Web development, Content

Choosing the right content management system (CMS)

A good Content Management System (CMS) should make managing your website content easy, intuitive, and efficient. But with so many options available, how do you choose the right one for your business?

Tim Coysh 1

by Tim Coysh, Founder

What makes a bad CMS?

Imagine buying a new pair of shoes. They look great at first, but after a few hours, you’re regretting your decision. Every step feels uncomfortable and frustrating. It’s not that they look bad, but they’re just not the right fit.

A bad CMS can feel the same way. It might seem fine when you first start using it, but soon enough, you’ll find that simple tasks become increasingly difficult. Instead of helping you get things done, it gets in the way. Every action feels like a chore, and you spend more time figuring out how to use it than actually managing your content.

What you need is a CMS that fits you like your favourite pair of shoes: comfortable, intuitive, and easy to use.

What makes a good CMS?

A good CMS should feel like second nature. It should be intuitive, so you don’t have to think twice about how to update your website. The right CMS makes managing your site easier, not harder.

Here’s what to look for in the perfect CMS:

  • Intuitive interface: You shouldn’t need a degree in tech to make changes to your website. A good CMS should be easy to use for everyone, regardless of technical knowledge.
  • Scalable: Your business will grow, and so should your CMS. Whether you're adding more pages, launching an online store, or expanding to multiple languages, your CMS needs to scale with your business.
  • Flexible: A CMS shouldn’t force you to work in a specific way. It should be adaptable, so you can tailor it to how you work.
  • Regular updates: Security updates, bug fixes, and improvements should be part of the package. You shouldn’t have to worry about vulnerabilities or outdated features.
  • Secure: Keeping your data safe is crucial. Your CMS should be built with robust security in mind.
  • Efficient: A good CMS runs smoothly. It should handle your content quickly and with minimal hassle.
  • A supportive community: Having access to a community of developers and agencies that back your CMS is invaluable. You’ll have access to resources, troubleshooting, and updates that keep your system running smoothly.
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We love using Craft CMS here

Our approach to CMS selection

At Coysh Digital, we know that every business is different, and that’s why we don’t have a one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to CMS. We’ve worked with a variety of platforms, including Craft CMS, WordPress, and others, to find the best fit for our clients' needs.

We’ve had a long relationship with Craft CMS, which we started using in 2017, and we love how flexible and user-friendly it is. That said, we also know that for many businesses, WordPress or another platform might be the better option. It’s about choosing the CMS that works for you, not what everyone else is using.

Whether it’s Craft CMS, WordPress, or a different platform, we focus on tailoring the admin area to match the way you work, so managing your content is a breeze. For example, with Coastal Holidays, we used WordPress to build a clean, easy-to-manage website that integrates seamlessly with their booking system. On the other hand, Three River Museum’s site is powered by Craft CMS, which we customized to suit their specific needs for updating sermon podcasts and church events.

What to consider when choosing your CMS

While a solid foundation is essential, think about your business needs and what specific features you might require, like:

  • Multi-language support: If you have an international audience, ensure your CMS can handle multiple languages without any headaches.
  • E-commerce: Need an online store? Your CMS should easily integrate product listings, payment processing, and inventory management.
  • Integrations: A CMS should play well with other tools, like your CRM, email marketing platform, or accounting software.
  • User management: Control access levels for different team members. Whether you need a content editor or full admin rights, your CMS should allow for flexibility in user roles.

Don’t settle for an awkward fit

Life’s too short for uncomfortable shoes—and the same goes for your CMS. If you’re struggling with your current CMS or feel like it’s not meeting your needs, don’t put up with it. It’s time to find the right fit.

A good CMS should work with you, not against you. Whether you’re building a simple website or something more complex, a tailored CMS can save you time, frustration, and headaches down the line.

We can help you find the right CMS for your business and ensure it’s set up in a way that’s intuitive and easy to manage. Whether it’s Craft CMS, WordPress, or another system, we’re here to guide you through the process. Let’s chat about how we can make your website work better for you.

Get in touch

Use the form below to tell us about your project, or email [email protected] directly. We’ll get back to you as soon as we can to see how we can help.

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