How to Choose the Right CMS Platform for your Website

There are more than 1.8 billion websites globally, and the number is only increasing rapidly. There are several ways to create and manage a website. This includes developing it from scratch using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. This method, however, requires a lot of time and expertise.

An easier alternative to build and manage your website is to use a Content Management System (CMS). A CMS is a platform that lets you quickly create a website without having to write code. It comes with an interface and tools that make it easy to customize your website and add content to it. These systems are a great way to manage your website without wasting time and money.

There are countless CMS solutions out there. Some of the commonly used ones include WordPress, Drupal, Joomla, and Magento. Each of the CMS options comes with its advantages and disadvantages. Therefore, it is important to select the right platform for your website, as this will determine the success of your website.

Some of the important factors to consider when selecting the right CMS platform are discussed below.

Ease of Use

The CMS should be easy to use and understand for both experienced web developers and beginner users. Different CMSs have different levels of difficulty and complexity. Some might require you to know HTML and CSS. Others may be more intuitive and user-friendly. Consider your skill level and determine which platform is best for you.
As a general rule, look for a CMS that comes with a user-friendly interface and easy-to-understand features. This will make it easier to get your website up and running in no time. Some popular CMSs come with drag-and-drop features, which make it easier than ever to create your website.

Functionality and Features

One of the, if not the, most important factors to consider is the type of functionality and features you need. Different CMSs offer different features and tools. WordPress, for instance, maybe a good choice for blogging, while Magento or Drupal may be better suited for eCommerce websites.
Make sure to look into all the features offered by each platform and determine which one is best for your website’s purpose. Another important factor to consider is the type of content you want to create. Some CMSs are better suited for creating text-based content, while others offer more options for multimedia content, such as images and videos.

Security

According to Urjashee Shaw, Full Stack developer at Simpalm, a web development company in Chicago, “Website security should be a major concern when selecting a CMS platform. You want to make sure that the platform you choose is robust enough to protect your website from malicious attacks. Make sure to research the security features of each platform and, if possible, test them before making a decision.

Some security aspects to consider include encryption, authentication, database protection, and regular updates. These features will help keep your website safe from cyber threats. Also, ensure that the CMS is updated regularly, as this will help protect against the latest security threats.”

Market Ubiquity

The more popular a platform is, the easier it will be to find developers and designers who are familiar with that platform. Consider the market prevalence of the CMS you’re considering, as this will make it easier to find help if and when you need it.

To find out which CMS is most popular, you can search online and read reviews. This will give you a better idea of which platforms are most commonly used by web developers and designers. You can also ask your peers and colleagues for their recommendations.

Omnichannel Support

Nowadays, it’s important to make sure your website is accessible on all devices as well as all operating systems. Make sure that the CMS you choose offers omnichannel support so that customers can access your website on any device or platform. This includes PCs, tablets, and smartphones.

Also, consider how easy it is to deploy changes and updates across multiple devices. This will make sure that your website remains consistent across all platforms. It will also save you time and energy, as you won’t have to optimize your content for each device manually.

Scalability

According to Jeffrey Vocell, Senior manager at HubSpot, “You want to ensure that your CMS is scalable so that the platform can accommodate the growth of your business in the upcoming years. This means that it should be able to handle more content and larger traffic volumes as your website grows.

To check scalability, look into the features of each platform and read up on its capacity. Also, consider additional plugins or modules that can be added to extend your CMS’s features and capabilities.”

Cost

CMSs can range from free to expensive. Make sure to consider the overall cost of the platform, including hosting fees, plugins, and any other associated costs. For example, WordPress is free to use, but you may have to pay for certain plugins and additional features.
Also, consider the value per dollar spent on the CMS. Determine which features you need and use this to compare the cost of different solutions. This will help you find a CMS that offers the most features for the lowest price.

Customer Support

Make sure that the CMS platform you choose has a strong support system in place. This includes tutorials, forums, and customer service. Having access to support can save you a lot of time and energy when dealing with any issues that may arise.

Make sure to do your research and read up on the customer support offered by each platform. This will ensure that you have access to help when needed. Generally, the CMS should offer customer service via phone, email, or live chat. Moreover, support should be available 24/7. This will ensure that any issues you have can be resolved quickly.

Wrapping Up

Selecting the right CMS platform for your website is an important decision that can make or break your online success. Consider all the factors discussed above and make sure to choose a platform that fits your needs, budget, and skill level. With the right CMS, you can ensure that your website will be successful and reliable. We hope this information has been helpful in your research.