How to Choose Which CMS System Is the Best Fit for You

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How important is a content management system for your organization? Well, it could mean everything. Your content management system, or CMS, is the backbone of your website.

In your CMS system, you organize and format your content. Your CMS system also reflects your content marketing efforts, which affects your website traffic and attracting leads.

But there are so many CMS platform options. Which one should you choose?

There’s a lot of pressure on website owners and marketers. But choosing the right CMS platform boils down to what you need and what will benefit your website.

Here’s how to know which CMS system will work for you.

The Most Important Aspects About a CMS System

When you’re searching for a CMS system there are four major things you should look for. These include:

  • Support
  • Vision
  • Community
  • Stability

Support is the key feature you should find. Unless you’re a tech wiz, any system problems need to be addressed. Services can include user mentoring, strategic guidance, and web development.

You also have to have a vision for your website that reflects your CMS sitemap. If your vision is entwined in the system, your website will grow into a work of art.

But if you use your vision on a CMS platform that doesn’t support what you want, then your website won’t look up to par with your expectations.

If you’re unsure of your vision, reach out to your customers and co-workers. Ask for their advice. Visit competitor websites and find out how your CMS system can excel.

You’ll also want your website to improve and adapt to any changes.

A CMS platform needs to have stability but also flexibility. You’ll know your website will still look great and will perform well, even if you have to undergo changes or updates.

On-Premise vs Hosted CMS

There are two main CMS solutions: on-premise and hosted. Here are the definitions:

On-Premise — you purchase a license and install the system on your servers.

Hosted — this option you’re leasing server space, usually on a cloud server. You sign up for a hosting subscription and pay either monthly or yearly.

Hosting servers are becoming more popular because they’re affordable and flexible. But on-premise CMS platforms are desirable for companies who have specific or intricate demands.

Do You Need Software or a Strategy?

When you imagine the perfect CMS system, do you imagine a system that abides by your every need? Or do you think more in terms of planning content and using the CMS to publish that content?

Here’s another example: do you need your CMS platform optimized for video hosting, image hosting, multiple fonts, extensive plug-ins, and other necessary features? Or do you just need to publish some writing with a few images?

This difference determines which kind of CMS platform you need. High-tech CMS platforms focus on all of the bits and pieces that make your website accessible, for both you and the website visitor.

But if you focus more on the actual content creation portion and need a reliable CMS platform to publish your work, you can get away with a simpler structure.

If you’re still unsure, start with simple. Find a CMS system that’s free or cheap but allows upgrades. This way, you can easily advance if it’s necessary.

One issue website owners and marketers include switching up their CMS platforms when it’s not tech enough or too intricate and expensive. Know what you want first before subscribing or buying a system.

Find Out What Your Employees and Stakeholders Prefer

You will likely not be the only one using the system. Your employees and stakeholders will be using the system daily.

Ask around the office and see if your employees have experience using a CMS system. You’ll be surprised how many of your workers are bloggers and content creators. Ask their advice and what they recommend.

In addition, reach out to stakeholders and anyone you outsource. These colleagues have a professional and in-depth understanding of a myriad of different systems and could give you any information you didn’t know previously.

Some of these colleagues include:

  • Project managers
  • IT professionals
  • Marketing professionals
  • Sales professionals

Reaching out and gaining more insight will ensure you make the best decision.

Research and Narrow Down Your Options

Now that you have an idea of what you want, you can research different CMS options. As you dig deeper, you’ll see qualities that you like and dislike of each.

As you research, write down each system with a pros and cons list. When you’re done, observe the list.

Keep the ones where the pros outweigh the cons, and then dig even deeper. Research testimonials, YouTube demonstrations, and times the system is mentioned in the media.

This way, you’ll get a good sense of the best CMS system for you and all of the competitors.

Other Information to Consider

If you’re still stumped, read these options. Use them to make a decision.

Impact

The most important thing to remember is to buy a CMS system that has a positive impact on your business. Go with your gut feeling. You know your business better than anyone; how everything works and what works best.

Costs

Each platform has a cost. This requires overhead, maintenance, upgrades, and any additional features you’ll need.

You’ll need to compile a budget but will also need to prepare for additional charges. Decide if purchasing a license is more worthwhile or if leasing a CMS is better.

Requirements

All CMS platforms are necessary requirements. This includes your system, your internet, and if you have multiple devices or if your employees bring their own devices.

If you rely on internet and employee devices, a cloud will benefit you. But if everything is internal, you should go with an on-premise CMS system.

Which CMS System Will You Choose?

Your CMS system is the backbone of your website. But there are so many CMS options, it’s difficult to know which CMS system you should choose. There are many options and all have different technical requirements.

Knowing your requirements and preferences will help you know which CMS system is the best for your organization.

For more advice and information on CMS systems, visit our blog.