Content Management Systems: CMS makes it easy

You want to update your own website, your own way, on your own time, but you don’t know how?

Then read on… because this article is for YOU!

When it comes to updating and editing a website, nothing beats the power, simplicity and ease-of use than a content management system – and when it comes to content management systems, here’s what you should know.

What is a Content Management System?

Like the name clearly states, a Content Management System (or CMS) is a software application (program; system) that you upload to your web host server (where your website resides), allowing you to easily edit and manage the content (words; text) on your website, as simply as creating a Microsoft Word document. By having a CMS installed, you won’t need to know how to read and write web code, to add pages and edit the content on your website. Some CMS applications also include SEO (search engine optimization) tools that will get you ranked higher in search engines listings like Google, Yahoo, Bing, and the others. That means, rather than end up on search page 297, you are somewhere closer to the top of page 1 – (which also depends on how much SEO you incorporate). SEO and back-links will also help to drive more visitors (people, customers, buyers) to your website – this is especially important if you are selling products and/or services on your website, or gathering names (like with a membership site or a list building club for marketers). You can pay hundreds of dollars to purchase a content management system, or you can opt for one that is deemed as ‘open source’ and is free to use.

What is Open Source?

Simply put, Open Source software is free software that has open licensing. That means, anyone can install, distribute, share, and use the open source software at no charge to them. (for a more complete definition on “Open Source”, please visit: http://www.opensource.org/docs/definition.php Many of the content management systems being used today are open source, including the more popular ones like: WordPress, Joomla, Moobay, Plone, Drupal, TikiWiki, and dozens of others. Keep in mind that open source also means that the code to your website is open – accessible and available for others to see, copy and use at their own discretion. This does not mean that all the content or information on your website may be open for viewing or subject to copying. MOST CMS, particularly the popular ones, have excellent information security built-in. (With so many developers working on making them better, they usually offer regular upgrades and enhanced security features.) What it does mean is that all the source code files to your web pages (such as, the code to the colours you’ve chosen, and the plug-ins you are using on your site) can be viewed – if someone knows where and how to look for them. Rest assured that while I may prefer my bank or credit card company to opt for a more secure method, with open source, it is still possible to have secure files and still protect your data with firewalls or passwords.

If Open source is free, why would I pay for a CMS?

If you are dealing with highly sensitive or confidential information where data security is a critical matter, such as a bank, credit card or lending company, you would probably choose to use a paid Content Management System, customized to suite your needs with dedicated IT staff to manage and monitor your systems. Similar to open source CMS, paid CMS allows for easy content editing and simple website management; some even have added built-in design features. With paid CMS, you are also privy to customer support (check the conditions before you buy, as each company has their own guarantees and promises). A purchased CMS will also provide you with help – usually a telephone number or email address that you can use to ask questions and who will help you solve any issues you experience with their tool. (Not so for free, open source CMS – the answers are usually out there but you have to look for them.) A paid CMS is also good for a company that can afford to buy it, run it, and pay for upgrades as they are offered.

Which CMS is best for me and my needs?

For the new entrepreneur who does not yet have the income to purchase products and hire a lot of staff, for a hobbyist, part-time or small business owner just getting started, or unless your website serves as a bank, insurance company, or some other sensitive field requiring top notch security, there’s really no need to purchase a CMS when there are some excellent, safe, free open source Content Management Systems on the market today.

With so many free and paid content management systems on the market today, we also realize that it can be difficult to decide on which one is best for you. Each CMS comes with it’s own specialty – WordPress is the #1 blogging software, while Plone and TikiWiki have built-in wiki components and Joomla is known best for it’s interactive functionality. Confused?  Well, don’t be! Stay tuned….

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