A content management system (CMS) is an application that allows you to create and run your website. You'll get an administration panel - an interface where you can create and update pages, posts and other types of content (images, videos, etc.) and organize the content as you wish.
You will also be able to modify the design of the site via the administration panel by installing themes (design templates) and modifying them whenever you want. All actions are done simply by clicking on buttons - you won't have to write codes or scripts in most cases.
The first step in determining which CMS is best for your project is to understand the level of technical expertise you will need to work with that software.
If you're new to website coding and want a system that manages that code for you, while allowing you to design fully customized websites, a solution like Webydo and their code-free development platform may be one of the best solutions.
If you already have experience in web design and are proficient in HTML and CSS, a solution that gives you full control over the code of a website may be an interesting solution for you. Platforms like Drupal or Magento would meet these requirements.
If you want some flexibility in how a solution will allow you to work, then WordPress may be the right choice to meet your needs. Very little technical knowledge is required to choose a theme and get started with this platform. Deep coding and full site customization are also possible on WordPress.
We can't mention CMS without talking about another popular platform, Joomla. A CMS that is halfway between WordPress and Drupal, with an intuitive user interface, more powerful than WordPress and less customizable than Drupal.
These are just a few examples of the different CMS platforms available on the market. Whether you choose one of these platforms or decide that another solution is right for you, knowing how much technical experience is required will be an important factor in choosing the ideal software solution for your project.
Another useful aspect of CMS platforms are the features, for which many of these solutions are either "out of the box" or offer them through plug-ins or add-ons. If you have specific features that are important to your site, you should make sure that any CMS you choose will include these.
For example, if your site needs to include e-commerce functionality, you'll want to find a solution that does. If this functionality is critical to your site's success, you may even want to start your search with platforms that focus on that specific need or functionality.
Once you start using a CMS, it's a chore to move the site to another platform, so unless something goes wrong with your site and the CMS you're using, you'll probably stay with your initial platform for a long time. That said, the community of other professionals and businesses that use that same solution will be important to you, as will the support offered by the software company that offers the CMS.
When considering these points, look for companies that support the product they have developed, and that will allow you to get all your questions answered, especially when you start using the new platform. Finally, look for a healthy and robust community that uses the product so you can be part of that community.
There are a wide variety of pricing options for CMS solutions. Some platforms are free while others require a purchase. Other software solutions require a subscription to use, but that come with other benefits, such as website hosting or automatic software upgrades. Price should not be the most important factor to consider, but it will absolutely depend on the decision you make. Additionally, if you are looking at CMS options as part of a site you are building for a client, the price you pay for the CMS will also impact the cost of that site to your clients.
Just as you would ask for references on an employee you intend to hire, it makes sense to talk to other web professionals about their experiences with the CMS. Seek out professionals with similar skills to yours to understand how they use the solution and what pitfalls you should avoid. This information will help you prepare and let you know what to expect if you decide to move forward with this CMS choice.
When evaluating CMS platforms, there are a number of additional factors that can influence your final decision. Every project will be different, but the points discussed in this article should help you quickly narrow down the overwhelming number of choices to select a solution that will meet your particular needs.
If you have a project, consider contacting us. Our experts will help you make the right choice according to your business needs.