Just as the name suggests, a content management system is a software application or set of intertwined programs that allows you to create and manage your website’s digital content. In other words, a CMS grants you the ability to upload, edit, and delete content from a website without having to know HTML, CSS, or other coding languages. Some examples of popular CMS’ are WordPress, Joomla, Drupal etc.
So, what does a content management system have to offer that other website options don’t? Great question! Here’s 5 reasons of using a CMS that aren’t available with other website options.
1. No Web Programming Experience? No Problem!
Content management systems, like WordPress, were built for users with little to no programming experience. Once your website is fully developed by a web design professional, managing the actual content on your website is simple and easy to learn.
Your web content, like images and text, can easily be inserted and uploaded onto specific pages and styled in a content editor that is similar to Microsoft Word.
2. Easy Collaboration and Access
Content management systems allow multiple people to not only have access to your website but also easily collaborate on different projects. Using individual accounts, multiple people can add, edit, or update content on the site right from their own computers or devices. CMS’ also store all of your online content for you in one place and is available to anyone with access to the website, meaning the need to send multiple different files to different individuals is no longer necessary.
Better yet, content management systems are also very convenient for people on-the-go. You can log in to the back-end of your website from anywhere. All you need is a computer, tablet, or mobile device and an internet connection.
3. Advanced SEO Tools and Plugins
Content management systems offer a number of plugins and tools that can help your site rank better in major search engines. This doesn’t mean you should get rid of your online marketing team, but these tools can help implement a basic SEO strategy in an attempt to increase online traffic to your site.
Other website options, like WYSIWYG editors, do not have tools and plugins available to specifically help optimize your web content for major search engines. WordPress plugins directly present options within the interface itself to include web page titles, meta descriptions, alt tags, and all the other elements needed to best optimize your website for Google and other major search engines. They will also alert you when these elements are not done correctly.
What’s more, these plugins are regularly updated to adapt to any changes in major search engines that could affect your ranking. So, your website will remain optimized at all times, despite any updates or changes. Basically, CMSs, especially WordPress, are the only website options that allow you to easily optimize your website for search engines using user-friendly plugins and tools right within the editing interface itself.
4. Security
In today’s world, the last thing anybody wants is for their website to be hacked, especially e-commerce website owners. Websites can be especially vulnerable and are often targeted by hackers, to steal personal information.
However, content management systems are consistently tested by an army of developers and computer scientists in an effort to protect users against any and all potential security threats. Additionally, there are countless plugins and tools available that are also individually designed to increase your website’s security.
5. Cost Effective and Affordable
Website maintenance can be a major expense if you have a static website. Calling a web designer or developer to make frequent changes can add up. Not only is cost a factor, but you will most likely have to wait a few days to see the updates live on your site.
Investing in a content management system can save you both time and money. With a content management system in place, you no longer have to rely on a web developer to make common site changes. You can instantly make these changes yourself exactly when you need them done.
