First and foremost, CMS stands for content management system. It’s a way to manage, edit, and organize the copy and images on the front-end of your website. Think of it as your website’s personal toolbox and file cabinet, all in one place.
We review the ins and outs of a customized CMS and if it makes sense for your website to have one.
What is a Customized CMS?
A customized CMS is exactly what it seems: a unique, made-for-you system that allows you to change certain elements or content on your website. Customizable CMS elements include site navigation, menus, headers, forms, pages, and blog posts.
Some common content management systems are WordPress, Shopify, HubSpot, and Drupal (we’ve worked with these platforms and more). These platforms can also help host and build your website. But don’t worry, we do the heavy lifting for you.
Note: let’s not be confused with a custom programmed CMS, meaning a completely custom, uniquely-coded website. A customized CMS allows flexibility for you to make simple edits to your website.
Pros of a Customized CMS Environment
You have more control of the content on the front end.
With a customized CMS, you’re able to easily edit your website content that’s visible to your audience. From updating copy on your homepage to changing images and reformatting forms, the power is in your hands. No need to understand complex website coding and development! Most CMS platforms provide an intuitive experience for users to make the edits they need, anytime, anywhere.
Many businesses have dedicated marketing teams and choose to take on additional website responsibilities for quick turnaround sales promotions, event-worthy news, or other timely announcements. This gives you more power at your fingertips (if it makes sense for you, we’ll discuss that later), without needing to hire a vendor to make a minor website update.
You avoid accidentally breaking your website.
Instead of diving deep into the developer’s website code and searching “how to code” on a moment’s notice, a customized CMS prevents you from changing your website too much. Having this customization provides specific areas of your website that you can edit, but also restricts you from areas that you shouldn’t edit.
For example, users could update copy on a website page, create headers and coupon codes, and add products and blog posts. However, users could not change back-end programming, colors, stylings, server files, or anything technical that could end up breaking your website. A customized CMS essentially provides a fool-proof way for seamless and quick edits.
You can constantly create more content.
Let’s say your business is preparing for an upcoming product launch. Your team is creating marketing collateral such as a press release, social media posts, and digital ads leading up to the launch. For the new product, you’ll also need to create a new landing page on your website and will use this link in all other marketing efforts.
A customized CMS allows you and your team to create this webpage independently, interact with your target audiences in a more timely manner, and implement other marketing tactics to promote your product.
Cons of CMS Development
A customized CMS requires upfront costs.
Most CMS products and services are customizable, and therefore require more of an investment. A CMS doesn’t automatically become custom; there are modifications and other components factored in when developing it for your specific needs. Though costlier initially, these handmade solutions lead to long-term rewards with additional customization tools and easier website updates.
In addition to the development costs, you’ll also need manuals and training sessions to properly understand and use your customized CMS.
Build a Customized CMS
If using a customized CMS seems overwhelming and leaves you to wonder, “When will I have the time to update my website?”—don’t worry. Element is here to be your integrated marketing partner. You can still get the same information and updates on your website, while leaving the strategic upkeep to us.
Regardless of having a customized CMS, Element can help you connect the dots between your marketing efforts and boosting your bottom line. Chat with Element today!
