Managing a website can be challenging for small business owners, especially when they lose contact with the agency or freelancer who built it. This often leaves them stuck when it comes to simple updates. However, having a user-friendly content management system (CMS) can make updates way easier.
Here’s what you need to know about Content Management Systems can and how they can save you valuable.
Firstly, a content management system (CMS) is a software application that simplifies user website management. It allows for easy creation, management, and publication of digital content, especially for websites.Â
CMSs provide a simple-to-use, straightforward approach to website management, reducing the need for technical expertise or programming skills. This makes them an essential tool for small businesses that aim to establish an online presence and manage their website content efficiently.
Benefits of a CMS
A Content Management System (CMS) stands as a powerful tool, presenting a myriad of benefits that transcend the boundaries of business size and industry. With its robust capabilities, a CMS empowers small business owners to wield greater control and efficiency in the world of digital content management.
Let’s delve deeper into these advantages to gain a comprehensive understanding of the transformative potential that a CMS can bring to the table.
Increased Efficiency
A significant advantage of using a CMS is the increased efficiency it offers. With a CMS, managing website content becomes a streamlined process, making it easy to create and modify content swiftly. This not only saves time but also reduces resources, allowing small business owners to focus on other essential aspects of their business.
Reduced Costs
A CMS can also lead to cost savings for small businesses. Traditional website development and management can be expensive, often requiring the assistance of web developers and designers. However, a CMS provides users with the ability to manage website content without needing extensive technical knowledge or programming skills. This reduces the need for external assistance, thus lowering costs.
Improved Security
Ensuring online security is a significant priority for any business, and a CMS can help small businesses enhance their website’s security. CMS platforms often provide built-in security protocols, regular updates, and other security features to reduce the risk of data breaches and hacking attempts.
Easily Update Content
Small business owners can benefit significantly from using a CMS to update their website content effortlessly and without the need for technical expertise or external assistance. This is especially useful for businesses that frequently update their website content, such as e-commerce sites or news websites.
Increased Scalability
As a business grows, so too must its website. A CMS provides increased scalability, enabling small businesses to expand their website functionality as needed. This can include adding new pages, features, and functionality without requiring extensive website redesigns or costly development work.
Types of Content Management Systems
In the ever-evolving world of digital content management, a plethora of diverse CMS options are available, and it can be pretty overwhelming for any business owner. Each is tailored to meet specific needs and preferences. Here are some of the most popular CMS options, offering a glimpse into the choices available.
WordPress
With over 40% of all websites on the internet utilising it, WordPress is undeniably one of the most popular CMS platforms globally. As an open-source platform, its code can be used, modified, and distributed by anyone.
WordPress offers an extensive collection of plugins, themes, and customisation options, enabling high flexibility and scalability.
Wix
As a cloud-based website builder, Wix provides users with drag-and-drop tools to create websites. With a variety of templates and design options, it is an ideal choice for individuals or small businesses in need of a quick and straightforward website. Nonetheless, compared to other CMS options, its functionality is somewhat limited.
Shopify
For businesses looking to sell products online, Shopify is an e-commerce platform that provides various features, including inventory management, payment processing, and shipping integration. Its ease of use and customisation options can make it a preferred choice for small businesses.
Squarespace
Squarespace is a website builder that emphasises design and aesthetics, offering an assortment of visually captivating templates and design options. It is a superb choice for businesses seeking a visually impressive website. Additionally, Squarespace is customisable, making it a flexible option for businesses requiring more functionality.
CMS offered by hosts and why they should be avoided
Various web hosting companies provide their own CMS solutions. Although these platforms may be user-friendly and readily available, they frequently lack the functionality and flexibility of more popular CMS platforms like WordPress. What’s more, is that they may not be scalable or secure enough to manage more extensive websites.
What’s the right choice for your small businesses?
Selecting the appropriate CMS for your small business depends on your unique requirements and objectives. Suppose you need a simple website rapidly, in that case, Wix or Squarespace may be the optimal choice. On the other hand, if you aim to sell products online, Shopify would be an excellent alternative.
Nevertheless, if you desire a highly customisable and scalable website, WordPress is a great option. It boasts the highest degree of flexibility, functionality, and customisation choices compared to any other CMS platform, making it a perfect match for businesses striving to grow and scale over time.
Having worked with the team on a UK website build, maintenance and reporting, as well as regular mangement of Google Adwords, and an international SEO project for a global website, I couldn’t recommend enough. I’d recommend over many of the larger agencies I’ve used over the years.
Gerry Johnstone, Service Express
Steps You Can Take To Choose the Right CMS
To help you make an informed decision, consider the following vital steps when selecting a CMS:
Evaluate Your Needs
To choose the suitable CMS for your business, start by evaluating your specific needs. Consider the type of content you will be publishing and the features you require. For example, if you plan to operate an online store, an e-commerce CMS such as Shopify may be the ideal option.
Conversely, if you want a website with a blog, WordPress may be more suitable. Understanding your needs upfront will help you narrow down your options and choose a CMS that aligns with your business goals.
Consider Ease of Use
When selecting a CMS, it’s essential to prioritise ease of use. A user-friendly interface is critical as it enables non-technical users to create, edit, and publish content with ease.
A simple and intuitive interface is particularly ideal for users who lack familiarity with coding or web development. A CMS that is easy to use ensures that all team members can contribute to the website without relying on technical expertise.
Take Security into Account
When choosing a CMS, security is a critical factor to consider. With the rise of cyber-attacks, it’s essential to ensure that your website is secure to protect your business and your customers’ sensitive information.
Look for a CMS that provides robust security features, such as two-factor authentication, SSL encryption, and regular security updates. A CMS with these security features helps safeguard your website against potential threats, providing peace of mind for both you and your customers.
Look at Extensibility
A CMS that offers extensibility is critical for business growth. Look for a CMS that provides a wide range of plugins, themes, and add-ons to expand the functionality of your website.
This extensibility enables you to customise and tailor your website to meet your specific needs as your business grows. With the ability to add new features and functionalities to your website, you can provide a better user experience for your visitors and stay competitive in your industry.
Compare Costs
When choosing a CMS, it’s essential to consider the cost involved. CMSs are available in various price ranges, from free to expensive. Consider the features you need, the size of your website, and your budget before choosing a CMS. Some CMSs charge a monthly fee, while others require a one-time fee. It’s also important to keep in mind the costs associated with maintaining your website.
Be sure to budget for hosting, maintenance, and any additional costs associated with your chosen CMS.
Support
It’s crucial to choose a CMS that provides reliable and responsive support in case issues arise. Look for CMS platforms that offer extensive documentation, user forums, and customer service. Ensure that the CMS provider you choose has a good reputation for addressing support requests promptly and effectively.
Our One Takeaway
Using a CMS can bring many benefits to your business, and you should definitely have one. When choosing a CMS, consider your specific needs, ease of use, security, extensibility, costs, and support. While there are many CMS options available, WordPress is often an excellent choice for small businesses due to its flexibility, ease of use, and also the many people who already know how to use it. This means that finding someone to update and maintain your site can be much more straightforward.
Ready to explore the possibilities? Book a call with us, and let’s make your website thrive together.
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