C ontent Management System (CMS) software platforms can make it easier for marketing teams to manage their website, create and publish content quickly, and track customer data.
Not all Content Management Software (CMS) platforms are created equal. In fact, there is a wide array of options, all with their own unique factors to consider. In this blog, we will look at both CMS capabilities and potential downfalls to be aware of as you hunt for the right software to help you deliver on your business needs.
12 Content Management System Capabilities to review:
User-Friendly Interface
A CMS should be easy to use and navigate for both content editors and developers. It’s important to find a CMS that marketers are able to use without the need for developers.
Customization Options
The CMS should offer customization options to ensure the website or application meets your specific needs and those of your business. Depending on the CMS, customization options may be as limited as adding pictures, choosing colors and selecting from a few font options within a select theme. Other platforms may give much more customization options.
Scalability
As your business grows, your Content Management System should be able to scale and handle the increased traffic and demands without having to set up additional servers. The CMS software should also feature georedundancy so that your services or products can be featured in every market you pursue.
Security
Security is paramount when selecting a CMS. Look for one that offers robust security features and at least meets (preferably exceeds) industry standards.
Integration Capabilities
Ensure your desired Content Management System can easily integrate with other software and third-party applications you need for a robust website solution.
Analytics
Data is everything in this day and age. Ensure that your CMS has the ability to capture the analytics for the KPIs you need to report on.
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SEO-Friendliness
A CMS should be easy to optimize for search engines, allowing your website to rank high in search engine results.
Mobile Responsiveness
With more people accessing websites from mobile devices, the Content Management System should be mobile responsive, offering a seamless user experience across all devices, including tablets as well.
Support and Documentation
Good support and documentation can be critical when setting up, learning and maintaining your CMS. It can be the difference between being able to learn quickly on your own versus spending costly time waiting on support tickets to be answered.
Cost
CMS prices can vary widely, so determine your budget before starting your search.
Reviews and Reputation
Research the Content Management Software reputation among industry analysts and customer reviews before selecting one to ensure it is reliable, stable, and meets your business needs.
Community
How large and how active is the user community? This is an important feature as it helps marketers and developers learn from community and social media sites. Additionally, many software companies have user conferences where team members can learn what is coming in new releases.
7 Potential Content Management System Limitations or Concerns:
While content management systems (CMS) are widely used to easily create and manage digital content with a lower overall total cost of ownership compared to a custom software solution, there are several potential CMS downfalls that organizations should be aware of:
Complexity
CMSs can be complex to set up and customize, requiring technical expertise and time. This can lead to delays and cost overruns. Some CMS platforms are notorious for this. Also, some CMS softwares release feature upgrades that can be costly in dollars and time to implement.
Limited Flexibility
CMSs often have limited flexibility, meaning that they may not be able to accommodate all the unique needs of an organization. Customization can also be limited or expensive.
Security Vulnerabilities
Content Management Systems are popular targets for hackers due to their widespread use, and vulnerabilities can arise if the system is not kept up-to-date with security patches.
Performance Issues
A CMS can be resource-intensive and slow, which can impact website performance and user experience.
Dependency on Third-Party Vendors
CMSs often require the use of third-party vendors for hosting, support, and customization, which can lead to dependency and potential lock-in.
Cost
While there are many free and open-source Content Management Systems available, some can be expensive to license, maintain, and customize.
Training
Users may need training to use the software effectively, which may be time consuming and costly.
Overall, CMSs can be a powerful tool for managing digital content, but organizations should carefully consider the potential downsides before committing to a specific platform.
In summary, these are only a handful of the factors our BlueBolt team analyzes when recommending CMS or DXP software platforms to our clients. If you are looking for a Content Management System, our veteran team of developers, designers and business analysts can review your business requirements and make a tailored recommendation for you. If we can be of help, kindly click the contact us button and send us your questions, so we can help.
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