When website developers are faced with the daunting task of choosing one of the seemingly infinite content management systems (CMS), it is important to consider a few factors. This article will attempt to help you weed out the things you do not need, also, to avoid a few common pitfalls.
It is important to first understand what a content management system (CMS) - or supposed to be. CMS systems are simply web applications that use different methods to allow a user to create and edit content. The content management systems usually have a user-friendly backend interface for you to edit content very easily; this makes it desirable for editing speed and for creating web sites for clients to edit.
What NOT to do when you are choosing a CMS:
- DO NOT let someone else talk you into trying the latest and greatest thing. Being the first on the scene also lets you be the first to finding errors and bugs that haven't been fixed, choose a tried and true system that has been around for a while.
- DO NOT pick a system that is too big for what you are doing. If you want a simple blog, there is no need to go get a CMS like Joomla and install endless files and plug-ins that you don't need.
- DO NOT choose something that you have not tried. Almost every CMS out there worth its salt will have a demo administrator panel for you to see. Make sure YOU are comfortable with the editing process, not some tech guy that you can never get a hold of.
- DO NOT select a CMS without a good forum support system. This lets others share their experience with you. Let their problem solutions become yours and vice versa. Forums and message board communities can be a great help when you run into a glitch.
What you SHOULD do when choosing a CMS:
- DO make sure the system has the full functionality you need for your web site. There is nothing worse than installing a fresh CMS, setting up graphics and CSS files, then realizing it doesn't have a feature you desperately need.
- DO ask people who have already have the system you are looking at what they think. People who have it in use are very candid and will tell you like it is, even if they have no idea who you are.
- DO check for free plug-ins and skins beforehand. You may think you don't want them now, but you may in the future. There is no reason not to do the legwork ahead of time.
- DO try the free content management systems first. There are rarely instances that one of these will not work for your site.
Rating the top free content management systems:
- Drupal - For ease of installation, editing and customizing, this one cannot be beat.
- WordPress - Being heavily favored by pure bloggers has quickly transformed WordPress into a feature rich, plugin rich system with tons of support.
- Magento - Great for e-commerce with tons of features for store owners
- Zen Cart - Another fantastic e-commerce CMS, this isn't quite so easy to set up and customize but is very feature rich and has good support forum with plenty of free add-ons.
- Joomla - Though I have seen some others differ in opinion, once you figure this one out you will be glad you chose it. It has a ton of features that are well worth the learning curve time. Not for the faint-hearted developer.
Robert Jenkins is owner and operator of 20 Miles North, a Spokane website design company, based in Spokane, Washington that focuses on designing custom quality web sites for individuals, non-profit organizations, and small and medium business.
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