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You may have heard the term CMS as it relates to web hosting, and it’s good to have at least a passing understanding of what CMS stands for, and what it can do for you in terms of managing your websites content.
CMS stands for content management systems, a broad term encompassing a number of actual systems that all perform the same function, and that is to publish and manage a large variety of content on your website in a manner that is both collaborative and easy to use. CMS systems are database driven, and enable users who have little or no programming languages at their disposal the ability to publish, edit, and otherwise manage the content on a given website.
A CMS can dramatically cut down on IT costs, and enable tasks to be outsourced far more easily. What used to take weeks to get changes made on your site from a webmaster can now take place in house from a semi tech-savvy individual who understands the basics of the particular CMS system. Setting up a CMS on your own server may require someone with a lot of experience, but in reality most web hosting companies have CMS systems ready for install within a few clicks, obviating the need for technical help. In essence, CMS systems are basically website maintenance tools for non-techies.
So what are some of the things a CMS can do for you? Here is a short list of the usual features that most CMS systems employ:
• Automated Templates — Standard templates that enable you to change the appearance and features of your entire site without having to edit each page individually.
• WYSIWYG Editing Tools — A CMS system will have WYSIWYG (what you see is what you get) editing tools available, making editing your content as simple as writing an email. If you can use Word, you can edit content on a CMS.
• Numerous Feature Modules – Most CMS systems accommodate feature modules or plugins that help you to easily employ attractive functions to improve your site. On Wordpress, for instance, there are literally thousands of plugins to help you accomplish almost any task.
• Web Standards – A competent CMS will automatically update to keep their web standards compliant, and keep your site at its best.
• Security — Most CMS systems keep their systems security in good shape, thus removing that task from your plate.
• Email management Systems — Enables you to compile mailing lists and manage them, if you wish to do that in-house.
• Payment Processing Systems and Shopping Carts — Easy to install payment processors and shopping carts, and makes shopping from your site a breeze.
• Blogs and Forums – Helps you to stay in touch with your customers and community.
As you can see, using a CMS can greatly enhance the functionality and ease of management for your site. A dedicated employee can learn to use a CMS easily, and save you an incredible amount of time and money when it comes to site management. Take a moment to consider using CMS today!
