In our previous post, we talked about CMS and why it could be handy for your website. However like anything in the technical world, there are good ones, bad ones, and downright dodgy ones. It's important that you find a good quality CMS that suits your needs, so let's take a look at what you need to look out for:
Is it Recommended?
If you can, talk to the CMS developer and ask if you can trial the software. If you find it easy to use, that's a great start. However, you can't always try before you buy, so it's a good idea to ask around - do others use it? And if so, do they like it? Check if the CMS has been rated or reviewed by IT specialists.
What Plugins Are Available?
With most content management systems, you should be able to add extra plugins to your website. Before you select a CMS, find out which plugins are available and can be added later. Some plugins you may want to look out for include shopping carts, forums, blogs and polls. You may not think you need them now, but it's likely you'll want them later, especially when you see what your competitors are doing!
Is it Compatible with Your Host?
Some CMS systems may not be compatible with your domain host - so before you invest in a CMS, check that your host has the right software.
Is It Up To Date?
Check to find out how recently the CMS software was updated - CMS has been around for a few years now, and technology is nothing if not constantly changing. You want the latest, and the best, there is.
flatstick CMS
At Flatout, we have our very own CMS, called flatstick. It comes in two different versions - LITE and PRO.
flatstickLITE is a powerful, yet simple to learn interface allowing you to maintain your website. It's great for small to medium sized businesses, or businesses who are just getting started.
If you have a larger business or have outgrown your flatstickLITE, flatstickPRO will work for you. flatstickPRO has all the same great features as flatstickLITE, except it also has unlimited pages, add-on modules and the ability to have custom modules built specific to your needs.
To find out more about building your website and using flatstick CMS, give us a call - our expert team will be happy to answer any queries you have.