
What is a CMS and do I need one?

What is a CMS and do I need one?

The term CMS is thrown around web designers' websites as a term that is used in every day conversation, but fact is that most clients don't fully understand what the term stands for.

What does CMS mean?

CMS stands for Content Management System, which on it's own doesn't make complete sense at first glance, that's why we thought we'd give an overview of what a content management system is and the pros and cons of using one.


What is a CMS?

A content management system allows a website owner to edit their own website by the use of an online based log in system that is tied into their website.

This log in system is commonly referred to as the 'back end' as the system theoretically sits behind a website so it's not customer facing, unlike the front end (the actual website that visitors see).

The CMS enables a website owner (or approved user) to log in and be provided with a set amount of tools to edit areas of their website.

To a client this all sounds great, but there are limitations to using content management systems, here are three reasons why content management systems are useful.

1. You can edit your own website

Changing text, images and other types of media can be done within a couple of clicks.

2. You can control when your edits get done

If you have access and are savvy on a computer, you won't have to wait until your web designers are available to do your amends.

3. Easy to use

Content management systems are suitable for users that don't have any prior website design or development experience, which makes them relatively easy to use.


Feeling like you're missing out on the CMS hype?

Don't rush too quickly into investing into a CMS before you read our three downsides of having a content management system.

1. Errors can occur quickly

Content management systems aren't the smartest piece of kit and they can sometimes delete items that you didn’t want to delete, this is something that can escalate quickly if the user isn’t careful.

2. Not always search engine friendly

When creating new content, some content management systems don’t always allow you to specify the location of new pages or let you add attributes to links and images which would benefit your search engine friendliness.

3. Not everyone is a designer

A website is usually a company's first impression, which can be blemished instantly if low quality, badly designed imagery gets added to it via a content management system.


As we provide websites with and without content management systems, we believe that they are good to have to cover small changes on your website, but they could never replace a professional web design team to manage your website, especially if you find an affordable and friendly team like the one at BurstingBox.