Do you need to choose a content management system (CMS) for your business' website?
This decision can be quite overwhelming if you don't know where to begin.
If you choose the wrong CMS, it can lead to a lot of frustration and wasted finances. To maintain, future-proof and generate revenue from your website, it is crucial to select the right CMS that meets your business needs.
As a digital marketing agency specialising in web development and design, we're here to help you make the right choice.
Read our post to learn all about content management systems and how to choose the best one for your business.
What Is A Content Management System?
A content management system is a software solution that helps you create, manage and publish digital content on your website. Digital content ranges from images, videos, text, and any other type of media.
CMS allows non-technical users to easily create, edit and publish content without the need for coding or technical knowledge. It provides a user-friendly interface that simplifies the process of managing website content.
Types Of CMS
There are three broad types of CMS:
- Open source
- Proprietary
- Software-as-a-Service
Open Source CMS
Open-source CMS requires no license, fees or contracts. There are, however, costs associated with certain plugins, templates, support and customisation.
Examples of open-source CMS include:
- WordPress, Joomla, Drupal and Magento (e-Commerce)
Proprietary CMS
Proprietary CMS is owned and licensed by specific companies. It typically comes with a contract, licensing fees and support fees. This type of CMS is often used for large-scale websites or enterprises.
Examples of proprietary CMS include:
- Kentico, IBM Enterprise Content Management, Sitecore, and Shopify
Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) CMS
Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) CMS is a cloud-based solution where the CMS is hosted by the service provider. Solutions often include web content management, web hosting, and technical support. SaaS CMS is based on a subscription model, where users pay a monthly or annual fee for access to the CMS.
Examples of SaaS CMS include:
- Wix, and Squarespace
Popular CMS Systems Available
Remember the scary part about choosing the wrong CMS? Well, one of the reasons is that so many types of CMS are available in the market. Each type has its own unique features and benefits.
Here are a few popular content management systems that our web developers at Starbright have experience with:
WordPress
We've all heard about WordPress. It's the most popular open-source CMS platform, with over 60 million websites running on it. Its user-friendly interface and wide range of plugins make it a top choice for small businesses and bloggers.
Drupal
Drupal is an open-source CMS that is known for its robust security features and scalability. It is favoured by large enterprises due to its ability to handle complex websites with heavy traffic.
Custom CMS
Custom CMS refers to a content management system that is specifically built for a particular website or organisation. This type of CMS offers complete control over the design, security, and functionality of the website, but it requires more upfront investment.
How To Choose A Content Management System
Now, let's talk about how to choose the right CMS for your business needs.
1. The Purpose Of The Website
Why does your business have a website?
Is it to showcase your products? Sell services? Share information with your audience.
Knowing the purpose of your website will help determine what features are essential in a CMS.
2. Your Team's Needs
The CMS you choose impacts your team.
From sales and marketers to developers and customer service, everyone will use the website in some capacity.
Be sure that the CMS you choose checks off all the tasks your team needs to carry out on the website.
3. Budget
As with any business decision, budget plays a pretty big role.
Your business can choose from a variety of CMS options, some of which are free, while others require a monthly or annual subscription fee.
Be sure to factor in the initial cost of the CMS and any additional costs for plugins or customisation. (We recommend getting in touch with us for a quote!)
4. Scalability
As your business grows, so will your website.
Your CMS should be able to handle the volume of traffic and new content that comes with expansion. Make sure to choose a CMS that is scalable and offers features like load balancing, caching, and CDN integration.
You do not want to struggle with a slow website. According to an article written by Major Digital, website speed drastically affects lead generation. It is said that a "1-second delay in page load time equals 11% fewer page views, a 16% decrease in customer satisfaction, and a 7% loss in conversions."
5. Support and Maintenance
Like any software, CMS requires maintenance and support to ensure smooth functioning.
Consider the level of technical assistance and documentation provided by the CMS provider.
Also, look into whether or not they offer ongoing support for any issues that may arise.
6. SEO Friendliness
Having a website is a great start, but it doesn't guarantee you'll land on the first page of Google or Bing.
To ensure your website is SEO-friendly, pick a CMS that prioritises it and consider investing in monthly SEO services to boost your site's performance.
7. Third-Party Integrations & APIs
A good CMS should be able to integrate with other tools and platforms.
This allows you to add features or services to your website without switching to a different CMS.
Consider the available APIs and third-party integrations that are compatible with the CMS before making your decision.
8. Security Features
Website security is of utmost importance.
You do not want to be a target of a cyber-attack.
Choose a CMS that offers robust security features such as SSL integration, regular updates and patches, and 24/7 monitoring.
Choose The Right Content Management System Today!
Maintain, future-proof and generate revenue from your website by choosing the right CMS.
Contact us today, and let us build your website with the right CMS.