What do I need to consider when selecting a Content Management System (CMS)?
Never an easy thing to get right - most companies opt for systems they have previously used, which is okay. I feel it’s worth delaying your choice of Content Management System until you have fully explored the requirements of your clients and any technical or reporting needs of your internal teams.
The main considerations when choosing a content management system are:
- How easy is it to use?
- How long will it take to learn?
- How easy is it to be manged from a technical point of view?
You may also want to consider;
- Can it be scaled?
- Are backups taken?
- Is your data safe and secure?
With over 60% of all installations worldwide being WordPress it’s the most popular open source CMS with Joomla as the second biggest. If you’ve already worked with WordPress sticking with the same system may boost your productivity in the short term.
Consider scalability - many Content Management Systems can be added to with plugins. There a no limit on the number of pages your website can have with any CMS. They will allow you to upload many different type of files such as PDF, word documents, photographs and embeded video.
Any CMS will help you with Search Engine Optimisation and will allow you to add meta data, page titles and descriptions.
Ownership and control.
Once your new website is live you will own 100% of your site and will have full access via logins to the Content Management System.
There are a number of systems you could use including;
Summary
The most important thing to consider is make sure you select the right tool for your law firm and consider a Content Management System that works best with the functions your clients and your team require.
Just a note on technical support - It's important to make sure your web partner can support you and your team should technical issues arise or upgrades are required.
Remember try not to be seduced by a Content Management System that has a plethora of plugins available to you for sake of it - they may not help your users and only act as a superfluous extensions that later cause you upgrade headaches.
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