A content management system, or CMS, is a type of software that is used for managing documents and websites. A content management system like an organization tool that helps keep track of inter-office content and archives everything as needed. It is a system that can be accessed by a number of people and doesn’t require a lot of additional skills besides learning the workings of the system itself.
A content management system may include some, all, or more features such as SEO-friendly URLs, integrated file managers, publishing templates, group-based permission systems, format management facilities that create PDFs and HTML documents from scanned documents, editing and updating tools, intuitive search, indexing, and retrieval tools to name a few. These features make it easy to keep a business running smoothly, even for those who might not be techically minded. A content management system makes website design and maintenance easier and quicker.
When specific changes or updates are needed, a content management system helps to avoid the task of needing to go search through endless pages and tackling them one at a time. One of the greatest benefits of the content management system is that while changes and updates are being made, the site remains up and viewable. If a website creator does not have designing skills, many CMS programs have built-in themes that can be used. Another benefit of content management systems are that they are search engine optimization (SEO-friend). A plugin will support SEO on the website and help to improve the website’s ranking.
Speaking of plugins, content management systems are quite dependant on them, which can be seen as a downside as thet can be pricey and require widgets. Overall though, they provide benenfits to any website including shopping carts to allow for purchases; polls to allow visitors to leave their thoughts and opinions; newsletters to keep visitors and customers up-to-date; banner advertising; forums; and chat rooms where users can interact with one another and even the website creator just to name a few.
Who will benefit from a content management system? A business with a number of employees benefits greatly from a content management system. Everyone can have access to the wesbite, which allows for anyone to make changes should something come up unexpecetedly. This can be done from individual accounts and from home or on the go, so being in the office is not a requirement. A content management system also allows people to collaborate on various projects. Everyone can access files without them being sent individually to each participant. Anyone looking for a cost effective way to run a website may benefit from a content management system. As mentioned, the plugins can be pricey, but the cost of website maintenance will go down as it can be done right from the system instead of having to hire a web designer or developer to make changes.
The benefits of a content management system is a solid option for keeping a growing business and website up and running, maintained and organized.
