Benefits of using a content management system (CMS)

There was a time when having a web site meant having a single HTML page with text, links, and maybe a few low resolution pictures. Even professional organizations did not put much thought into design.

Any time a site needed updating, it was up to a webmaster to edit HTML code on his computer and then upload it to the server. As time progressed, certain companies created web authoring tools, such as Microsoft Frontpage and Macromedia Dreamweaver (now Adobe Dreamweaver).

Since then the web has changed dramatically. Users expect frequent small portions of content delivered to them in a timely fashion. Content management systems (CMS) have been around for over a decade, but their popularity has increased tremendously, especially with the advent of blogs.

There are several benefits to using a content management system:

1. Once the site template has been designed, there is no need to edit HTML code offline and then upload it to a server.

2. Often times, you can add pictures and videos within the CMS backend.

3. Many CMS’s offer plugins and extensions that allow webmasters to quickly and easily ad functionality.

4. If a site or company changes webmasters, all of the content is on the server, so there is no need to track down the old webmaster.

Many web hosting companies now offer script installers that will automatically install a content management system for their customers. There are hundreds of free and open source CMS’s available. There should be one out there that is right for just about anyone.

Photo Source: Flickr