A Content Management System makes it possible for you to edit or entirely change your website’s appearance without the use of code, and WordPress happens to be a popular choice for businesses.
WordPress is a CMS software that enables you to create, edit, organize, and publish content; although it is mostly used for publishing, it can also be implemented in the management of content.
The CMS software has been known to power websites of not only the biggest brands in the world but startups such as Kokoon, Litmos Heroes, Pip and Nut, among others.
Benefits of Using WordPress
- WordPress is free to use, meaning you can install it on any website. Its open source nature gives you the freedom to use, modify and redistribute it whichever way you desire.
- The software has a wide array of themes and frameworks to pick from. The framework or theme you choose acts as the toolkit that aids you in the building of your website. Some of the themes include Avada, Divi and Total.
- WordPress is easy to use; you have access to edit anything you would require; on top of that, you have the option of installing a plug-in to help you further.
- You can build the website without the use of code. Its themes are designed in a way that allows them to plug-in with the CMS interface, granting you access to their functionality.
- WordPress has scalable capabilities and in-built functionalities that will handle the growth of your website’s traffic without the high extra costs of Shopify or the limited functionality of Wix.
- As a platform, WordPress is cheaper and more innovative due to the better integrations it has as well as tools for growth.
- It is efficient and quick to build with; tools such as Elementor Pro allow you to wireframe new websites quickly.
- In this day and age, it is crucial that your website be responsive, and with WordPress, every correctly coded theme is.
- The software has an in-built users section which enables you to delegate user access according to the appropriate level making it perfect for delegation.
- Due to its common standing in the market, WordPress can integrate with services such as PayPal, Hubspot, Xero, and many more. In case integration is not possible, there is the option of having the service as a plug-in.
Some of the plug-ins include:
- Google Analytics which is used to measure your website’s performance
- MailChimp; used in email marketing
- Yoast SEO
- Header and Footer
- Hubspot; a marketing automation platform
- Polylang
- Memberpress which you can use to build membership subscription
- Akismet; an anti-spam solution
- Proven
- WP Smush; useful for compressing media
- Wordfence Security which protects your website from malicious traffic, and many more.
In addition to these advantages, WordPress has a wide array of uses; whether building a blog or a multi-vendor marketplace. WordPress can be used to build;
- Professional business website
- A sales page
- A landing page
- A portfolio
- An online store
- An online learning platform
- A subscription website
Due to its extensible and flexible nature, WordPress has evolved into a platform for content management, and now companies are implementing and utilizing it in new and innovative ways.
Considerations before switching CMS platforms
If you are only interested in changing the appearance of your website and not in adding functionality, then you probably wouldn’t need to change your content management system. However, sometimes, your current CMS will not be able to handle the new redesign.
Here are a few reasons why companies opt for switching their CMS;
- Current CMS does not support the redesign you want.
- Current CMS is either too slow, or expensive
- Limitations of current CMS
- The desire to move to a self-hosted platform
- Some companies do not have a CMS in use
Although migrating from a custom CMS to WordPress has un-doubtable benefits, the switch can pose a few challenges for your business.
The switch can lead to loss of data and information, especially when exporting it. If you need to preserve certain information, you will need to retrieve it from the database, which can be tricky and complicated.
After setting up a staging server, the page design begins. This can be a daunting task depending on the site functionality, the number of pages, and custom development. The testing of functionality also prolongs the process.
Also, the creation of redirects is a step that some might overlook.
The use and maintenance of the new CMS can create further frustrations if handled in-house. The cost incurred in training staff on the use and troubleshooting of the system can be high as well.
Why you should hire a consulting service to handle the content migration
1. Useful in handling unexpected technical problems
60% of performance errors are due to misconfiguration; this can cost companies a lot in downtime. Hiring an expert will help you manage the unexpected technical glitches that might pop up during the migration process.
2. Helps avoid downtime
Migration consultants are experts at limiting downtime, in case something happens, they are well equipped to rectify it as soon as possible. A website that isn’t working harms revenue; it is best to avoid it at all costs.
3. Saves time
Doing it yourself will require you first to familiarize and understand what you need to do, migrate the site, then configure the settings while fixing the problems that arise. All this takes time and could prove to be quite a hassle. Outsourcing the process ensures the migration is done as quickly and effectively as possible.
4. Website data protection
One of the risks of migrating is the loss of data. A consulting service will be sure to back up your data before the migration and will then restore the data after the process has been completed greatly minimizing the chances of loss.
5. Comes with the benefit of support after migration
What happens after you migrate? You have a new platform but are unfamiliar with how to maintain it. A consulting service will offer maintenance tasks and support services after the migration is done.
Get in touch with us today to find out more on helping your CMS management needs.
