the structure and layout.

Tips to Choose Your CMS

Firstly, consider your goals and what is important to your business. Once you’re clear on what you want your website to achieve, you will better understand which CMS will work for you. Don't let choosing a CMS become daunting - the core functions are often similar so here is some advice about the differences which will help with your decision.

Ensure your CMS is:

1. Easy to Use

If you want to manage your own website, then without a doubt, you want your CMS to be easy to use, especially if you don’t have advanced technical knowledge. Look for a system that allows simple content creation and customization by making it quick and easy to upload and update text, images and videos, insert links and add or remove web pages. You will be able to update your site within minutes.

If you have multiple websites, choose a CMS that allows you to manage them all from one place, saving your precious time and money. This is great if you need to run an intranet or portals.

Without an intuitive and easy Content Management System, you will need to rely on a website developer to manage any adjustments to your website, which is not ideal to make changes if and when you need to.

2. Customizable

A one size fits all solution may be acceptable for small businesses with basic website content, but chances are you’ll want the flexibility of being able to customize certain features. The vendor should be able to custom develop a particular feature at your request.

3. SEO-friendly

There is no point having a CMS that negatively affects your Search Engine Optimization (SEO) or rankings. The system should create clear URLs and allow you to write unique titles and page descriptions. Also, look for a system that allows you to manage your website’s SEO with in-built SEO tools.

4. Within Your Budget

Some CMS platforms are free, or there may be a monthly charge - keep in mind you generally get what you pay for. There are various systems, and generally the more features they offer, the more expensive they are.

Look for an affordable CMS that offers the features you need, and confirm any hidden costs before you commit to purchase a system. There may be licencing fees, or fees for upgrading the system. Also keep in mind, you may require a developer to run the more complicated systems which will be an ongoing cost.

5. Secure

Website Content Management Systems are one of the biggest targets for hackers and unfortunately some of the popular CMS platforms have security issues. Research the security features that are in place and learn how to secure it. A good CMS conducts regular software checks and bug fixes. Discuss what the vendor can offer in the event your CMS does get hacked.

6. Integrated with Web Analytics

The ability of your CMS to track key metrics and analytics such as site visits and conversions is really important and you want to be sure your CMS integrates with tools like Google Analytics. Some systems offer their own metrics tools also.

7. Technically Supported

When you need assistance or if things go wrong, you need smart, reliable technical support, ideally 24/7. Look for a CMS that is supported by trustworthy vendors who will be there when you need them.

Comparing Content Management Systems

There are hundreds of website Content Management Systems available, so what is the right one for you? Here are a few of the systems available and what they offer.

WordPress

Currently powering 38% of the web¹, it has intuitive publishing and content management, is customizable and secure. It is well designed for SEO, with thousands of plugins available. The downside is the need for plugins to create precise functionality you may need and making edits can be a chore. It’s free, but you’ll pay fees for a domain name and hosting account.

Joomla!

A flexible system with lots of options, ideal if you are building something complicated. You can use multiple templates at once, so you can have a unique template for each page. It’s not as user friendly as other systems and doesn’t offer as many extensions or templates. Also free but you’ll pay for your domain name and hosting account.

Drupal

Another flexible system with many options, therefore great for building a highly customized website that needs to handle a lot of data. It is good for custom post creation and management and boasts excellent security. This CMS is complex and it’s likely you’ll need web development experience.

Magento

From Adobe, there is a free version and a paid version. It’s extremely capable, highly customizable and can be extended with several plugins, however once you get beyond the core functions the costs can escalate. Ensure you select a certified Magento specialist such as Web Force 5, with ongoing support to get the results you need.

Squarespace

A design centric option that is user friendly and fairly intuitive, with lots of themes and well-developed templates. A little trickier to navigate than some, with a reasonable monthly cost.

Shopify

A simple to use and powerful ecommerce platform, that creates SEO-friendly pages and statistics that are readily available. Perfect if you need to accept credit/debit card or PayPal payments. With several extensions available and great support, it may be a good option however there are customization limitations. The monthly cost varies considerably.

Continuum

Built in-house by the team at Web Force 5, Continuum is an intuitive user interface designed for people who are not tech savvy. This CMS can be used for different types of content across the entire website. It offers a range of features including ecommerce, a built-in CRM and email marketing capabilities with seamless integration. Regular system improvements and software updates are deployed, and this is a very affordable CMS.

Building a website is not just about having an online presence - it’s about the whole package. Our team can turn your website into an intelligent resource for your business with the most suitable CMS. Whether that’s the Continuum platform for an effective, yet affordable CMS or a bespoke solution using Magento, our team is here to help.

We’re not only here to create the perfect website solution, but to also ensure you have support to effectively manage your digital content. A dedicated advisor will help you along the way.

Select the right website content management system, by speaking with an expert consultant for a free, no obligation chat.

¹ https://wordpress.org/about/features/