Why Choosing the Right Content Management System (CMS) Matters to Your Business

If you manage your company’s website or are building a new one, you might hear about something called a CMS. While there are many to choose from, not all are created equal — and the one you select can help or hinder your business.

What is a CMS?
A Content Management System is a software used to produce, edit, and manage content. For a business owner, these systems offer the ability to create a website without extensive knowledge of coding or programming. With a wide variety of content management systems available, it is essential to consider the pros and cons when deciding what platform is best for the needs of your business.

Proprietary CMS
A proprietary system is usually owned by a company that licenses the use of their CMS to other businesses. Some Cary and Raleigh marketing agencies will require you to use their CMS. Because a proprietary CMS typically requires a license or permission, these platforms can be expensive and inefficient. Business owners may not be able to edit or customize their website. However, for some, this is an easier path; these platforms are usually managed entirely by a third party and are often maintained by experts.

Open Source CMS
Open source content management systems have become increasingly popular with business owners. Even when managed by a third party, these systems allow a business owner to access their site to make changes quickly and without extensive technical knowledge.

An open source CMS is also a cheaper option. Because the website is built specifically for the business, you are the owner of that page on the platform and do not have to pay to use it. WordPress and Joomla! are two of the most popular open source content management systems, but there are other options.

What You Need to Know
Some business owners find it useful to work with a proprietary system because someone else manages and maintains the site. However, some agencies will use an open source CMS and still offer maintenance services, without locking you into a system. We’ve seen business owners pay thousands of dollars for a proprietary system only to lose their entire website later when they decide to rebuild the site with another marketing firm. No matter which approach you take, you must:

● Know your login information for your website and have admin-level access.
● Know your login information for your domain name (URL) and own it under your name or your company’s name.
● Have your hosting login or information.

Consider those three logins the “keys to the castle.” Without them, you will struggle later to manage your website.

If you are setting up a content management system, ask yourself:
● How much access do I need to the site?
● Do I want to be involved in it or let someone else manage it?
● Can someone on my team manage it?
● If the system is proprietary, what is included in the package?
● Does the system offer options for optimizing? (SEO)

If you need to set up or rebuild a website for your business, talk to us about the best content management system for your needs and goals.