What is a CMS?
The CMS (Content Management System) is also called « Content management system ». It is an interface to create and manage a website easily. CMS plays a key role in the visibility of the website, including through SEO indexing tools and extensions.
The CMS operates fully online. Therefore, users do not need to install software on their devices. They only need to create an account to access CMS functionality.
The criteria for a good CMS
The ease of use of the interface and its various features (templates, plugins, site management, etc.) is the essential criterion of CMS. Its grip must be fast and intuitive, both for traders and customers.
In parallel, CMS developers must be able to continuously improve their software. All the technical developments that appeared over time are thus available to users.
Finally, a CMS must make extensions available to optimize the site's natural SEO. These extensions include XML sitemap editing (file for search algorithms only) or custom URL creation.
Private CMS
Private CMSs are designed and owned by agencies. They are programmed to adapt to the needs of specific sectors (real estate, banking, etc.).
Their main advantage lies in data security. They are entirely managed by the Agency. However, it must be taken into account that the sites created on private CMS are legally owned by the agencies. Users therefore do not have their website, and must pay a monthly or annual subscription to access their data. It is very difficult, if not impossible, to change CMS without losing the entire existing website.
CMS « open source »
CMS « open source » are created and managed by a developer collective. These are open source software that offers a generic and fully customizable interface.
Unlike the private CMS, websites designed on CMS « open source » have the immense advantage of belonging to their user and manager. The user can retrieve his site to transfer it to a specialized agency if he wishes. However, the free management of CMS « open source » makes him more vulnerable to potential hacker attacks.
CMS types « open source »
The market is divided between several types of CMS « open source ». The choice of CMS is based on its activity and the use of its website (online store, presentation site, self-entrepreneur site, etc.).
- WordPress: it is the most important CMS in the market. Its many features make it possible to create a fully customized professional site. It is the ideal CMS for professional showcase sites.
- Prestashop: This CMS specialized in the creation and management of online shop. Its features are divided between those reserved for customers (front office) and those reserved for traders (back office). It also offers a secure online payment system.
- Wix: This is the ideal CMS for beginners. Thanks to its ultra-simplified and intuitive interface, it is possible to create a personalized presentation site in complete simplicity, without the need for any coding knowledge.
- Squarespace: This CMS is intended for professionals, especially photographers and graphic designers. It offers an interface specialized in the presentation of portfolios with integration of social networks in order to gain traffic.
The choice of CMS is essential to optimize website traffic. It is recommended to clearly define the priority objectives of its website (commerce, presentation, exchange with Internet users, etc.) and choose the content management software best suited to meet them.