Let me describe an all-too-common scenario: You have a website which has grown organically over some time. While it has a lot of useful content, it is far from being perfect. Much of the content is outdated and inaccurate, the website becomes complex and affects its design. Worse yet, you’ve lost track of all the content on the website, and because you’re the only one managing it, the updates are piling up. You can’t remember what was on the website last month, or a year ago You know you are in a difficult position if your customer needs a rollback. Does this situation sound familiar? There is little that you can do and if this sounds bad, you’re not the only person.
Too many problems and all at the same time, too much isn’t it? How do you tackle this issue? Well, for starters you need a tool that can help you avoid these issues so you’re always up to date when it comes to your website. A Content Management System is a tool specifically designed with the aim of making your life simpler. However, before moving ahead with why you need a Content Management System (CMS), let us first understand what a CMS is.
What is a Content Management System?
A Content Management System or CMS is a software that helps you create, manage and modify a website without building it from scratch. The main aim of a CMS is to help you design your website without getting into the intricacies of coding it.
There are several types of CMS that are available today. Based on your technical expertise you can choose the one best suited for you. There are CMS for beginners to experts.
Some examples of popular CMS are WordPress, Drupal, Joomla, Wix, Magento, etc. WordPress is one of the most common and widely used CMS for creating and managing websites.
Now, that we’ve seen what a Content Management System is. Let us move on to understanding if you need one:
10 reasons why you need a CMS
- You frequently update your content
If you frequently update your content, then you’ll need a system that allows you to easily add new entries. Even if your website revolves around serial content like blog posts, press releases, videos, etc. updates will always be necessary.
- Take some website control
You might feel uncomfortable, but you’re committing to a structure that fits your content and its future updates when you integrate a CMS tool. Regardless of which CMS tool you chose, you will have full control of your content. However, technical custom work on your website may require you to hire a developer.
- It’s easy to understand
You don’t need to know any programming language to build a website using a CMS tool. In fact, anyone who’s comfortable using a word processing program like Microsoft Word can use a CMS with the same level of ease.
- Updates content faster
A CMS tool frees you from any reliance on a developer because no coding is involved. You’re in charge of your website. If you need to make an edit or an update, there’s no need to request someone else — you can do it yourself in no time. Moreover, since the CMS is updated on a regular basis, your website is always safe from malicious hackers on the lookout for a vulnerability.
- Cost-effective in the long run
Although CMS tools are not cheap, they are definitely cost-effective in the long run. The question is how? Well, by employing a CMS tool to create and manage your website you get away with hiring a developer. This is especially true if you’re a new, small or medium-sized business.
- Do it once and you’re done
The dynamic content approach makes updating your website fast. With a static website, you’d have to tediously copy and paste the same text in order to display on multiple pages. A CMS store content in a database, where it’s easily accessible and separate from the website layout.
- Collaborate your work
Most Content Management Systems foster collaboration by allowing multiple users to work on the same. Owing to this not only does your work get divided you even get access to handy features like workflows, approval chains and permissions.
- Take it with you
CMS tools are online, you can access them from any computer or smartphone with an internet connection. It’s easy for your co-worker across the city, state or country to be on the same page as you. Moreover, when it comes to publishing content, you can schedule content in advance without the need to worry. In fact, when it comes to workflow a CMS reduces the overall cost, as well as, dependency on team members
- It’s SEO-friendly
A good SEO strategy can boost your website and take it places when it comes to high-ranking search results. Most CMS have built-in SEO tools like XML sitemap creation and keyword monitoring. Thus, a CMS helps you optimise your content and elevate your website.
- Futureproof your website
Website standards keep changing, and so your site needs to adapt accordingly. A website powered by a CMS tool always displays the content using current web standards. Your website will never be outdated or old fashioned.
Conclusion:
In a nutshell, a CMS tool helps businesses boost their websites at the same time offering them full control of the site. Along with this, a CMS helps you distribute your content easily by improving content availability to both employees and customers. Moreover, it even helps businesses to respond to customer needs in a faster manner. We at HostGator offer WordPress Hosting which is the most suitable CMS when starting your business.
We hope you’ve understood what a Content Management System is, should you opt for one. If you have any queries, feel free to leave them in the comment box below.