CMS stands for content management system, and it’s software that helps you manage and publish digital content, like website pages, blog posts, images, and videos. It’s a great tool for small businesses because it allows them to easily create, edit, and publish all their content. This makes it simpler for them to keep their website up-to-date and manage multiple content projects from a single platform.
CMS Benefits
One of the biggest benefits of using a CMS is that it simplifies the process of updating your website. So you don’t need to be a tech expert or understand complex code to upload new content, make changes, or add new pages.
These platforms also offer a wide range of features like templates, drag-and-drop editors, and plugins that can help you customize your website. This means you can easily create a professional-looking website that reflects your brand without hiring a designer.
Features of CMS
While at the agency, I utilized several CMS software and discovered the best features that helped better manage the content creation process.
Some of these features are as follows:
- Content management tools
- Content publishing tools
- Themes & templates
- Website data & analytics
- SEO tools
- Blogging tools
- Integrations & extensions
Let’s review each feature in more detail!
Content Management Tools
One of the most significant features of CMS software is its content management tools. These tools enable small businesses to create and edit digital content with little coding knowledge. It allows them to easily upload and manage their content, create new pages and posts, and customize their website’s design.
Content Publishing Tools
CMS platforms also come with content publishing tools to help you publish your new content quickly and easily. These tools allow you to schedule posts, set up automated notifications, and preview changes before they go live. It also enables users to organize their content according to their needs, so they can easily find and access their files.
Themes & Templates
Another great feature of CMS software is the ability to choose from a range of customizable themes that allow businesses to design stunning web pages without requiring extensive knowledge of web development. This allows business owners to create a cohesive look and feel while still maintaining individuality within pages.
Furthermore, templates can be tweaked to include the right combination of text, images, and videos required to enhance the customer experience, which means companies can make a professional website with a personalized touch that reflects their brand’s identity.
Website Data & Analytics
Additionally, CMS platforms offer website data and analytics features that allow small businesses to analyze their website’s performance. This includes tracking page views, user preferences, and engagement metrics.
It can also monitor customer behavior across the website to determine what content resonates with visitors. This data is extremely valuable for businesses as it helps them better understand their target audience and maintain an effective online presence.
SEO Tools
Most CMS platforms also include SEO (search engine optimization) tools to help small businesses track their website’s performance with search engines. It enables users to add meta tags, optimize content for keywords, and customize page titles and descriptions. This ensures that your business appears at the top of search engine rankings, drives more organic traffic to your website, and increases visibility online.
Blogging Tools
Blogging is a great way for small businesses to increase their online presence and engage with their audience. It can also help maintain a more active online presence and improve your website’s search engine rankings by regularly providing fresh and relevant content.
Plus, with a CMS, you can easily manage your blog posts and make updates or edits whenever needed. This is great for business owners who want to keep their websites up-to-date and attract more visitors.
Integrations & Extensions
Lastly, CMS software provides integrations and extensions that allow organizations to add extra features to their website. This means business owners can add custom functionality, such as payment gateways, social media widgets, or customer support tools, to their websites with just a few clicks.
For example, they can easily add a contact form, a social media share button, or an eCommerce online store to their website. This helps provide a seamless experience for customers while also improving the efficiency of business operations.
How Does a CMS Work?
At its most basic level, a CMS platform allows users to create and edit content on their website. It enables them to upload images, videos, PDFs, and other files from their computer or the web. Once the content is created, it can be published to the website for the world to see, and makes sure the content is properly formatted and optimized for search engine rankings.
Does Your SMB Need a CMS?
CMS systems are great for small business owners because they simplify creating, editing, and managing content. Instead of manually coding website pages and posts, you can use a CMS to do it all in one place.
Additionally, a CMS often has features for collaboration, version control, and approval workflows, making it an ideal platform for teams to work together. With a reliable CMS, you can streamline your content creation and management processes, ultimately saving you time and resources while boosting your online presence!
CMS Examples
Small businesses use several popular CMS platforms on the market. Each platform offers its own unique features and benefits, enabling you to choose the right one for your business needs.
Listed below are some of my favorite CMS services I tested and used at the agency!
WordPress
When it comes to content management systems, WordPress is one of the most popular options out there. It’s a user-friendly platform allows you to easily create and manage your website’s content without knowing how to code. With thousands of customizable themes and plugins available, it’s versatile enough for anything from a simple blog to a full-fledged eCommerce site. Plus, it’s constantly updated and improved by a dedicated community of developers.
Shopify
Shopify is a popular example of a CMS perfect for small businesses setting up an online store. It offers a user-friendly interface that’s available to anyone, regardless of their technical skill level. The platform also allows you to easily add, manage, organize your products, and monitor your sales and customer orders. Moreover, its built-in SEO features help optimize your website for search engines, while its mobile responsiveness means customers can shop on the go.