Contents
- What is CMS
- Why is CMS needed
- Advantages and disadvantages of CMS
- When CMS is not needed
- Criteria for choosing CMS
What is CMS
A Content Management System (CMS) is a powerful tool designed for creating, designing, and populating websites. This system is often referred to as an engine. There are many different CMS options available on the modern market, each developed for specific tasks such as creating online stores, landing pages, or blogs. Each of these systems establishes a clear structure for the site: in an online store, one can expect product cards and price listings, while a blog will have a feed of posts.
Among popular CMS, OpenCart stands out, which is used for creating online stores, as in the case of the clothing brand HappyWear. Although most websites on the internet are created using ready-made CMS, some large companies develop their own solutions, known as custom-built. These systems are better tailored to the specific needs of the company, but their maintenance requires significant effort and resources.
Why is CMS needed
CMS offers numerous advantages for creating and managing websites. Here are some key features it provides:
- Website creation: CMS serves as a framework for the site, providing a ready structure for sections, pages, and menus.
- Adding and modifying content: CMS includes editors that allow easy insertion of text, images, and other elements onto the website pages.
- Access management: The administrative panel allows control over system access for all necessary employees, such as content managers and developers.
- Site parameter customization: SEO capabilities and other technical settings can be easily managed through CMS.
- Adding new features: Plugins and modules can expand the website's functionality, adding online checkouts, order forms, and more.
- Integration with other systems: CMS can be linked with CRM, payment systems, and analytics platforms.
Advantages and disadvantages of CMS
While it is possible to create a website without CMS, most companies prefer to use content management systems. Compared to other options, such as building a site from scratch or using builders, CMS offers numerous advantages. Below are the main differences between the three approaches:
CMS | Builder | Site from scratch |
---|---|---|
Ready-made modules | Site structure and standard functions | Specific blocks from which the site is assembled |
Need for programming | For some tasks | Yes |
Complexity | Medium | High |
Cost | Higher than CMS | High |
Speed of site creation | Very high | Low |
Custom capabilities | Practically absent | Any that can be implemented through programming |
Suitable for | Simple site without complex functions | Site of any complexity |
In most cases, CMS proves to be the optimal choice in terms of cost and capabilities. Builders are easier to use but have limitations in functionality. Development from scratch requires significant resources and time, which is only suitable for large companies.
When CMS is not needed
There are situations where using a CMS may not be advisable. If the site is very simple, a CMS may be excessive. For example, for a company that sells through social media and only needs a landing page to attract traffic, it would be simpler to use a builder.
On the other hand, if the site is very complex and unconventional, a CMS may limit functionality. Companies working with unique systems often resort to developing custom solutions that better meet their needs.
Criteria for choosing CMS
When selecting a CMS for business, it is important to consider the following criteria:
- Capabilities: Ensure that the CMS functionality meets your needs.
- Modules: Check the number of available modules and their functionality.
- Cost: Compare pricing plans and the capabilities of paid and free systems.
- Integrations: Ensure that the system supports integration with the tools you use.
- Security: Research the frequency of vulnerabilities in the CMS you are interested in.
- Popularity: Choose well-known systems for easier access to support and information.
Every business is unique, so it is important to approach the choice of CMS individually, considering your requirements and goals.