Website Content Management Systems
How Do I Select the Right Content Management System?
There are so many options out there that it can be overwhelming to try to figure out how different Content Management Systems compare to one another and which one best suits your needs. Essentially, there are two broad CMS categories: Proprietary and Open-Source. And underneath each of those categories there are numerous options. The information on this page is only a broad overview, but we’ve provided numerous links to further information.
What is the Difference Between a Proprietary CMS and an Open-Source CMS?
Essentially, a proprietary CMS is developed and maintained by its creator who strictly limits access to the core code. This tight control can be beneficial in certain scenarios, but it does mean that its creator is the only one who can make enhancements to that core code. No one else can openly contribute to its development, help troubleshoot, or help identify security risks to that core code. On the other hand, an open source CMS is one that’s has its core code openly available and it can be modified without a fee. Open source benefits from the wisdom of the crowd in contributing to its continual stability, improvement, and long term sustainability.
How Does a Choosing a Website Content Management System Affect Me in the Long Run?
You and your team will either spend a large amount of time and effort in creating your new website or you will spend resources paying others to do it for you. With that sort of investment, it would be a waste to discard a website because it’s built using a CMS that is outdated, prone to security issues and lack of security updates, or is cumbersome in its administrative features (which will prevent anyone from wanting to update the website regularly). Plus, given continually rapid changes in technology, future website enhancements become more vital as a result.
Why Does Choosing the Right CMS Matter?
Any Content Management System will be beneficial in helping you to manage the content on your website without being dependent on an agency or developer to make those changes for you. However, choosing the right CMS will make all the difference in terms of how well it fits your functional requirements, how many other developers could work on it should you need them to, and how beneficial your CMS selection will be for the long term investment in your web presence. We’re familiar with (and have used) some of the most widely recognized Content Management Systems. Here are our recommendations:
Website Content Management System Best Practices
- Do your due diligence in researching and determining what Content Management System will best fulfill your requirements. There are a lot of good resources out there. For a list of some of our suggestions, Click Here.
- Ensure that whomever programs your website’s CMS allows for the maximum amount of editable content areas. Menus, images (hero images, sliders, etc including those on interior pages), headers, and body copy will all be editable in your website’s CMS.
- Make sure that you and your team have the opportunity to be thoroughly trained on how to manage your website via the CMS once it has gone live.
"I can't say enough about this project. I love our new site. I love the way it brought our team together. I loved working with [Kaulig Media], and our new CMS."Reggie Connaughton Chesapeake Bank