Whether you are operating a small retail store or managing a giant business, you’ll ultimately need a website. With a defined set of requirements in mind, the companies pick the right theme, post content and engage the audience using the same. However, picking up the right content management system that could support the updates and business can be a tricky decision.
With little or no technical knowledge of CMS, users may fall into the hands of complex functionalities that may or may not be their needs. Here, we are listing down some key things that you may need to look into when subscribing for a CMS, tailored to your business needs and requirements.
1. Core Functionality
While picking the CMS, most of the people assume that functionalities like deleting, adding and organizing pages are all that they need. However, the fact is that these functionalities are the basics of any content management system, but are not guaranteed whether it will meet the complex requirements, needed in the future. For instance, some blogging platforms will organize individual posts according to date and category. It might be an ideal function for few, but not for the majority. The limitation is somehow friendly and easy to understand but can be quite frustrating.
Make sure to consider the basic functionality, even if you do not require in the present scenario, but you might need it in the future. Moreover, you should also test whether it is easy to manage because the usability of the various content management system differs. There are literally thousands of CMS available on the market and each of them has its own complexities. Before making the purchase, try to test the system and check whether it fits your needs.
2. Editing
The editor is one of the most regarded functions given in the Content Management System. The editor will allow you to manage the content and make changes. Moreover, it also offers website owners to apply formattings such as colors and fonts. It is in fact ideal for changing the basic looks, however, the developers have moved away from it.
The editors are given much control over the design and branding and are able to customize the appearance of the website. Make sure to choose the platform that does not allow editors to take control over the appearance. It should be replaced with something that is more appropriate and ideal. Keep in mind that the editor can handle the external sources such as downloadable files and images.
3. Search Function
The search functions allow visitors to find what they are looking for. When it comes to Content Management System, the search function is the most important one. There are many aspects that must be looked for, such as how does it index the entire content of each page. It also includes PDF files, Word Documents, and Excel Sheet. Find out whether the search function to a specific section of the website can be restricted. Moreover, whether the search can be customized and results are displayed according to your requirements or to the particular sections of the website.
4. Multilingual Support
The reach of the website is not limited to particular region or language. Therefore, Content Management System must be able to support multiple languages. Even if your product or services is targeted towards people speaking a particular language. However, you should not forget that we live in a society where people from various walks of lives preside. It does not mean that you need a content for it. With the support of multiple languages, you can have a significant edge over the competitors.
5. Multiple Website Support
The majority of content management systems allow you to run multiple websites from a single installation. It is highly recommended having such kinds of a feature. In the future, you might need a new website with skimmed down target audience. Moreover, with the evolution of the mobile web, you may need to create a website, especially for mobile devices. No matter what is the reason, you need to be flexible in running your website on multiple platforms.
6. Custom Development
Apart from going for Content Management System, you can hire content management service provider to meet your specific business needs. Moreover, the custom development will ensure easy to use functions in order to publish, create and edit content on various devices. The custom content management system will also allow you to have a scalable and flexible content management along with easy integration with other technologies.
7. The Web Analytics Integration
The basic purpose of the website is to spread the message worldwide. Therefore, it is also important for webmasters to analyze the sources of traffic and how it helps increase ROI. A good CMS system will provide you with all the necessary tools and extension for easy web analytics integration. Google Analytics and Google Webmaster Tools are helpful in analyzing your website’s data and good CMS system will offer you easy integration of such tools.
8. Content Management System Security
Websites are always under constant threat of hacking. Make sure to research about the security issues and what measures are taken to prevent such threats. If your website gets hacked, what will be the backup system and how the company will help you recover your website.
The best way to evaluate the security level is through online reviews on forums, blogs, and social media. If the company is upgrading from time to time to install security patches from the third party, consider going for another system.
9. SEO Friendly System
SEO is important to rank your website on top of Google and other search engines. When choosing the right CMS system, make sure to check out whether it generates user-friendly URL. Moreover, whether the CMS system allows you to add Meta titles, Meta tags and Meta descriptions for different pages.
All of these elements are needed to describe the content of each page. In addition, integration of SEO tools is vital for any CMS system. Does your CMS allow you to add SEO plugins, extensions, and widgets?
10. Drop Down Navigation Menus
It is important for any website to have internal link structure that allows better SEO. Make sure that your CMS system drop-down menu is not built on JavaScript, JQuery or flash. Rather, they should are built using CSS. The problem with JavaScript is that it does not allow search engines to process and even Google is sometimes unable to do such process, depending on how they are coded.
11. XML Sitemap
XML Sitemap acts like an informant to search engines about the pages and URLs on a website. There are plenty of XML sitemap generator, however, to make your life easier, check whether your CMS system is capable of generating XML sitemap. A number of CMS systems allow generation of sitemap through plugins and extensions
Conclusion
While choosing the ideal content management system for your needs, make sure to consider the issues like accessibility, training, licensing and support. Before making a final decision, make sure to try and test the system and don’t ignore the credibility of CMS platforms such as user-friendliness, support, pricing and overall reputation over the past years.
