You need a reliable website to transform your online business idea into reality and achieve your goals. However, the lack of coding expertise may hold you back. Not to worry, though. Possessing an exceptional website that you can maintain and update is entirely feasible. This is possible even if you lack knowledge of HTML or computer programming. A Content management system (CMS) simplifies creating websites. The best CMS for your requirements will differ based on whether you intend to sell products online, share blog posts, or provide services. Irrespective of the intention, seven crucial features should be present in every CMS. It’s important to thoroughly understand these features before you start working with a professional web development company. In this blog, we will have a look at those essential features.
6 Important Features You Should Consider For CMS Web Development
Content Editing and Publishing
The content strategy for every online business should encompass different content forms. It includes blogs, landing pages, eBooks, and podcasts. All of them require deliberate planning before being released. A proficient CMS equipped with exceptional publication tools enables businesses to handle content by adhering to their content calendar.
With attributes like one-click publishing, scheduling capabilities, and others, organizations can decide when the content goes live. They should be able to seamlessly incorporate images, videos, CTAs, forms, and more. Additionally, they should be able to rearrange them within the publishing interface. Apart from these, a preview feature must be available for reviewing the page before publication.
Integration
Not every content management system can handle all of a business’s in-house requirements. As a result, it depends on strong third-party integrations to fulfill certain tasks within the content workflow. Here are a few integrations worth checking when selecting a CMS for web development:
Social Media
There are a couple of things to check before you decide on the right CMS tool for building your online platform. Can it facilitate sharing posts on social media? Are options available to incorporate social media sharing buttons within your posts? Will there be an option for social media analytics in the dashboard?
Marketing Automation
While certain CMS tools come with in-built marketing automation functions, you might opt to integrate with an external automation tool for enhanced conversion generation.
Usually, integrations are available as “plugins” or “extensions” tailored for a specific CRM. WordPress, renowned as the best CMS for developers, boasts an extensive array of extensions featuring a directory of over 50,000 free plugins.
Security
It is important to ensure the security and reliability of your content management system platform. A CMS web development company must take every possible measure to safeguard your website against malicious endeavors.
Fortunately, the majority of CMS platforms are equipped with robust security measures. Moreover, they undergo regular updates to counter emerging threats. Nevertheless, selecting a platform that provides backup options and frequent security patch installations is prudent. These help guarantee the safety of your data under all circumstances.
Take WordPress, for instance. This CMS platform provides two distinct types of updates: security updates and major releases. Through major releases, they introduce new features and functionalities. On the other hand, security updates help address vulnerabilities that malicious actors could exploit.
Most content management systems are secure. However, you must still invest in additional security measures. It includes enforcing two-factor authentication and adopting advanced website protection. By working with an experienced web development company, you can get valuable suggestions in this regard.
Responsive Themes
When examining CMS tools, you must check their range of themes. Themes play a significant role in creating a consistent look and feel across your website. Consider an eCommerce platform as an example. You may opt for a theme offering drop-down navigation assistance and customizable content segments.
You can either buy such themes or even construct one yourself. Will your CMS web developer use Shopify? You can then acquire the Kingdom theme.
Digital Asset Management
A digital asset manager (DAM) functions as the repository for all files and media content. Let me explain it further. Imagine it as the equivalent of a file manager tailored for your CMS. It serves as a centralized hub for overseeing the utilization and accessibility of any file you upload. A basic DAM is an inherent feature of a standard CMS. You can also choose from the more advanced solutions that are offered as independent products.
When selecting a CMS for website building, keep in mind a couple of things. You must ensure that the tool has an intuitive user interface. This is particularly beneficial when you’re navigating through numerous files. Additionally, updating content becomes easier by being able to modify file metadata and alternative text for images.
Support
The majority of open-source platforms lack conventional customer service departments that are accessible for direct inquiries. Instead, they furnish comprehensive documentation and rely on a user community. It allows the creation of forums, user groups, and events that address any knowledge gaps.
Take Joomla as an example. This CMS boasts a community of 700,000 members actively engaging in discussions within the Joomla support forum to tackle software-related topics. You can depend on open-source communities for reliable information. It enables you to resolve issues independently. If you have partnered with a CMS web development company, they will provide the required support.
Nevertheless, there might be instances when you can’t delve into these resources or wait for a response on a support forum. Imagine your website suddenly goes offline, and you’re unable to discern the cause. In such scenarios, rapid assistance becomes imperative.
This is where a proprietary CMS excelling in live support becomes useful. While assessing platforms based on support, consider the support offered for non-critical and critical situations.
Conclusion
Each CMS possesses its own distinct characteristics. However, there are certain features that you must consider when choosing a platform. The optimal software should have a user-friendly dashboard. Additionally, there must be in-built SEO tools and robust security settings, among other pivotal elements.
Collectively, these allow you to construct a website that captivates and engages your visitors. Hire a professional development team specializing in CMS website design to achieve the best result.
