Why should you consider a content management system (CMS) based website?

Unlike a static website, a Content Management System (or CMS) based website has the advantage of being database driven. This means that the content of the website is stored in a database and then pulled out when the page is opened. This differs from static websites, in which the website content is written on the web page. In order to update the content of such a website, it becomes necessary to modify the code and then re-publish the webpage, requiring technical expertise and making things difficult for many website owners who then have to rely on tech support to carry out even a minor change.

Because of this basic difference, CMS based websites offer users several advantages over static websites, and this explains why many website owners are now moving towards the CMS model. Some advantages that this model offers are listed below.

Easy Way to Update Content

A website is considered the face of a company and an increasing number of customers are turning to a company’s website for information. As such, it is critical for companies to maintain an aesthetically pleasing, fresh and up-to-date website. Implementing a content management system on a website will make it very easy to update content without technical help. Videos, images and text can be added or updated using a simple and intuitive dashboard and changes can be implemented with the click of a single button. A CMS is especially useful for information-centric websites consisting of hundreds of pages since otherwise it would become impossible to manage the website.

Separation of Design and Content

A CMS based website can easily be created by using templates, making it much easier to implement design changes without upsetting the content in any way. To change the look and feel, just download a free template and apply it to the website. In the case of a business website that typically makes use of customized template, a web developer can easily do this without having to re-enter the data all over again.

Ability to Access the Website from Anywhere

No specialized software or technology is needed in order to update the website. All that is needed is a computer or mobile device with a working Internet connection. Just log on to the administrator panel and the website can easily be updated or edited as per requirement.

Possibility to Introduce Role Based Access

All CMS have the provision for role based access for the CMS website, so that website administrators only have access to the part of the website that is relevant to them. This can be very useful in the case of a multi user environment in which responsibilities have to be divided, or in the case of a large corporation with multiple divisions where one administrator has rights for each division. This could also be the case for say blog websites in which users may be allowed to access only his or her own blog, but the editor requires access to everyone’s blogs.

Ease of Extending the Website through Widgets and Plugins

Most CMS based websites can easily be extended through the use of widgets and plugins that are easily available. Extending the functionality of the website is a simple matter of locating or developing a plugin and implementing it on the website. Once the functionality is no longer required, the plugin may simply be deleted.

There are many advantages of a CMS website and the above list will help you decide whether a static or a CMS-based website would help meet your needs.