A Content Management System, or CMS, is something that a lot of companies are looking to invest in right now. In the digital age, you need to be able to publish regularly and quickly, and a CMS offers you the opportunity to do just that.
Not sure if it's for you? There are a lot of myths out there about the system. Here are the biggest myths that you shouldn't believe about using a CMS.
1) A CMS Is Just For Blogs
When you think of a CMS, you think of publishing blog content. There's no denying that they're incredibly useful for creating blogs. Is that all they're good for, though?
'While you can use a CMS for blogs, that's not all it's good for' says tech blogger Andrew Simmons at Paper Fellows and Boom Essays. 'They can also be used for a wide array of publishing needs, both on and offline.'
For example, you can use a CMS to create manuals, process payments, collaborate with coworkers, create galleries, and so much more. When you start using a CMS, you'll see just how much is available for you to work with. Even if blogs aren't a main focus for you, it's well worth using a CMS.
2) A CMS Is Difficult To Use
This is another very common myth. Like with most newer technology, it's easy to believe that a CMS will be difficult to use. Because of this, many business owners shy away from using them, as they feel that it will take too much time and effort to get up to speed on it.
The truth is, while there is a learning curve it won't take you long to learn to use some content management systems. When you start shopping around for a CMS, make sure the editing experience feels natural for you. You don’t want to have to battle the system to be creative with your content.
A good CMS will be designed with newcomers in mind. There's no need to worry about being lost when using one, as the system will walk you through all the most important steps.
3) A CMS Takes A Lot Of Maintenance And Upkeep
Another turn off for business owners is the idea of extensive upkeep on a CMS. They believe it will be like a lot of other tech solutions, where you'll need to do a lot of maintenance to keep it working as it should. As it takes so much work in their minds, they just decide not to use them.
They'll be missing out, as a CMS really only takes minimal upkeep if you plan properly. Make sure that there’s a maintenance agreement in place and you know who is responsible for keeping your CMS upgraded over time. It’s important to not just “set it and forget it” as there’s constant security threats and feature improvements you’ll benefit from having. If you make sure to think through not just building your site, but who is responsible for upkeep, you can use it without worry, as another team are taking care of all the technical details for you.
4) Only Text Updates Are Possible Through A CMS
If you've never used a CMS before, it's easy to imagine that you can only make text updates through a CMS. If you want to do something else with it, then you may think that it isn't for you.
The fact is, you can do a lot more than text input with the right CMS. You'll be able use images and multimedia files too, which can be uploaded alongside text as and when needed. If you choose a platform like Concrete CMS, you’ll be able to make new page layouts on the fly - just like you might in a word processor. As you have more options when it comes to content, you'll be able to be more flexible with the content that you create. You'll be able to make posts that show your product off perfectly, without a lot of time or hassle on your end.
5) The Software Won't Work With Multilingual Content
In this day and age, you have to be able to think globally. To do that, your media and content needs to be accessible to people all over the globe. For you, that means being able to offer your content in a variety of different languages, to allow them to see what you have to offer.
Many business owners don't want to use a CMS, as they feel that it won't accommodate the use of different languages. If it won't help them connect with their audience, then should they use it? That is a myth, as a CMS can absolutely work with multilingual content. There's lots of translation management tools, so you can easily reach that global audience.
6) You Can't Update For Mobile Phones
Right now, it's safe to say that most people access the internet through their mobile devices. Because of this, you want to be able to create content that your audience can easily read on their phones and tablets. Many believe, though, that a CMS won't help them with this.
"You can use a CMS to update to mobile devices, as most have mobile publishing capability" says Miriam Boyle, a writer with State Of Writing and Essayroo. "They actually make it easier to publish mobile friendly content, so you can meet your audience where they are."
7) There's Lots Of Security Issues With A CMS
Something you should always be wary of is security threats. You don't want to put your business, or your customers, at risk. There have been plenty of stories of companies accidentally exposing their customers' private data, and you don't want your business to end up in the headlines. Is a CMS really secure?
It's true that you cannot entirely avoid security threats, as they are changing and evolving all the time. However, if you do use a CMS, you're not putting your business at risk. When you use a CMS, there's lots of security layers to keep you safe. For example, you'll be required to have authorized users, all with their own login details. Some also have alerts, that will let you know if changes have been made. That way, you can see right away if someone is using the system when they shouldn't be.
If you have a good support plan in place, then there should be plenty of security to keep you safe.
8) It's Expensive To Use A CMS
Expense is always going to be a big factor in deciding whether to use a CMS. This is especially true if you're a new or small business, where you need to try and keep costs down as much as possible. There is an expectation that using a CMS is going to be very expensive. With this in mind, many decide not to use one to save on costs.
The fact is, a CMS is much more cost effective than you'd think. There are lots of different CMS styles out there, so you can look around to find something that suits your budget. If you choose an open source platform you only have to pay for the type of hosting & support services that meet your particular needs.
Having a CMS will also lead to savings later down the line, too. Studies have found that you can save in editorial, production and translation costs with a CMS.
9) You Can't Integrate CMS With Existing Systems
Are you using a different business system right now? There are lots of business owners that aren't using a CMS, as they believe that they won't be able to integrate it with their existing systems. They may also believe it would be too difficult to do so, so they don't bother.
In fact, it's much easier than you'd think. An application programming interface (API) can be used to make a CMS integrate with most systems you're currently using, and this is simpler than it sounds. It doesn't change the base code of the CMS, it just share data between systems.
10) Small Companies Shouldn't Use CMS
If you run a small business, you may think that a CMS isn't for you. You're not dealing with huge amounts of data or publishing a lot of content on a daily basis, so why would you need one? Many people don't bother with using a CMS, as they feel they don't need it.
The fact is, a CMS is incredibly helpful for those running small businesses. With a CMS, you can schedule and set up content, so you can have a good amount of content ready and waiting to go when you need it. It also helps you make the most of the time you have, as it streamlines content development.
A CMS also allows for growth, as you can upscale your work through a CMS should you see expansion later down the line. It's a flexible system, so small business owners can get a lot out of it.
A CMS is a highly useful tool to have in your arsenal, no matter what kind of business you run. With all these myths dispelled, you'll see that you can really get a lot of benefit from one in your industry.
Emily Henry is a tech writer, working with Essay Writing Service and Academized Reviews. She also works as a tutor for Dissertation Writing.