A content management system or CMS is software that provides tools for users to create, manage, host and share content.
Why do you Need a Content Management System?
In the 90s, people used to spend thousands of dollars and wait for months before having their websites up. But now, due to the development of content management systems, the days of coding and error are long gone.
Today, installing a CMS is a very seamless process.
Once installed, a content management system will make everything easier. It’s much safer and up to date with the latest user needs and browser updates.
CMSs are beginner-friendly and can be used by any non-technical person. It only takes a few hours for anyone to learn how to manage the essential features they provide.
Content management systems give endless options for how to customise a website and share content. They support all kinds of media and content — which allows for a wide variety of websites to be created.
What are examples of Content Management Systems?
There are many options to pick from when choosing a CMS for your business. Different content management systems provide different options. Some are best for blogging, while others are created for ecommerce businesses.
For most companies, Wordpress is a great option. Because it provides a mixture of essential features that every business needs today.
It comes with advanced web design tools that will allow you to build and launch your website visually. At the same time, it provides you with freedom when it comes to publishing and managing your content.
Webflow provides a content management system that works for everyone, from designers to developers and content strategists. You can build website pages, design them, and add content without writing a line of code.
Users get multiple layout options to create visually appealing content experiences for their website visitors, and you can create custom content types. Webflow also lets you build a customized search bar to simplify navigation.
You can edit content right on your website page, and give teammates and clients access to add and edit content as well.
HubSpot’s Content Management System (CMS) provides all the features you need to create a website, place top-quality content on the pages, and track performance over time.
You get a drag and drop editor and a library of themes to help you build your site. Users are offered free SEO tips to help them rank, and you can track the behavior of website visitors using an integrated customer relationship management (CRM) system.
HubSpot also provides multi-language support, allowing your visitors to toggle between different language options.
Weebly offers a content management system (CMS) that does it all. Users get powerful tools to build and customize their websites, with unique fonts to help them stand out.
You can add and edit content directly from the front end, and there are advanced animation effects to boost visitor engagement.
While non-technical users can build and design without writing any code, there’s HTML, CSS, and JavaScript functionality for users who want hands-on customization.
Weebly also provides integrated analytics to help you measure and optimize website performance.
BigCommerce has a content management system (CMS) that’s designed primarily for e-commerce businesses. The platform carries design tools that simplify online store creation, and you can add/categorise products using a visual drag and drop editor.
Websites designed on the BigCommerce CMS are optimized for use on mobile phones, and business owners can include an SEO-friendly blog to boost store traffic.
There are advanced customization options for technical users, along with in-built integration with email tools (to improve customer retention) and digital wallets (to facilitate online payments).
Other content management systems include: Drupal, Magento, Wix, Joomla, Shopify, Contentful, Storyblok etc.
How to Install a CMS
To install a content management system, you first need to have a host and a domain name. You can purchase them anywhere on the web.
Then, you have two options:
You can either download the CMS from its official website, then upload it to your hosting file directory. After that, unzip the file and manually install it by visiting the homepage of your website.
But the second option is much better.
You can install a CMS with a few clicks from your hosting provider's user panel. Most hosting companies have this feature as it makes setting up a website fast and easy.
After that, fill in your website details and complete the configuration.
Once your website is up and running, you can start editing its structure and how it looks. With a good CMS, you’ll have endless possibilities for how you want it to look and the type of content you want to publish.
How Can We Help?
Not satisfied with your current CMS and need advice on how to switch over?
Contact us and we could pair you with a team that will walk you through each step and help you achieve the goals you have in mind.
Once you’re switched over, come back and check out our training courses for lessons in marketing that could prove invaluable to your business.
