A CMS website can be marvellous, enabling you to update your own website on demand, wherever and whenever it suits you, but there are an awful lot of them on the market and they’re not all easy to use or suitable for what you want for your business. Here are 10 tips on what to consider before you buy:
1. Is it WYSIWYG (what you see is what you get)?
You need to be able to see how it will look on the web, so text entry boxes just don’t hack it anymore.
2. Do I have to pay for it?
‘Free’ systems are never free. Commercial organisations need to earn money so watch out for the hidden costs.
3. How easy is it to use?
Don’t just read the marketing literature, check it out and ask if you can see a demo – easy is a comparative term.
4. “If you build it they will come” Or SEO?
OK, so a CMS website can put you in control but make sure it understands search engines’ requirements so that people can find your site when they search for your keywords.
5. Can you analyse your CMS success?
Make sure you’re able to analyse your visitors’ interest so you can change the website to meet their demands.
6. Is it Flexible?
Make sure the CMS works for you and that you don’t have to change your ideas to fit. And get a list of add-ons that are available now and planned.
7. Was it designed for you?
Make sure it can do what you need it to do in your market for your customers.
8. What about Social Media & Platforms?
The use of social media and mobile browsers is growing. Test out sites created to make sure they can accept feeds from your social media channels.
9. Can it work with my team?
Don’t forget, you and your team will have established a work methodology; make sure the CMS supports your team operation and management.
10. “Ah, yes, but can it…?”
Finally, you won’t have thought of everything, so make sure the CMS can be tailored/modified to whatever quirky thing you think of!
OK, that’s the executive flying visit to the 10 questions. But if you’re serious about CMS then take the time to read more detail in our article about what to look for when buying a CMS website and enjoy. Remember a CMS is for life – or at least it should be, if it can be expanded as your business grows!
I’d like to know what you think – do you have any other advice to offer readers who might be about to buy a CMS? Please leave a comment or reply below.
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