Content Management Systems: Get the Control Over Your Website Content You've Always Wanted

Content Management Systems offer companies a great way to manage their website content by allowing them to add, update and archive web pages, text, images, documents and links. Generally equipped with some sort of a copy editor, offering a number of built-in tools for styling and design, system owners can easily update their website content online 24/7 by logging in to the administrative part of the application. The beauty of the CMS is that it doesn't require the user to have any knowledge of HTML or programming. The tools generally offer a "What You See Is What You Get" visual editor, making it easy for users to preview the changes they have made before making them live. Once changes are submitted, it is only a matter of seconds before they are available on the public side.

How You Select a Website Content Management System

You definitely want your website content management system to offer features that give you the kind of control that you need. Depending on your particular business tasks and demands, on the most basic level you will want to be able to easily:

• Add/edit/archive web pages
• Add/edit/archive text and images
• Attach downloadable/printable documents
• Build your own Online Forms for Contact, Request for Quote, or whatever you need
• Build a product catalog or project gallery
• Announce Events, New Products/Services, Certifications, Awards
• Provide Answers to Frequently Asked Questions
• Offer online customer service
• Sell products online
• Link to internal and external web pages, videos, documents
• Manage database of customer contacts, products, images, documents

The features listed above represent pretty much everything a typical CMS owner would need. But before you invest in a content management system, there are several very important questions you need to ask:

1. Is the application easily managed by my current staff?

As with any system a certain degree of learning curve should be expected; however, it is important to select a system that both fulfills your needs and can be easily managed by your staff resources. The cost of your investment rises exponentially the longer it takes for them to learn how to use it. Ultimately you want a robust system that can be used "out of the box," reducing your overall costs and allowing you to get your website up and running as quickly as possible.

2. Does the look and feel of the finished website accurately represent my professional image?

Too many Content Management Systems produce websites that have an unfortunate dull and homemade look. It is critical that your website not only contain the important information designed to educate and motivate your targeted buyers but that it visually promotes trust by confirming your professionalism and your brand. Remember, your website may be the first impression you make with a new prospect.

3. Can the application be easily, cost effectively upgraded with enhanced functionality to match my growing business needs?

There is nothing more frustrating than investing in a website content management system that becomes obsolete the minute your needs change and it can no longer accommodate them. You want a CMS that grows along with you, allowing you to easily and cost effectively update it with enhanced functionality that allows you to accomplish such tasks as selling online (ecommerce), announcing News or Events, providing customers with answers to Frequently Asked Questions, providing custom forms such as online purchase orders, or any number of selling, customer service or business administration tasks.

4. Does the application have a built-in SEO tool that allows me to manage the keywords and phrases that may help my web pages to rank well in the search engines?

Having the option to manage your SEO until you are ready for professional services is a great way to at least get in on the game and ensure your web pages are ready to be indexed for the keywords and phrases important to attracting your targeted buyers.

Conclusion

Not all website content management systems are alike. Major considerations include available features, ease of use, time it takes to learn the system, true cost, look and feel, and expandability. Select a system that allows you to accurately represent your professional image while allowing you to accommodate the sales, customer service and business tasks relevant to both your current and evolving business needs. Avoid making a costly mistake by purchasing a system that has a fixed architecture, limiting what you can and will be able to do with in the future.

Industrial Web Solutions offers a robust, easy to use and cost effective website Content Management System that can be adapted to your specific business needs. Developed with a flexible architecture, the system offers virtually limitless upgrade possibilities with our add-on modules, providing you with the exact functionality you need to attract, convert and manage your targeted buyers. Unlike other systems that appear dull and homemade, the IWS CMS offers you a custom branded design to accurately represent your professional image.

Get the control over your website you've always wanted with a Content Management System from Industrial Web Solutions.

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