Content Management Systems Clarified
Choosing the correct content management system (CMS) is a lot like buying a new car. There are so many options that it can feel overwhelming, but much of your decision will be determined by the end goals of your website. We can categorize CMSs into three general categories:
With so many options available, you may be asking yourself which content management system is the correct choice for your new website, so we'll help you break it down.
Because these platforms are open source, routine updates are necessary in order to keep them running smoothly. Speed is also something to consider. Often times, themes contain a lot of unnecessary overhead and code that you may not use on your site, which can impact the overall load time.
If you are in need of an e-commerce site or an enterprise marketing solution (EMS) this would pose more of a challenge to a cloud based system since that advanced functionality is not built in. Cloud-based systems also require the infrastructure to set up and manage the presentation component of your multiple experiences.
Since enterprise level CMSs are so robust, they require high levels of training to use them to their fullest potential. If you are developing a simple website that doesn't require dynamic content, an enterprise system would require more resources to run, and you wouldn't be utilizing all aspects of the system. With the ease of extensibility comes the cost to maintain and ensure what was developed is running smoothly and is compatible when applying version updates to a site.
Still unsure which CMS is the best fit for your business? Contact us to get our expert opinion.
With so many options available, you may be asking yourself which content management system is the correct choice for your new website, so we'll help you break it down.
WordPress, Umbraco, Drupal, and Joomla
Pros
If you need a simple website with limited customization and you need it done in a timely manner, the CMSs in the open-source category are the right choice for you. WordPress, Umbraco, Drupal, and Joomla all have an easy learning curve since the user interfaces were built with non-developers in mind. To keep implementation easy for creating your site, these platforms allow you to install themes or templates to present your site to the front-end user. There are also plenty of plugins available to help optimize your content and improve your SEO.
Cons
Because these platforms are open source, routine updates are necessary in order to keep them running smoothly. Speed is also something to consider. Often times, themes contain a lot of unnecessary overhead and code that you may not use on your site, which can impact the overall load time.
Kentico Cloud, Contentful, and Prismic
Pros
If you are creating a content-rich website, small campaign microsite, or you need a second or third screen experience like a mobile app or kiosk, a cloud based system is a better choice for you. Cloud based systems allow you to store all of your content in a single place, separating it from the actual front end of your website. These systems allow you to have full control over the presentation of your site without the use of templates and allow you to control how and where your content will appear.
Cons
If you are in need of an e-commerce site or an enterprise marketing solution (EMS) this would pose more of a challenge to a cloud based system since that advanced functionality is not built in. Cloud-based systems also require the infrastructure to set up and manage the presentation component of your multiple experiences.
Kentico, Sitefinity, and Sitecore
Pros
If you are in need of marketing automation, cross-website content sharing, user workflow, or reliable third-party integrations with external systems, an enterprise level CMS would be your best fit. These systems are flexible enough to expand and customize to fit your needs. SEO functionality is built in and easy to take advantage of in order to make sure your sites are optimized using best practices for search engines.
Cons
Since enterprise level CMSs are so robust, they require high levels of training to use them to their fullest potential. If you are developing a simple website that doesn't require dynamic content, an enterprise system would require more resources to run, and you wouldn't be utilizing all aspects of the system. With the ease of extensibility comes the cost to maintain and ensure what was developed is running smoothly and is compatible when applying version updates to a site.Still unsure which CMS is the best fit for your business? Contact us to get our expert opinion.