Unlocking the Power of CMS: What is a Content Management System?

In an increasingly digitized world, professionals need to know the answer to the question, “what is a content management system, CMS?”. The content management system, as the name suggests, is a system that lets you take complete control of your content, so you can write, edit, publish, design, and modify your content the way you want it to be displayed and interact with your customers. To simply put it, a CMS would be a command central for all your digitized properties like websites, applications, internal systems, etc. The modern CMS is a powerful system that lets you do so much more. It can now be an integral part of your digital business. So, let’s unlock and decode the power of the CMS and how it can be use to leverage your business.

What is a Content Management System?

So, what really is a content management system? And why is it necessary? Content management systems have been around for the longest time, but in the 90s, it was more of an organizational program. These content management systems required experts at the helm to operate the systems. They were complex and difficult to use. However, it all changed with the spread of the internet, websites, and social media. This sparked widespread development because there was a dire need for the systems to be fast, accurate, responsive, and easy-to-use. Open-source systems came into play, and advance systems were develope.

Now, the situation is different. A CMS is now an organization’s gateway into the digital world. This system allows you to control all your organization’s information and arrange, display, and broadcast it into the digital sphere in a way that is beneficial to the company in creating brand awareness, garnering customers and cultivating brand loyalty. Modern CMSs are like digital experience platforms that businesses can use to leverage the advantages of the interconnected digital world.

What features to look for in a Modern CMS?

The difference between an old CMS and a modern CMS is like chalk and cheese. You’d be surprise at how much and how quickly you can execute the most complex tasks. So, if you are looking for a CMS for your organization, make sure it has the following features:

Ease of Use – The older content management systems were so complex that companies had to hire specialized employees or train existing employees to manage the systems. Not anymore. Today’s systems have easy-to-understand and easy-to-use interfaces that can be operate with minimal technical training. Various employees can use the system to create and publish content according to their skill and talent.

Content Expansion – No more printing everything ‘Helvetica Bold’ to stand out, because now you have options! Any good CMS will give you innumerable options to make your content look and feel customized. You can also redefine and recreate new and improved content structures. This allows your organization to have its own font and content styles. And design language that can be replicate across all your content assets.

Multimedia Compatibility – Whatever the latest multimedia is dominating the digital waves, your CMS should support it. Formats for files, pictures, videos, and audio, constantly get updated. Most modern CMS should be compatible with these allowing greater flexibility with your digital creations and communication.

Responsive to Various Mediums – There are many options for people to view and consume media. Your CMS should allow you to create content that is compatible across all mediums. For example, you should have to create two different websites, one to be viewed on the smartphone and the other for the laptop/PC. Your CMS should help you make only one website that can easily be viewed and used on both screens.

SEO & Social Media Integration – For your content to reach its target audience, it will need SEO and social media integration. Therefore, your CMS should allow you to make websites that can be plugs with the best SEO tools. It can be amplified through various social media platforms. This has become an important aspect of digital media.

eCommerce Integrations & Precise Targeting – The CMS should have in-built eCommerce functionalities or have the option for seamless integration with existing eCommerce platforms. The CMS also plays an important role in your online marketing. It should give you an opportunity to create personalized content that you can use in your campaigns to engage your target audience.

Security – The CMS should protect your digital assets and platforms from security threats like cross-site scripting and SQL injection attacks. And should have additional features that add an extra layer of security. Like controlled access, strong password protection, secure software updates, and protections against threats from the internet.

Multi-language Support – In an increasingly globalized world, it just makes sense that you should create content in multiple languages to market to multiple demographics. Your CMS should be able to support you by giving multiple language options, translation options, and accurate localization.

What a modern CMS can do for you?

Now that you have a strong idea of what is a content management system, and what to look for in it, let us see what it can do for you:

• Collaboration – All the employees involve in content creation can collaborate on the CMS. And get work done faster because roles, responsibilities, and permissions can be define and authorize on the CMS.
• Multi-access – Businesses can be spread over multiple geographical locations, so a modern CMS accounts for this as well. Only with a computer and internet connection, on-site and off-site employees can access the CMS to work.
• No Experts Needed – Anybody who knows the content requirements can create and publish the web pages on behalf of the organization. You won’t need a developer. It can be all done through the CMS.
• SEO-friendly – Any organization that has a strong digital presence needs SEO and most modern CMS are built with this in mind. Therefore, the content create in the CMS can be create to be SEO-friendly from the get-go.
• Omnichannel Content Creation – Content creation has gone beyond simply creating a website. There are various channels through which people can be engage. A CMS can help you create content for such multiple channels.
• Consistent Delivery – Consistency is one of the key features of a good brand. In a CMS, you can create templates that are on brand with your organization which will bring about consistency in your content and communication.
• Customer Support – From online chats and tech support call centers to websites and online forums, any modern CMS will offer you great customer support to ensure you never have issues with your CMS or face long downtimes.

Types of Content Management Systems

Look for the given features and benefits stated above when you are looking for the right CMS for your organization. To further help you, here are some different types of content management systems that are enterprise-grade that you can consider:

• Sitecore – If you are looking for a balance between eCommerce, content management, and digital marketing, this is the CMS to consider.
• HCL Software – With a host of content management tools, HCL’s content management platform is one of the fastest-growing CMS in the world.
• Adobe Systems – If you are a large-scale organization, you should consider Adobe Systems as their CMS is design for big businesses with varied content needs.
• Acquia – With a suite full of strong, cloud-based content tools, Acquia by Forrester is another great CMS that is secure, scalable, and creates personalized content.
• OpenText – Known for having some of the best workflow optimization, asset management, and personalized content creation, OpenText is a CMS worth considering.

A CMS is the key to having the best digital experience for your organization. Therefore, it is imperative that you seek the one most suited to an organization’s content needs. However, if you are still having a hard time understanding what is a content management system, collaborate with Tru Performance. We will help you match with the right CMS that will take your digital content to the next level.