HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST CMS

| Posted on February 6, 2023 |

What is a CMS platform? A content management system platform is a software that allows you to create a website and manage content without needing expertise in programming and coding such as HTML, JavaScript, and CSS programming languages. With the increase in demand for a digital online presence for all organizations over the years, here are 6 key considerations when choosing the best content management system for your organization.

1. User friendliness

It’s important to consider two main groups when considering user friendliness: Your organization and your target audience. You want a content management system that is easy for you and your employees to create, edit and manage content. This is often achieved by a system with drag and drop interface, and pre-built layouts to make it quick and straightforward. You also want a content management system that is user friendly to external target audiences. Content that your target audiences cannot easily reach and navigate through would only be a waste of resources.

2. Design options

Depending on the aesthetics your organization is aiming for, the content management system you choose should offer plenty of web design templates that are easily customizable to the specific design needs and requirements of your brand. While design changes can be easily done with additional coding, there are CMS available that require no coding if your organization does not have the web design coding resources.

3. Data portability

Change is inevitable in all aspects of life. An efficient content management system platform should include built in tools to easily export and/ or move data in case you decide to change platforms and hosting companies.

4. Extensions and add-ons

Different content management system platforms offer a wide variety of functions, some unique to that platform and that platform only. Your organization might have very specific software requirements that are missing from the best first CMS platforms available. Extensions and add-ons offer a solution to that problem by allowing you to install additional CMS software to extend features and/or offer new ones.

5. Support options

Consider your internal web design resources and evaluate how much support your organization might need to effectively use the chosen content management system platform. While CMS platforms are meant to make web design and content management easy, it is important to consider what kind of support is available through your CMS host in case additional help is needed.

6. Cost

There is a content management system platform for every budget. Some websites are completely free while some have one time or monthly charges. In addition to the costs that come with your CMS platform, you should also consider the cost of third-party extensions might need or other design and/or web hosting services. These expenses can add up quickly. It is important to inquire about exact pricing tailored to your specific needs to avoid any surprise charges.

When choosing the best CMS for your needs, consider the following factors:

Purpose: What kind of website or application are you building?

User Experience: Does the CMS provide an easy-to-use interface for your content team?

Customization: Can you customize the CMS to fit your specific needs and requirements?

Scalability: Will the CMS grow and scale with your business?

Integration: Can the CMS integrate with other tools and technologies you already use?

Support: What kind of support does the CMS provider offer?

Security: Is the CMS secure and does it have regular security updates?

Cost: What is the cost of the CMS, including any associated fees or licensing costs?

Community: Is there a large and active community of users who can offer support and share best practices?

Compare the features and benefits of several CMSs to determine which one is the best fit for your organization.

Here is a list of some of the best content management systems on the market today:

WordPress: a popular, open-source CMS for building websites and blogs.
Shopify: a cloud-based e-commerce platform for online stores.
Wix: a cloud-based website builder for small businesses.
Drupal: a powerful and flexible open-source CMS for large organizations.
Joomla: an open-source CMS with a user-friendly interface.
Magento: an open-source e-commerce platform for large online stores.
Squarespace: a cloud-based website builder for creative professionals.
Ghost: a modern, open-source platform for blogging and content publishing.
Webflow: a cloud-based website builder for professional designers and developers.

Note: The best CMS for you will depend on your specific needs and requirements, and it’s recommended to compare several options before making a decision.

LINKS:

WordPress: https://wordpress.org/

Shopify: https://www.shopify.com/

Wix: https://www.wix.com/

Drupal: https://www.drupal.org/

Joomla: https://www.joomla.org/

Magento: https://magento.com/

Squarespace: https://www.squarespace.com/

Ghost: https://ghost.org/

Webflow: https://webflow.com/