Content Management Systems: The Pros and the Cons

What is a CMS?

A content management system (CMS) is a user platformwhich allows one to easily edit and maintain the content on their website including pictures, videos, text, and blog posts. Some popular examples of CMS platforms are WordPress, Joomla, and Drupal. Web designers and developers work together to create themes and integrate them into the system to make updates an effortless process for you. These are generally customized to cater to your individual needs.
The benefits of a CMS
There are numerous advantages to a content management system including SEO, ease of use, and many more.
A Back-End
A content management system produces a powerful back-end for your business to manage. Without one, you’d be stuck editing documents you don’t understand with some word editing program you have. A back-end eliminates the confusion, code, and uploading process and lets you focuson the things you need: the content.
Search Engine Optimization
How you rank in the popular search engines is very important to your website’s traffic and sales. Generally speaking, a website powered by a content management system is known to rank higher. Additionally, there are optional plug-ins (or add-ons) that can be installed that increases your SEO by giving you the ability type in details such as keywords and website descriptions. Another option to consider is addingplug-ins that can closely advise you on your SEO efforts and provide additional support in this area.
Easy to Use
Generally, content management systems are simple to learn and continuously use. All it takes is a few lessons of training and you will become an expert on the basics. Once you have, you can fluently and effortlessly manage everything on your website.
May cost less over time
Having control over the content on your site means that you do not have to engage your web designer to update the site for you. If you require regular updates on content or products, then a CMS may prove to be the most cost effective option for you.
The disadvantages of a CMS
Like every great thing, content management systems do have some down-sides. These disadvantages should be taken into great consideration when it comes to your website management.
It’s costly
Compared to a static website, a CMS driven website will generally set you back more. If you are limited by a budget, you might need to weigh up the difference in cost in building a static or a CMS driven site.
Updates
Content management systems require maintenance and updates to ensure the security and integrity of the website. However although these are recommended annually, they are not compulsory.
Time-Consuming
A CMS will require additional build time. So if you have a business or product launch date, this may affect the type of website you can build in time.
So, The Verdict?
The answer really lies within your individual business needs. Are you building an ecommerce site where you will regularly update products. Or do you have a cake business which requires regular image updates of your latest design?
If you still need help on this topic, we at JTBStudios would be glad to assist you further in your website needs. We offer affordable yet effective solutions to innovate your online business identity.