Common mistakes when choosing a content management system

Posted: 14/11/2014 7:16:00 AM. | By: Kev Seeley

What is a CMS? A CMS or Content Management System is a system that enables anyone to manage a website without having to learn the technology that drives the website. Creating, editing and publishing content becomes faster and easier.

However, most people can unknowingly make mistakes when choosing the right CMS. Here are the top content management system mistakes that every person should avoid:

Not understanding what your business really needs

Many people make the mistake of buying or contracting a CMS without first understanding the real needs of the business. As a result, the CMS functions do not meet the necessities of the business, and the problem isn't properly addressed. To prevent this, make sure that you've taken the time to understand the needs of your business and that the chosen CMS meets those needs.

Not taking the time to study CMS features fully

Before purchasing a CMS, it is important to understand exactly what solutions it provides, its features, its advantages for your company along with any of its weaknesses or disadvantages.

Thinking that one CMS is a solution to all your needs

Content management system applications vary depending on the solution they are targeted for. You can choose from more than 1,000 different CMS products worldwide, all of which have been built for various markets or solutions. This is the main reason why doing extensive research is very important before you purchase any product.

Limiting your options to large or well known CMS providers only

When it comes to purchasing CMS products, most people prefer to buy from a large, well known company. However, it is important to note that buying from a prominent provider doesn't necessarily guarantee that the product will not fail. Purchasing from a smaller vendor that specializes in a particular CMS product will not only save you money, it also allows you to purchase CMS products that are less complicated, easier to use and much easier to modify to suit your needs.

Focusing solely on system requirements

Each CMS product has different sets of features and requirements. However, the more important question to consider should be, "does the product provide the solution to the problem at hand?"

Over thinking your needs

Yes, evaluating the system is important. However, people sometimes tend to over-complicate the real issue. Sometimes, over-evaluation may lead to considering more complex and very expensive products when all a business really needs is a simple Content Management System.

Basing the decision to buy upon the compliance response of the vendor

A simple comply or does not comply response from a vendor is an ineffective way of comparing products and vendors. A better way to know whether a CMS product is the right one for your business is to ask for more descriptive responses from different vendors.

Not considering how the CMS works

Understanding how to operate the CMS is crucial for the success of a business as well. It is important to make sure that the system is easily adaptable and that the person who will be actually using the CMS is comfortable with it.

Thinking that a CMS is all you need

A content management system is just one tool in your business marketing kit, it is not the sole factor in attaining a business's success. Don't overlook other areas of the business just because you've implemented a new system.

websitecms

SHARE: