Maintaining and updating company websites is essential in the digital age we live in and work in. Businesses without in-house web developers require a system that is simple to use, enables anybody to update information quickly, preserves corporate integrity, and ensures that messaging to clients and potential customers is consistent. This is where the content management system comes in and makes website management less stressful.
If you have a website, you probably fall into one of two categories: either you have a static website, in which case any updates to the site must be hard coded using traditional web programming techniques, or you have a content management system set up and are able to edit dynamic pages on your own.
However, if you decide to hire a web design agency to build your website, be sure they will create it using a widely used content management system (CMS), such as WordPress. Your staff will be able to make minor content changes as a result, and the web design agency will be able to create layout and design modifications more quickly and affordably.
Investing in a CMS has many advantages, in addition to saving you time and money. In fact, it can be among the best investments you make for your company’s online presence. In this post, we will discuss what CMS is, why it is important and why it’s worth your investment.
What is a Content Management System (CMS)?
A content management system (CMS) is a piece of software or a set of programs that allow you to organise large amounts of digital content from many sources. Images, written text, video, music, maps, computer code, and graphics for web-based publication are all examples of digital content found in a CMS. Typically, a CMS consists of the following components:
- Content Management Application – An interface called the content management application (CMA) enables users to edit the content of a webpage. The simplicity of a CMA typically lessens the need for a webmaster or other specialists.
- Content Delivery Application – A content delivery application (CDA) updates the webpage with the changes made by the users.
Importance of Content Management System (CMS)
A CMS is a key component of many website owners’ daily operations. As a result, choosing the right platform is of utmost importance. Let’s concentrate on the benefits of utilising a CMS in general for the time being, and we’ll talk about the specific features you’ll want to search for shortly.
For instance, a CMS can increase your efficiency. Many platforms provide design templates that, with little effort, can create the ideal “look” for your website. Additionally, you’ll have access to features that assist you with Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and other important duties, as well as helpful tools for creating content.
We believe that almost every website owner who plans to add new content regularly will find a CMS valuable. A straightforward blog post may qualify as such content or be part of a complex sales funnel’s content marketing strategy.
Additionally, a good CMS is practically required to maintain uniformity in design and formatting while working with non-technical users. When managing writing teams or other contributors, there aren’t many options that are this beneficial.
Key Features of Content Management System (CMS)
A CMS’s main objective is to streamline the production and delivery of information so that the organisation can effectively achieve its goals. The following are some features a CMS might provide to assist businesses in doing this:
Analytics
It’s crucial to know specifics about who visits your website, when they do, and why. You can choose the ideal readers to target, thanks to this information. With CMS analytics, you may learn about the demographics of your visitors, the technologies they use, the times of day when web traffic is at its highest, and the most popular content. With this knowledge, your business can create fresh content to drive more people to your website.
Search Engine Optimisation (SEO)
Search engines work with algorithms to ensure that the most pertinent pages are returned from web searches. A CMS uses keywords, coding, and meta descriptions to take advantage of search engine optimisation (SEO) so that people searching the internet are more likely to locate the page for your company. Readers searching for images, videos, or scholarly content may find an optimised website.
Permissions
Multiple users can produce, organise, and publish their work on the same platform with the help of a CMS. Each user’s functions within the system may change depending on their role. Additionally, some functionalities could be reserved for particular users, like managers. Companies can assign rights to various jobs, including writer, editor, and project manager. For instance, a writer would only be able to access locations where they can create and save content, whereas project managers might have access to publishing features.
Workflow
Depending on the size of your business, a CMS may have many users, each with a different role. The right users will perform activities in the correct order thanks to a CMS with a well-organized workflow. Since you must finish your tasks before others may start theirs, the workflow also promotes accountability.
Variety
You can use a content management system to handle various publishing types. While one company may wish to include a landing page and a few subpages, another might prefer to have a blog, a news page, and a section for embedding documents. A CMS can provide a variety of usage options to meet the requirements of your specific company.
Version Control
When several users are accessing the same CMS, mistakes can happen. When multiple people visit the same space at once, their work may overlap and cause problems with the content. Users that utilise version control can access previous versions of a file or task and roll them back if necessary. When an editor starts working on a writer’s assignment before they are finished, the writer can use the version history tool to locate the content the editor changed.
IT Support
CMS providers usually offer IT support in case a user has an issue accessing the software or using certain features. IT support representatives can help by troubleshooting the issue with the user and providing instructions on how to use the software’s functions. CMS IT support may also provide basic CMS training to help organisations familiarise themselves with the system and how it works.
Security
A CMS makes it simple to secure data for a company’s clients. A CMS is often only accessible to a small group of users and requires a username and passcode. Managers typically have access to more features than their teams. Businesses can ensure that only those with the proper authorisation to view certain data can save and retrieve it by limiting access and granting customised permissions. This can stop malicious or unintentional data breaches.
Top Benefits of Using CMS for Your Website
In addition to its operational features, a CMS can also offer the following benefits:
User-Friendly Solution
A CMS is a user-friendly solution that, regardless of programming knowledge, enables any team member who has been permitted to alter files to upload images or texts online. With CMS, it is simple to change, delete, and publish site content as well as receive updates.
Seamless Collaboration
You can seamlessly collaborate with other employees using content management systems to create digital content. Since some businesses employ both onsite and remote workers, a central CMS enables users to participate actively in content creation and management.
Ease of Use
When businesses began producing digital material, publishing frequently necessitated using a webmaster and highly skilled developers. With CMS, it enables you to work with the content regardless of your degree of expertise.
Cost-Efficient
You can complete your task more quickly and easily with a CMS, which lowers costs for a business.
Deadline Management
Utilising a CMS enables you to track how tasks are progressing, better organise your day, and guarantee the timely completion of tasks.
Suitable for Any Business Size
CMS makes it simple for businesses, including small and medium-sized businesses or individuals, to add content to a website, increasing website traffic and revenue. It provides solutions that are simple, scalable, flexible, and affordable.
Accessibility
The popularity of remote work has increased, and CMS has emerged as the most practical feature by making website content accessible from anywhere using any computer device connected to the Internet.
Quick and Easy Integration
Using a CMS, you may quickly and easily integrate content into your website. Sites using content management systems are heavily connected with dynamic web content rather than static content, allowing for the updating and regenerating information as needed. With CMS, your data is not coded into website pages that an authorised person can readily update but rather retrieved from databases.
How to Choose the Right CMS for Your Website?
There are various platforms to choose from if you’ve decided to try a CMS. Usage data will show you that WordPress is by far the most popular option, even at a glance.
This is because WordPress is naturally adaptable enough to support anything from simple blogs to high-end websites. Of course, this does not imply that it will be appropriate in all circumstances.
Depending on your needs and budget, choosing a CMS involves a subjective and personal factor. Before choosing a CMS, we advise you to carefully consider your options and compare them to know which one suits your requirements.
Make the Most of WordPress CMS with Digital Rescue
At Digital Rescue, WordPress web design is our specialty. As the world’s most popular open source Content Management System (CMS), WordPress offers you full ownership and control over your most precious business asset. We pair your new site with personalised remote WordPress training, facilitated and recorded for your entire team.
Make the most of your WordPress CMS with our team backed by a company with 20+ years of expertise in the industry. Get rescued by getting your free chemistry call today!