If you just need a small web site with few interactive features and don't need to make regular updates then a static html web site may be sufficient. If you intend to build a large web site with lots on content that needs to be changed constantly then consider a web content management system (CMS).

CMS Benefits

There are many different types of CMS so your decision will depend on what you want to achieve with your web site. Here are some features to consider when looking for the most suitable CMS for your business.

1. Update Content

A CMS has an admin panel that you access with a user name and password. Within the admin panel you can update and add content automatically across all web pages.

2. Create Online Surveys and Polls

This is built in to the CMS so you can easily collect, store and publish the results.

3. Templates

Templates allow you to separate the design from the content. If you wish to change the design you just use a different template. The new design will change the whole look of your site without altering the content.

4. Author Access

You may want other people beside yourself add content to the web site. You can set up different permissions for each person i.e. one person can just add content; another can have the ability to change the template.

5. Runs on your computer

A CMS contains the files for the front end of the site which is stored on your computer and a database that stores the information. The database runs on a hosted server. Many web hosts already have a number of CMS systems to choose from. You simply install it from the admin panel manager of your web host. Check your web hosting service first before you decide to use them as not all have this feature.

Running the web content management system on your own computer enables you to have more control over your files. You can alter and upload them to your server as needed.

6. RSS Feeds

Really simple syndication or RSS is allows your content to automatically be published to RSS directories. Also visitors can access your content with their feed readers. This will attract lots search engine traffic.

7. Accessibility

A CMS allows you to update the content from anywhere in the world as long as you have internet access. Even if your authors are located in different countries they can all still contribute to your site.

If you have a large site that needs frequent updating by different authors, consider building a web content management system.