The digital landscape is constantly evolving, making the selection of a Content Management System (CMS) increasingly complex. With a myriad of options ranging from DIY models to robust SaaS platforms, businesses are often left navigating a sea of choices.
But choosing and implementing a new web content management system doesn’t have to be challenging.
Here are few insider secrets to help you make the best CMS selection for your organization.
But first, let’s look at the types of CMS platforms available today.
Types of Web CMS Platforms
Breaking down CMS platforms into categories helps to understand the market and where your organization fits within it:
- DIY Platforms: Ideal for sole proprietors or small businesses with basic needs. Examples: Squarespace, Wix.
- Small to Medium Platforms: Suitable for websites with a moderate number of pages, integrations, and functionalities. Examples: WordPress, Kentico, HubSpot, Titan CMS
- Large Platforms: These cater to large enterprises with extensive content management needs, featuring advanced functionalities like headless CMS and extensive personalization. Examples: Sitecore, Adobe Experience Manager, Titan CMS
Depending on the size of your business and the complexity of your website, determining the type of CMS that will best suit your size and needs will lead you to evaluating the right CMS vendors right out of the gate.
How to Choose a CMS
Follow these steps to choose the right CMS for your organization:
- Define Your Business and User Needs: This will help you understand what you need from a CMS – from the scale of your content to specific functionalities to what type/s of platforms are best suited for your business. A comprehensive website strategy will help to guide you.
- Conduct Market Research: Investigate different CMS platforms, focusing on those that meet your needs most closely. Visit software review sites like G2, Capterra and others to read actual user reviews.
- Evaluate Vendors: Don’t forget to assess the credibility and support offered by the CMS vendor. This is critical not just for a successful initial implementation but ongoing development going forward.
- Test It Out: Use any free trials offered to test how well the CMS aligns with your needs and operational workflows.
- Make a Decision: Based on your evaluations and overall needs, you’ll be well-positioned to choose the CMS that best fits your business requirements.
But don’t make your final decision without keeping these secrets to successful CMS selection in mind throughout your selection process.
Secrets for Successful CMS Selection
Our expert team has more than 25 years of experience helping organizations of all sizes and across all industries choose the best CMS for them. We’ve seen firsthand what works and what doesn’t, and we want to make sure you end up making the best choice for your unique needs.
When following the steps outlined above, keep these insider tips in mind:
Secret #1: Always Start with Strategy
Your website/UX strategy should guide your CMS vendor selection. Without it, you’re really just guessing. And your users’ and business’s needs are too important for that. Know where you want to go first, before you begin your CMS selection process.
Secret #2: Ignore UX to Your Peril
Good UX is an absolute must for website success. Great CMS systems – and the teams behind them – facilitate good UX. Find a vendor who lives and breathes it, and don’t compromise.
Secret #3: Show, Don’t Tell
CMS vendors will say they can do everything you need, so you must show them instead. Create prototypes or wireflows for critical pages and functionality. Have your potential vendors verify that what you need is doable – and at what cost.
Secret #4: Choose a Team, Not Just a Tool
The knowledge and experience of your CMS team can make all the difference. Make sure the team behind the tool knows their stuff and is a good fit for you.
Secret #5: Ditch the Spreadsheets
Knowing what features you need is important. Creating complex features spreadsheets isn’t. Vendors will say they can do it all, and these lists won’t reveal the differences that really matter.
Bonus Secret: Don’t Get Comfortable with Comparison Charts
Visual charts with high-level comparisons of popular CMS systems feel oh-so satisfying. They make selection seem neat and tidy, but in reality, they don’t account for nuances. Use them for initial research only.
Final Thoughts
Selecting the right CMS is a strategic decision that can significantly influence your business’s success. By understanding the complexities of CMS platforms and engaging with vendors effectively, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your long-term digital goals.
Above all, start your CMS selection armed with a strategy to guide you. With the right strategy, the right CMS, and the right supporting vendor, companies can enhance their digital presence, streamline content management processes, and improve overall operational efficiency.
You’ve got this!
If you feel like you don’t actually have this after all, we’re here to help! Reach out to us anytime. We’ve led dozens of organizations through the CMS selection process and can help you make the right choice, too.