What is CMS and how does it work?

Any business with an online presence knows about the value of content. It’s the most powerful way to connect with customers and promote your products and services.

But creating, managing, and updating content can be costly and time-consuming. Thankfully, CMS software is here to simplify the process!

What is CMS?

CMS stands for content management system. At its core, it is software that allows users to edit and manage a website’s content, including images, text, audio, and video. 

Many CMS options also offer optimisation tools to help businesses improve their customers’ digital experience. For example, you can offer personalised content targeted to unique users based on their locations or purchase histories.

You can install a CMS on the cloud or local server. Many different types are available on today’s market, but some common examples include WordPress and Squarespace.

What is CMS used for?

A CMS supplies an easy and convenient way to update, support, and optimise your website’s content from a single pane. You can also integrate and present the content across multiple formats.

Today’s customers browse web content from multiple platforms, including smartphones, tablets, laptops, and desktop computers. Creating different content for each platform costs money and takes time—but by using CMS software, you can automate presentation across every device.

Many businesses also use CMS software to access detailed analytics about their website’s performance. For example, when publishing a blog post, you can see whether your audience reads the article, how long they spend reading, and if they click on any links. This data can help you define your ROI and optimise your content publishing efforts.

How does CMS work?

Typical CMS software has three main functions:

• Content management: It structures, stores, and manages all website content, including blog posts, pages, assets, etc.
• Presentation: It publishes and displays the content attractively and functionally and ensures it works across multiple devices.
• Security: It protects your website from jackets by scanning for malware and other security risks every time someone visits your site.

Most CMS software will also allow you to assign user roles, deciding who can change certain aspects of your website. For example, you could assign blog editing and publishing capabilities to your copywriter and CSS editing capabilities to your web designer.

CMS software uses a content management application (CMA) and a content delivery application (CDA) to make this all possible.

The CMA is your website’s ‘front end’. It allows content creators and marketers to update content directly (like updating images or discounts) without contacting the IT team.

The CDA is the website’s ‘back end’. It takes any content you enter into its templates and creates a functional and accessible website.

So, should I invest in CMS software?

Yes! CMS software has enormous benefits for businesses across all industries. Whether you’re running an eCommerce store or promoting local services, a CMS can help you keep track of customers and content, understand their actions and motivations, and boost your ROI.