When it comes to choosing the right platform for your website, there are a lot of options out there. You've probably heard of WordPress and the various website builders e.g. Wix, GoDaddy & SquareSpace. You may have even heard of more eCommerce focussed platforms like Magento and WooCommerce, but which is the right option for you? There are several factors to look at when it comes to choosing the right platform that go beyond which ones you've heard of.

Features to look for in a CMS

Coding experience needed

Some of the Content Management Systems (CMS) packages out there are based on a drag and drop type system where you simple click and drag an element, such as images, and text boxes, and drop them onto a canvas to build your page. The advantage of these systems is that very little, if any, coding experience is needed, you are only working with visual layouts.

The disadvantage however, is that they are often limited to fixed templates either created by the platform or third party creators, and they can be limited in what you can do meaning that when it comes to fine tuning and customising, you might not be able to get exactly what you are after.

Multiple Users

Any good platform should allow multiple users to login at the same time and work on different parts of the website. This means you can have writers and editors change text on pages, administrators update the more technical aspects of the website and your marketing team edit content for promotions.

Each user level, or role, should have a set of permissions defining what they can and can't do within the system.

Search Engine Optimisation (SEO)

The best website platforms offer built in ways to help you promote your website within search engines. This can range from allowing you to edit the meta information of a page to tools that analyse the quality of text on a page and even being able to see your analytics within the CMS system.

Built-In Security

Unfortunately there are always hackers trying to gain access to peoples websites and take them over or get the data from them, which makes security a top priority. Make sure the platform you use has sufficient security in place and that it is kept up to date. Platforms like WordPress require additional plugins to be installed and updated, others have it all built in but make sure you check and keep your software up to date where needed.

Content Scheduling

No-one wants to have to wait around to publish content at a specific time. Your CMS should allow you to create the content in advance and then set a date and time that it first appears on the website. The content could be anything from a blog article to a discount in your shop but look out for tools that allow this.

Easy to Use Content Interface

Overall, you should look for an interface that you find easy to use and are comfortable with. Many platforms offer a demo or free trial first so have a look and see what works for you. The harder your website is to update, the less likely you are to want to do it so find a system that makes your life easy.

Customisation

Some web platforms are great for simple websites but don't achieve exactly what you want. There may be a time when you have to choose the platform that fits your need it to rather than the one you are 100% comfortable with. If that becomes a stumbling block for you then it may be time to look at a bespoke system from a reputable developer such as Digital Nachos.

With so many systems out there you are bound to find a system that works for you and fits your needs. Have a look around and evaluate each system with everyone who will be using the website to find a platform that fits your needs perfectly.

Published: 5th Mar 2024

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