What to Look for in a CMS

If you own or administer a website, you know how difficult it can be to manage the flow. Especially if you don't have one designated web editor, organizing workflow presents a challenge and often results in a disorderly website. By adopting a content management system, commonly referred to as CMS, you can improve your workflow by developing organization and communication practices. But with so many CMS options out there, how do you choose the right one for your business? Before making a decision, you should consider the following features.

What is a Content Management System?

As its name suggests, CMSs helps businesses and publications create, manage, modify, and publish their online content. The most significant benefit of using a CMS is that almost anyone can work with it, regardless of their technical knowledge. Business owners can easily manage their website content without having to code anything from scratch. CMSs have built-in infrastructure, making it easy for users to create content without having to design individual web pages.

When shopping for a CMS to help run your website, you'll find countless options available. But how do you know which one best suits your plans for your website? To make an informed decision, first, evaluate your specific needs and access the tech knowledge of your team members. Next, consider the following:

Price

When browsing CMS options, you should start by comparing price points across different software providers. Each product will have a unique set of features, and pricing varies accordingly. Doing a comparative cost analysis will help you find the best deal based on your specific needs. Be sure not to overpay by choosing a system that includes features you won't use.

Usability and Intuitive Design

Implementing a CMS will only help your business if everyone involved in web management and content production knows how to use it. When researching CMS options, focus on each platform's usability. Would it take a lot of work to train employees properly? If so, you might consider a more intuitive system. Before deciding on a software option, have whoever will be working on the website work through free trials or tutorials.

Quality Support Services

The infrastructure of a CMS can be complicated, and troubleshooting may require an expert. While looking for the right CMS, look for comprehensive support services. For example, check if the platform offers 24/7 support. Take note of the ways you can contact the support team and check product reviews to get a sense of their responsiveness.

Outside Integration and Plugins

A great CMS platform should be able to integrate seamlessly with external plugins. Outside integration is crucial if you want to go beyond the basic inbuilt features of a CMS. For example, you may wish to integrate email marketing into your CMS to streamline the process.

Countless third-party plugins can enhance your CMS experience. But remember, third-party plugins sometimes post threats to website security, so only use necessary plugins. From social media plugins to Google analytics, there are plenty of plugins available that can take your CMS to new heights.

Customizing Features 

While all CMSs include standard features, some let users make modifications to fit their particular needs. Custom CMS development allows website administrators to tweak the system infrastructure based on the preferences of team members and the company's unique workflow.

Security

Since all your content will reside within your CMS, it's crucial to understand the security strengths and vulnerabilities of a given CMS before purchasing. Look for systems that offer two-factor authentification, role-based access control, version tracking, auditing, vulnerability alerts, etc. These features can help prevent costly security breaches and viruses.

Supports Mobile Devices

Now more than ever, consumers use smartphones to find information and to buy products. Regardless of what industry you're in and what clientele you serve, it's essential to keep mobile users in mind. Before selecting a CMS for your website, consider not only the mobile-friendliness of the actual site, but also mobile CMS access for administrators and content producers who may need to make changes on the go.

Built-in SEO

As all website managers know, search engine optimization (SEO) can make or break a website's effectiveness. Ranking high on search engine results pages (SERPs) is much easier when SEO is built into the CMS. This integration forces users to follow best SEO practices with every piece of content they publish.

Easier Content Management

Hopefully, this list of CMS features helps you to understand the capabilities of CMS and to purchase the right system. After implementation and basic user training, you’ll be well on your way to running an organized, high-quality website.