What do you do if you are not sure which content management system to choose?

1 Define your needs

The first step is to define your needs and expectations from a CMS. What kind of content do you want to create and manage? How often do you plan to update it? How much control do you want over the design, functionality, and security of your website? How much time and money are you willing to invest in learning and maintaining a CMS? These are some of the questions you should ask yourself before you start looking for a CMS.

3 Compare the features

The third step is to compare the features and capabilities of the CMS platforms that you have shortlisted. You may use a checklist or a spreadsheet to organize and evaluate the information you have gathered. It is important to consider ease of use, customization, performance, and support when comparing the platforms. Ease of use includes how user-friendly and intuitive the CMS interface is, as well as how easy it is to create, edit, and publish content. Customization is about the flexibility of control over the appearance, layout, and functionality of your website. Additionally, performance should be evaluated in terms of speed, reliability, scalability, and security. Lastly, support includes how accessible and helpful the CMS support team is, as well as how active and responsive the CMS community is. Furthermore, resources and tutorials should be available for the CMS.

4 Test the usability

The fourth step is to test the usability and functionality of the CMS platforms that you have narrowed down. You can do this by creating a demo or a prototype website using the CMS and testing it on different devices, browsers, and screen sizes. You can also ask for feedback from your target audience, such as your customers, clients, or followers, on how they find the website. You can use tools, such as Google Analytics, to measure and analyze the performance, engagement, and conversion rates of the website.

5 Make the decision

The final step is to make the decision and choose the CMS that best suits your content creation needs and goals. You can weigh the pros and cons of each CMS platform and consider your budget, time, and skills. You can also consult with a professional web developer or a content strategist if you need more guidance or assistance. Remember that you can always switch to a different CMS later if you are not satisfied with your choice or if your needs change.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?