When visiting a website, it’s easy to take for granted the complexity of what you’re seeing. Behind every header, button, graphic and feature is silent, but not still, code. As web technologies are updated, websites must be adapted in order to avoid bugs, errors and crashes.
Countless pages, containing text, media content and fancy widgets, must be perfectly organised for optimal performance. For those unable or unwilling to get stuck in to the more complicated areas of website maintenance, the ones and zeros, a content management system quickly becomes your best friend.
What is a Content Management System?
Although a Content Management System (CMS) isn’t necessary for the operation of a website, the majority of sites take advantage of them. This is because a CMS is essentially software for posting, modifying and rearranging site content in the easiest way possible. ‘WordPress’ is the most popular example, which is currently used by 37% of all websites online.
A CMS is actually a two-part system, featuring a content management application (CMA) and a content delivery application (CDA). Instead of starting on a terrifyingly blank HTML page, the CMS uses a user-friendly interface to allow you to navigate and edit your site effortlessly.
Let’s use an example. You want to bold some text on a page, and also add a call to action (CTA) widget. Rather than revising your coding skills, you can simply use the CMA admin panel to either press a few buttons or drag and drop desired elements – Voila!
As soon as you’re done with those amendments, you just press ‘publish’. Behind the scenes, the CDA is converting your work into the finalized coded content, instantly ready for new visitors.
Why do I need a CMS for my Website?
There are plenty of ways a CMS will enhance your website management experience. Here are some of the biggest benefits:
- CMS is Intuitive
Anyone with word-processing skills can get by with the basic elements of a CMS, without any need to learn about scripting languages (HTML, CSS, JavaScript). As a central interface, a CMS is far less confusing than having to manually code, which would mean trawling through hundreds of pages to make an endless series of corresponding changes. Those that would prefer a less active role in their web management can use a professional SEO agency.
- Multiple Site Users
A CMS is the safe way to accommodate multiple site users simultaneously accessing the back end of your site. A centralised hub means that content can be written, custom code added and security updates implemented all at the same time. For optimised content marketing, a CMS is just more efficient, whether you’re talking about permissions or productivity.
- Stress-free Maintenance
Having a CMS enables owners to make faster changes to their site. From a single dashboard, you are free to redesign the entire homepage or simply add a new images or updated information to blog posts. Another benefit is that your experience of web management will be consistent regardless of the device used – you can make changes anywhere around the world!
Greater Success with CMS
Just as most website owners aren’t professional developers, neither are most customers. A CMS handles the fundamental workings of your site, including code, infrastructure, and database queries, so that you’re able to dedicate time to things more influential on the fun parts like content and design. This makes CMS a must for effective digital marketing.
When you find the optimal way of streamlining effective SEO and the CMS, maintaining a website is shockingly simple. While design is a key component of the user interface (UI), one which you cannot neglect, many visitors prioritise valuable content. Produce interesting, relevant content, let the CMS worry about the details, and see greater success for your business.