| A CMS (content management system) that is | | | | like your system to be able to perform you can |
| customized for your website is very helpful in keeping | | | | search for it on those pages. Or, if you're not quite |
| your site running smoothly. The more directly related to | | | | sure what you're looking for, or just want some ideas, |
| your needs the CMS is, the easier updating content | | | | browsing these pages will often give you ideas and |
| becomes. Quick and easy content updates can be | | | | inspiration for improving your site's functionality. |
| what separates your site from your competitors. | | | | The most important thing to remember when using a |
| The amount of customization your content | | | | content management system is that your only |
| management system might have will depend on the | | | | limitations on customization are your imagination. If |
| capabilities your site requires. For instance, if your | | | | there's a feature you want to add to your site and |
| website revolves heavily around pictures and videos, | | | | your CMS doesn't come with it, there is most likely an |
| you'll want a simple method for uploading and editing | | | | add-on or plug-in available. If one doesn't exist yet, it |
| them from within your CMS. This might be as simple | | | | can be created. That's the beauty of content |
| as finding and installing a free plug-in or widget. Or it | | | | management. It's highly customizable and it makes |
| may require you to outsource the task to a software | | | | web development and maintenance easy for anyone. |
| developer. Of course, if you're capable of customizing | | | | There is a downside to such flexibility. With so many |
| the system yourself, then you'll save yourself some | | | | features and options it can be easy for someone to |
| money and hassle in the process. | | | | get overly excited and install too many add-ons. This |
| For many content management systems a great | | | | will make the site look a clustered and disorganized. |
| number of custom features are already available and | | | | The best advice when customizing a CMS is to |
| new ones are developed all the time. Your CMS | | | | carefully choose only the most necessary functions |
| provider will usually have a page on their site where | | | | and resist adding anything that sounds cool but doesn't |
| the plug-ins are located. If there's a certain task you'd | | | | bring much to your site. |