A content management system (CMS) is a software application or set of related programs that are used to create and manage digital content. As the name suggests, a CMS manages content, which can include text, photos, videos, and documents.
When choosing a CMS for your business, there are four qualities you should look out for.
Ease of Use
The first quality to look for is ease of use.
If a content management system is difficult to use, it will likely discourage you and your team from using it. This can lead to outdated content, frustrated employees, and an overall lack of productivity.
So, a good CMS should be easy to learn and use, even if you don’t have any technical skills. It should also be intuitive and user-friendly, so you can easily find the features you need.
Here’s how to gauge ease of use:
- Look for a system with a clean, simple interface.
- Check out the user documentation and see if it is well-written and easy to follow.
- See if there is online customer support available if you run into any problems.
- Try out the system for a trial period to see if it is intuitive and user-friendly.
Customizability
Another essential quality to look for is customizability.
A good CMS should be customizable so that you can tailor it to your specific needs. For example, you should be able to add or remove features, change the layout, and add your own branding.
Customizability is important because it allows you to create a system that is unique to your business and meets all of your content needs.
This way, with a skilled web designer, you can curate a website that perfectly represents your brand identity.
Here’s how to gauge customizability:
- Look for a system that is highly configurable.
- Check to see if there are any plugins or extensions available that add additional functionality.
- Make sure the system can be integrated with other software applications.
Security
Another important quality to consider is security.
Since a CMS stores all your website’s content in a central database, it is important to choose a system that is secure and will protect your data from hackers. The dangers of a security breach are numerous, ranging from embarrassing leaked information to loss of customer trust.
So check for:
- Encryption of sensitive data.
- Regular security updates.
- User authentication.
- Role-based access controls.
Price
Of course, price is always a factor to consider. Affordability is an indispensable quality in all products and services.
Fortunately, there are many high-quality CMSs available at no cost. However, free systems may have fewer features than their paid counterparts and may not offer as much support.
If you decide to go with a paid CMS, be sure to weigh the cost of the system against its feature set to ensure you’re getting your money’s worth.
There are many things to consider when choosing a content management system. By keeping security, price, ease of use, and customizability in mind, you can be sure to find a CMS that is right for you and your website.
