If you are a business owner with a good website and are looking to grow your digital presence, then we don’t have to remind you of the importance of keeping your website and its content updated.
However, this is easier said than done, particularly when not tied up with a good MarTech services team. You need to interact with the hosting server at every point, which can take a lot of time and sometimes even break if there is a coding mistake.
To make matters worse, it is virtually impossible to regularly keep your website updated if you don’t have the technical know-how. That’s where Content Management Systems come into the picture!
Whatis a Content Management System, and Why Do You Need One?
A Content Management System (CMS) is essentially a software that acts as an editing platform for you to manage the content on your website regardless of your programming knowledge. You can add, edit, and delete text, images, and videos and manage the website’s menus and pages without ever having to touch a line of code.
In essence, a web CMS gives you or your site’s offshore web agency partners the ability to control the content displayed on your website or blog. It allows companies to use pre-made templates and then customize them with their specific content. The system also eliminates the need for an expensive designer.
This technology saves time and money because it functions like word processing software – there’s no need to learn how to create new templates from scratch using HTML code. Furthermore, it’s easier than ever before for novice marketers and businesses alike to build custom sites online without worrying about knowing or hiring web designers (which can be a lengthy and expensive process).
What Makes a CMS Unique?
A Content Management System is unique because you can log in from anywhere, update content, and edit your website’s appearance at any time.
For example, let’s say you’re out of town on vacation and want to post some photos of your trip on your website. With a CMS, you can click the images, connect to the WiFi, and upload the new content to your website.
Or, if you choose to part ways with the agency after outsourcing web development, then a web CMS will come to your rescue since you don’t have to sweat about hiring a developer.
The same concept can be applied to any aspect of your business – whether you’re on the go or simply out of the office for a few days, you’re able to keep up with everything related to your site.
Best Content Management Systems to Consider for 2022 and Beyond
Now you know all there is to know about a CMS. So, which one should you consider for your business?
Every business is unique, each with different requirements and different ways of functioning. So, the CMS you choose should be ideal for your current business model and its processes.
While a MarTech services company or an offshore web agency can help you with that, here are some of the best ones that you ought to make a note of.
- WordPress
WordPress is undisputedly the most popular CMS for websites out there, with over 40% of the websites being powered by it! It’s free, open-source, and has thousands of templates that you can use to update your website.
It is very easy to learn how to use WordPress, but it has its downsides. For example – since anybody can access its code, it means hackers also can gain access to your website.
Simply put, WordPress is easy to use, but it has some vulnerabilities, so you will need to monitor your site actively for intruders.
- Joomla!
Joomla! is also an open-source CMS that can be used by beginners and advanced users alike. It has a very user-friendly interface, and it is also very secure.
One downside to using Joomla! is that there is a bit of a learning curve. However, it’s well worth it because Joomla! is very powerful and can be used for various website purposes.
- Drupal
Drupal is another popular platform. It doesn’t focus on aesthetics like WordPress, but it makes up for it with added customizable features that perfectly fit any business requirements.
If you’re looking to update your website regularly, then Drupal is the CMS for you as it offers a wide range of features and modules that will allow you to do just that.
- Wix
Wix is an all-in-one website building platform cum web CMS platform that lets novice website builders and small business owners build gorgeous websites without code. It offers a wide range of features, including photo editing tools, eCommerce integration, and SEO services.
What makes Wix unique is that it’s so easy to use. If you have no previous knowledge of website design or development, you’ll be able to create a website on Wix in no time.
However, this ease of use also comes with some limitations. For example, you can’t do much customization with your site or create limitless pages.
- Squarespace
Squarespace is a website builder that’s perfect for small businesses. It offers a wide range of templates to choose from, as well as an easy-to-use interface that makes website creation a breeze.
Like Wix, you’re limited in terms of what you can do with your site. However, Squarespace has more features that you can use to spruce up your website.
- Weebly
Weebly is very similar to Wix and Squarespace in its features and capabilities. It’s perfect for small businesses who are just starting and want a website that’s simple, easy-to-use, and affordable.
- Shopify
If you’re looking to start an online store, then Shopify is the platform for you. It offers a wide range of features that make setting up your eCommerce store quick and easy.
Plus, it’s very secure, so you can ensure that your customers’ data will be safe with Shopify.
However, you may have to pay a monthly subscription fee depending on the services that you use with Shopify.
- BigCommerce
BigCommerce is another eCommerce web CMS platform that you should consider. It offers a wide range of business features and options, including industry-specific services, reports, and analytics.
How to Get Started with a Web CMS?
Different web CMS platforms have different onboarding processes. However, the typical process you have to follow is:
- Choose the right CMS.
- Sign up and choose your plan for payment (in the case of a premium CMS like Wix or Shopify).
- Set up a hosting account.
- Install the CMS software.
- Configure your website’s settings.
- Upload your website’s content.
- Start publishing!
Several hosting providers like HostGator and Hostinger offer a one-click CMS installation in the case of WordPress.
Conclusion
Businesses around the globe realize the growing need for a web CMS and the advantages it has over traditional and more complex ways of updating your website.
As you have seen, there is a wide variety of CMS platforms out there that you should consider. Whether you need an eCommerce platform or just want to create a blog, choosing the suitable CMS is key to meeting your web development needs.
