About The CMS (content management system)

The term Content Management System or CMS has become very common. Though you aren’t aware of this term or haven’t heard it earlier, we will explain it to you in this article. It is not only an important component for having an easy-to-update website but also it is overlooked by most of the non-developers. With CMS being one of the acronyms used in the business world, it is vital as there are over 68 million websites built using various CMSs.

Let’s dive into the details of what it is and its importance for your website.

A Shorter Explanation

A CMS is a software application that enables users to build and manage a website without any coding knowledge.

A Detailed Explanation

Simply speaking, a CMS allows you to manage content – may it be text images or another form in an easy way. Multiple users can contribute and edit content by playing different roles and permissions with a CMS.

Content including text, images, videos, rich media and other things coming under this category are manageable with CMS.

The major benefit of CMS is that it makes it easier for non-techies to manage content on a website.

In technical terms, the front end of the website can be separated from the CMS. For example, you can create a blog article and use it for some other static website for publishing the content to it or the website can read the content from Drupal.

Working on a CMS

To know about the workings of a CMS, first, you need to understand the building of a website from scratch.

At the start, you use HTML for adding text, images, navigation bars, and other building blocks of a site. Next, you add CSS for styling those elements to develop the unique look of your brand.

Then you will end the task by writing some JavaScript for making your website advanced in terms of functionality such as adding CTAs. Next, it is time to upload the HTML file to the server to store it in the database.

If you want to make any changes – may those be related to updating content – the files need to be downloaded from the server and then the HTML code needs to be changed manually. Next, ensure that there are no broken links left or anything else before uploading the files back to the server.

Yes, that’s complicated.  But for developers and other experienced users in website development may find building a website from scratch as perfect. For those who are new to coding or don’t have the time and resources to build a website from scratch and maintain it, CMS is always a good option.

Using a CMS – A Beginners Guide

A CMS comprises two core parts: a content management application (CMA) and a content delivery application (CDA). These applications together manage all the database queries, code, and infrastructure in the back end, allowing you to focus on the front end of your site.

Instead of starting with a blank HTML page, for example, just open the content editor and perform activities like formatting text, adding CTAs and links, inserting images or tables with simple drag-and-drop modules, or clicking a few buttons instead of writing out HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. 

You can consider WordPress CMS which helps you to create a blog post in no time.

If you want to make changes on your site such as changing the permalink structure or installing extensions, go to the appropriate section in your admin panel. All these tasks are done by the CMA in an intuitive interface that doesn’t display the code to you, the end user.

When you complete the changes, the CDA will work on the content you entered into the CMA, collect the code, display it to your front-end visitors, and save it. It means when you want to publish a new blog post, for example, you only have to do the editing and hit the Publish button instead of performing the manual activity of uploading a page to your server.

Now you know CMS basics, its working, and its usage. So, let's explore the benefits of using the CMS.

1. You Don’t Need to be a Coding Expert

CMS doesn’t require the knowledge of coding to build websites. So, today even non-developers and designers can help you to get online with your website.

It is easy to create as well as manage content, customize the website design, and install extensions for adding functionality to your site – without a single code input.

This has helped users with limited technical resources to build a powerful website for their business.

2. Easy Collaboration

Multiple users can access and work in the back end of a CMS at once. It means, your marketers will produce content, your IT professionals will implement security protocols and your developers will add custom code to your theme on the same day. They all will be able to work on the same landing page.

Also, a CMS can help in improving your workflows and productivity across your team.

3. User Roles and Permissions

You can collaborate efficiently and safely due to the built-in (and often customizable) user roles and permissions. It means content writers, for example, can have all the permissions for writing, publishing, and managing content — but not deleting plugins or otherwise significantly altering the site's functionality. 

Without a CMS, you will need to code highly complicated conditions and checks in JavaScript to create user roles and permissions.

4. SEO Features and Extensions

With CMS built-in features as well as add-ons, you can optimize your site for search engines.

With the help of built-in or third-party tools, you can:

·         Modify page titles and meta descriptions

·         Select SEO-friendly URL structures

·         Create XML sitemaps

·         Create 301 Redirects

·         Add image alt text

·         Include breadcrumb navigation

·         Optimize page load times

When all these practices are implemented, it will increase your chances of ranking on Google and other major search engines.

5. Security Features and Extensions

With CMS platforms, you get built-in features and add-ons to help you secure your site. Some CMSs also offer a dedicated security team. 

6. Predesigned Templates

Several CMS platforms come with a range of pre-designed templates that can be used for quick customization of the website’s appearance. The behavior of your website can also be changed.

Selecting a responsive template ensures the appearance of your site on any device, without you needing to write a bunch of code. Templates also save time for designing before your site is launched so that the work of website redesigning gets rapid and easy.

Conclusion 

Apart from the above-mentioned benefits, the list continues long. What you need to understand is that using a content management system to build and manage your site can lead to your growth. A CMS stores all of your web content in one place as well as supports collaboration across teams, enables quick and easy updates, and offers templates and extensions for your website customization.