Factors to Consider when Choosing a CMS

Without predefined requirements, choosing a CMS can be very tricky. You may fall for those that have fancy tools that you will never need, or a CMS that sounds easy to use but misses some vital tools. To avoid disappointments and false hopes, it is good to understand what you should check in a CMS before choosing to use it. Below is a good list of these factors.

Core functionality

A CMS’s basic functions include page organization, creating, editing and deleting content. Many people make the mistake of assuming that any CMS out there has all these basic functions installed. However, these are CMS that lack one or more of the basic functions while others have them at a level that is less intuitive than expected. For example, not all CMS, allow the tree hierarchy of page arrangement. They instead allow arrangement according to age or category. This and many other limitations can cause frustrations and should thus be examined carefully.

The text editor

The core functions of a text editor are addition and amendment of content. Many CMS use WYSIWYG editor which has limited functions that are included in modern editors.  You need a text editor that allow the content provider to mark up lists, headings, links and other important elements without affecting how they will appear. In addition, ensure that your editor can handle downloadable files and images.

Asset management

Some weak CMS have a poor handling of files and images. This could be in the form of poor usability or limited accessibility. When settling for a CMS, ensure that it has image editing tools like resizing, cropping and rotating. In the case of files, you need a CMS that handles file attachment and downloading. You also need to ask yourself how they appear to the users and visitors.

The search function

This is a very important function in any website. Most visitors search for the content they need whenever they visit your site. Instead of flipping through hundreds of pages, you need to allow them a place where they can type what they want and they search for it. Since most CMS have this function, it is the finer details of search that matter. How often does search index the latest content? Does search include webpages only or both webpages and files? How fast is the search engine? Can you customize what appears in search? All these are important considerations about the site engine in your CMS.

Presentation Customization

How the content in your website is displayed should not be controlled by technology. You need a CMS that doesn’t limit the design and accessibility of your content. Settle for a CMS that allows you to customize how your website appears to visitors.

Multilingual support

This is perhaps the most important feature of all business and corporate websites. What happens when a customer doesn’t understand the language used on your site? Can they translate the content freely on the site? If your business has an international market, or intends to grow to reach such a scope, then you need thee feature to make it easier for customers and visitors to understand your website’s content.

Arcabase

We are a group of certified technology professionals devoted to helping businesses, any type of non-profit organizations, educational organizations as well as government organizations regardless of their size.

Arcabase

We are a group of certified technology professionals devoted to helping businesses, any type of non-profit organizations, educational organizations as well as government organizations regardless of their size.