Introduction:
A Content Management System (CMS) is a software application that supports creation and modification of digital content. Content Management Systems make life simple for business organizations by allowing them to have control on the content on their website without knowing how to mess with the code. It is essential for companies to make sure that the information they are putting out to the public is accurate and up to date. Without a system in place, control on the content of website does not exist and consistency in the display of website cannot be ensured. Content Management Systems are developed to accommodate these issues.
The types of content management systems are:
- Web Content Management System (WCMS)
- Digital Asset Management System (DAM)
- Document Management System (DMS)
- Enterprise Content Management System (ECM)
- Component Content Management System (CCMS)
CMS Necessary Checklist
Gather the Proper Resources
Building a website needs to identify two people resources. One resource is responsible for collecting corporate style design guidelines, defining the copy i.e. written terminology and content for the website, and defining the website flow. The second resource is a Content Management System webmaster that cooperates with the first resource, executes the designs, and makes the website work.
Storage and Bandwidth
Ensure that you have all that needed space for what you plan to do with your website. Having an idea of the web space demands for your website will help you pick the best Web hosting plan configuration. This will make your uploaded content constantly accessible on the website and your virtual profile - immune to lack in resources.
Storage and bandwidth
Ensure that you have all that needed space for what you plan to do with your website. Having an idea of the web space demands for your website will help you pick the best Web hosting plan configuration. This will make your uploaded content constantly accessible on the website and your virtual profile - immune to lack in resources.
Organize data within the instance
Make sure that the necessary data and content have been added to the instance before designing the CMS website. Ensure that the data within the system is now developed enough level that it speaks to a reasonable vision of the applications being used.
Storage and bandwidth
Ensure that you have all that needed space for what you plan to do with your website. Having an idea of the web space demands for your website will help you pick the best Web hosting plan configuration. This will make your uploaded content constantly accessible on the website and your virtual profile - immune to lack in resources.
Organize the Content
A CMS website depends on two different types of content:
1. System information, like knowledge base articles and catalog items
2. CMS website information, like website pages, images, and menus.
Make a list of all the contents that you need to host on the CMS pages. Say for example Help pages, My Requests, My Approvals, and specific catalog items. Consider about current solutions to implement right away and ideas for the future.
Branding Elements
Consider the following branding elements which mean the name or term to identify an organization into the process of developing a Content Management System.
1. Logos
2. Color palette
3. Tag line
4. Trademarked elements
5. Graphics
Service Now
Incorporate the following Service Now features if you plan on using any of these features with CMS pages:
1. Account settings
2. Email
3. Workflow Approvals
4. Filters
Leverage corporate style design guidelines
In many cases, the look and feel of your website is directed by a style guide. The content area of a CMS configuration should be no smaller than 860px or service catalog forms will be clipped.
Create Prototypes and Leverage Rapid Web Design
This technique ensures the structure of the CMS website is clearly planned out, considering what needs to be done on each page within the website.
Within the Prototype
1. Define the site map for the whole website.
2. Define detailed paper prototypes for every intended page, including elements for example links, link destinations, content, page names, and page descriptions.
3. At the point when prototypes have been analyzed and used to create pages, revisions to the published pages are negligible. Design revisions are the most time consuming and expensive phase of site design.
Stages of workflow present in a CMS:
- Drafting
- Pending/Approving
- Staging
- Scheduling
- Presenting
- Retired/Archived (Rejected, Suspended, Hold)
Open source content managements systems - which one do you pick?
CMSes are open-source, which means you can use them for free. Content Management Systems includes:
- WordPress
- Drupal
- Joomla
- Megento
- PrestaShop (eCommerce sites)
Here is a short list of some of the most popular system
1. Wordpress – This is a most popular Content Management System and is straight forward and easy to use, supporting both personal blogs and even fully functional websites.
2. Drupal – Drupal is building using modules that can be easily adapted for all your personal needs. This incorporates wide selection of plugins and adds ons.
3. Joomla - Joomla is a very popular open source system that can be used to build a wide range of different website types. The system is "ready to use", and it do not need the support of an IT-Expert to get it to work.
Why developing a Content Management System is Important to Your Business?
Empowers Your Business
Content on your website can be easily add/edit/update as you do not require visual design or coding knowledge. Hence you can make fast and efficient updates, saving your business cost and time.
Search Engine Optimization and Web Marketing
The search engine ranking of your business can be improved by a relevant, a good and easy to use CMS. Dynamic content areas of your website for example, news items, blog posts, new products, events generate RSS feeds which is an integral part of improving search engine ranking.
Working With Your Audience in Mind
With powerful CMS search engines you can set up notifications for certain areas of your website and grant your visitors the ability to fine-tune what they want updates for and make it easier for them.
Improve online branding
The multi-channel campaign management features like emails, brochures, RSS, hyper sites, dynamic content management can keep your business relevant. This improves your online branding significantly.
Manage your entire internet marketing strategy under one roof
A well-developed Content Management System will comprise everything you need to implement an integrative online strategy. As CMS include tools for SEO, email marketing, social media marketing and blogging, you can also use it to create event registration forms, collect fees and donations, and store member information.
Conclusion:
Keep in mind that your website is the centerpiece of your entire internet marketing strategy and CMS is the heart of your website. When you are ready to develop a Content Management System, it is necessary to have a better understanding of what needs to be built and for whom it is meant for. A good CMS can profoundly influence the look and feel of your website and its hierarchy. If you are looking for support to determine your CMS strategy we are here to help at Jayam Web solutions to bring you success in your online efforts.
