As marketers in the digital age, it is mandatory on our part to learn about the best software tools and practices for your content.
Getting down to basics, Content Management System (CMS) is a system that manages content. It is a tool that helps digital marketers to build websites without needing to know how to code at all.
Instead of creating your own system for your website, storing images, and other functions, CMS handles all the basic infrastructure. This allows you to focus your attention on more forward-facing parts of your website.
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How Does Content Management System Work?
When content is king, updated information is essential to SEO efforts, thus, every website needs a content management system. Understanding how CMS works is imperative to understanding how to manipulate your website’s content.
Without a CMS, you will be obligated to write a static HTML file and upload it to your server. It may sound complex and complicated especially for beginners. However, with a content management system like WordPress, you can write your content in a much simpler interface. You no longer have to deal with the complex HTML codes and just write your content just like writing in Google docs or MS word.
That sounds simpler, right?
Similarly, when uploading images or video files, you can just simply browse your media library. There is no need for you to interact with the server directly.
Content Management System Must-Have Features
- Security
The web continues to be a risky terrain. Security attacks and possible threats can be completely unpredictable. Ensuring that your website is secure from all possible cyber threats and attacks is incredibly important. It is more important than ever for businesses to consider a platform that provides optimum protection against any type of cyberattacks.
- Multi-lingual Support
A CMS that supports multi-language does not only make the job easier for most content creators but also empowers them to run targetted campaigns. This feature helps boost the brand’s global identity and intensifies its focus to its targetted market.
- Search Engine Optimization (SEO) Tools
One of the most important components of CMS is Search Engine Optimization. In identifying a CMS with the best SEO tools and friendliness, here are some important elements you should look for:
- Customizable page titles and meta-data
- Drop-down navigation
- Alt tags
- Breadcrumb navigation
- Fast page load times
- Scalability
Businesses that run their CMS in the cloud will be able to scale their website and adapt to competitive demands quicker than the others. Updates to the digital experience will be much easier in just a few clicks.
Types of Content Management Systems
- Traditional Content Management System
Traditional CMS which is also called Coupled CMS is the simplest type of CMS in terms of layout and general functionality. This type works best for businesses or content creators looking for a platform to make a relatively simple marketing site.
- Decoupled Content Management System
This type of CMS is much more complex compared with the traditional or coupled CMS. Decoupled CMS architecture separates the frontend and backend management into two different systems. This means content creators can freely plug information on the backend without worrying about the layout being manipulated in the frontend.
- Headless Content Management System
Just like the decoupled CMS, headless CMS architecture separates the frontend and backend management. However, unlike any other designs, this type is considered headless because it does not have one designated frontend. This type works best for teams aiming to provide a substantial amount of content and focuses to deliver information on various channels.
Choosing The Best CMS For You
- Build Your Vision
First thing’s first. In choosing the best Content Management System that works best for you, you need to decide on your vision. What are you trying to achieve? Answering that question will maneuver you to the right path you desires to take.
- Understand CMS Features
Determining your goal and what you want to accomplish does not stop there. You need to find a way on how to achieve your goal. Understanding CMS features will help you find the best fit CMS for you. Certain features will certainly help you achieve your goals faster.
- Evaluate The Cost
One of the most crucial parts for businesses is setting up the required budget for a certain project. Evaluating the possible costs which will incur your enterprise in equipping a CMS is imperative. This will save you from unwanted financial surprises that may come on your way.
- Calculate Your ROI
Profits are the main reason why businesses take on a certain project or investment. Investing in CMS will require you quite a hefty sum, thus, it should guarantee returns. It is obvious and that is how business works.
The Bottomline
The evolution of producing content is non-stop. From ancient times up to the advancement of the World Wide Web, information has moved from the hands of few to those of the masses. Today, anyone can easily access information virtually in just a few clicks. Competition in attracting various audiences is also getting tighter.
As a content creator competing in the market, you should not be limit by your lack of technical knowledge. Platforms such as CMS will greatly help you in building your website without worrying about the required technical know-how.
Aileen Artiaga is a part-time writer, SMO specialist, and travel enthusiast. She is a curating content, analyzing posts performance, and delivering information to content marketing portals. She also manages her own YouTube channel.