Content Management Systems for small businesses give you the ability to edit and update content on a website. CMS systems come in a variety of versions, and can range in price from free to expensive custom-built applications.
Here we will cover the basic ideas behind content management systems and how it can benefit your content strategy.
Why use a CMS?
A CMS system allows you to easily edit pages and regularly update content on your website. With the increasing importance search engines are placing on fresh content, having a system that allows anyone on your team to update information is essential.
Systems like Drupal or WordPress can actually run very large websites. In fact, some very large and complex sites are currently powered by Drupal. Additionally, CMS systems are scalable, allowing you the ability to add hundreds of pages and grow your site into a very robust hub of information. Many static websites are confined to a set number of pages, and adding new content may be a difficult process.
How do you choose a CMS?
Selecting the CMS that you choose for you website will depend on your technology experience and the level of support you have with your site. The good thing is that the most popular CMS systems all have huge online support forums where you can get help with most issues you face.
The complexity of different systems can vary quite a bit.
More complex CMS systems include WordPress, Drupal, and Joomla. If you are starting, WordPress is relatively easy to learn, robust, and comes with a ton of free tools to help content and SEO. Drupal and Joomla are a bit more complicated, but are very robust
Easier website building tools include Wix, Squarespace, and more. Personally, I steer away from these services because I prefer a website with more control over the technical aspects (like WordPress). However, if you have limited technical knowledge, you can build a pretty decent site easier with these tools.
How much is a CMS System?
Most of the most popular content management systems are free. You install it on your server, and you are ready to roll in no time. You can also use free themes and plugins to get a custom look and extra functionality for your site.
However, many businesses who use a CMS for their website will also need a custom theme and/or custom plugins developed to suit their needs. This is where the cost usually arises from using these systems. Wix and Squarespace are around $15 to $30 per month.
Next steps to getting started with a CMS
If you have limited technical knowledge, and are using WordPress, Drupal, or Joomla, contact a local web developer or web development company to get you set up. Their services will include setting up your domain, setting up hosting, and building out your website. They should also give you some training on using the platform so you can maintain the site yourself.
If you are a DIY person, try it out. Hosting companies are cheap and you can set up a WordPress pretty quickly to get started. I use Dreamhost, and have been happy with their service.
