A Content Management System (CMS) is an application allowing information to be better managed, presented and published. There are a number of reasons why you should consider a content management system over a traditional web site design, some of these are discussed here.

Designed To Put Content First

Content should always be key but sometimes you can get lost in the look and feel and fiddling around at the backend. A content management system will still let you do this if you really feel the urge but it detaches the content from the design and layout allowing you to focus your efforts on producing good quality content whilst still providing a mechanism for building a good design.

You Do Not Need To Be A Web Geek

You can pretty much forget about HTML, XML, PHP, ASP, JavaScript and the rest because a good content management system you can format your text using familiar methods (though you can often still utilise those features if you desire!). Images can be added by simply inserting them using a simple interface. Tools such as Windows Live Writer allow you to prepare your content offline and publish in one simple step.

You Can Get Started Quickly

Many content management systems come with a number of standard templates and themes (designs), some systems such as Joomla, Drupal and WordPress have a huge number of additional designs to get you going. It can be very quick to get a site up and running at minimal cost. You can then focus on the design elements as an exercise of its own. Online content management systems such as WordPress and Blogger are available to get you up and running very quickly.

You Can Update Your Own Content

On a traditional website you may have to employ a web developer or dedicated technical resource to make a minor change such as updating a word in a paragraph. With a content management system you can make your own content changes whenever you like, putting yourself back in the driving seat. Your content can become much more topical and respond to current events as your business requires.

Recover Old Pages Using Version History

A number of content management systems allow you to maintain version history of web pages so if you don’t like the page you just updated you can quickly go back to an earlier version. Your content can also be easily backed up should you need to store it longer.

Extend Your Site Quickly and Easily

Content management systems usually have a number of plug-ins, add-ons and modules that can add new, or extend existing, functionality to your site. Need an RSS feed quickly? Or perhaps a Calendar application or Gallery? Need Feedback, Comments – find a plug-in module, even SEO can be plugged in (some CMS have SEO facilities built in). Try not to get too carried away with extending your site until you understand the features of the management system.

Setup Workflow

With a CMS you can create workflow consisting of contributors, authors, editors and publishers to ensure the content is managed properly and orderly.

Access Anytime Anywhere

With a traditional website you might need a specific connection method, such as FTP or SSH, to upload your staged content to your presentation server. Content management systems typically have a web based administrative front end that can be accessed in the office or on the move as you require.

Be More Dynamic and Schedule Content

Content can change much more often and be more relevant and timely using a content management system. Content can also be scheduled for inclusion at set times.

More Focused Design

Detaching the layout and design from the content actually frees the design process and can lead to side benefits. For example, your site can take on different styles and gain a visual refresh simply by adding a new theme. If you choose to go for a dedicated design the designer can focus on the conceptual layout rather than getting overwhelmed by the content.

Links To Content Management Systems

• WordPress
• WordPress (Hosted)
• Joomla
• Drupal
• Mambo
• SharePoint
• Plone
• Blogger

Remember, not all applications may suit a content management system so it is important to consider what you require before deciding either way.

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