The choice of the right content management system (CMS) is crucial for maintaining brand authenticity, yet this connection is often overlooked. The failure of many CMS implementations can be attributed to human factors such as complexity, inexperience, excessive steps, or a mismatch between the system’s features and the company’s needs. A suitable CMS can not only facilitate better engagement with users but also foster a knowledgeable and positive internal culture.
Despite this understanding, the correct CMSs are frequently not selected, mainly because choices are made without fully considering the organization’s actual requirements. Selecting an appropriate CMS is a critical decision, especially for companies undergoing market re-entry, rebranding, or restructuring.
With a plethora of CMS recommendations available, it’s important for companies to first understand why they need a CMS and what they aim to achieve with it. Asking key questions can help narrow down the options:
For the internal team:
- What content needs to be managed, and to what extent?
- Who will manage the content?
- What level of specialization is required?
For the system:
- What kind of support is offered?
- Is the system scalable?
- Can it be customized?
An optimized CMS, especially at the enterprise level, can propel a company to unprecedented success. It should not only meet functional needs but also adhere to usability standards, ensuring efficiency and intuitiveness. Selecting a CMS requires balancing core needs with the ability of users to effectively navigate and utilize the system.
A user-friendly CMS can significantly boost productivity and financial performance. Most systems designed for intuitive use can be operated by semi-tech-literate individuals, though training for dedicated teams is advisable.
Given the substantial investment a CMS represents, its selection should be a collective decision involving multiple stakeholders, ideally with input from external design and development experts knowledgeable in various CMS platforms. This approach ensures the CMS is fully leveraged, enhancing the company’s productivity and long-term success.