by 
By Super Admin
by Lisa Kirschner
Over the years, I’ve heard a lot of misconceptions and inaccurate statements about CMS tools. In my new ebook, “Choosing a Web Content Management System: CMS Tips, Myths, Mistakes and Best Practices”, I share the ten most common myths about content management systems. I’m listing the top five myths below:
1) All content management systems are the same.
Not at all. In fact, you should study each CMS closely to understand for whom it is designed, its strengths and its weaknesses. A good place to start is to understand the different types of CMS tools (see chapter two of the ebook). After you understand that, you can follow the process outlined in the second half of the book to identify your top requirements, review demos and web sites for various CMS vendors , narrow the players down to a short list of three to five vendors and conduct a proof of concept. Only then will you truly understand the key features, advantages and disadvantages of each CMS being considered.
2) Open source CMS tools can’t compete with commercial tools.
This is no longer true. In fact, open-source CMSs are sometimes more powerful, easier to use, more scalable and better supported than their commercial counterparts. You need to realize that if you utilize a popular open-source tool, such as Joomla, WordPress or Drupal, you will have access to a FAR bigger development and support community than some other CMS tools, including very large, well-known CMSs. When considering a CMS, do a quick search on Google and you’ll find numerous experienced developers in your area who are available to support you in your efforts. In addition, developers for most open-source tools are active in online forums, conferences, webinars and other events within their community. Don’t underestimate the power of open-source CMS tools.
3) We need to do a detailed comparison spreadsheet (matrix) when evaluating CMS tools.
False. You can quickly find a detailed matrix at a number of industry web sites (see www.cmsmatrix.org) , but you’ll get a much better gauge on whether a CMS is a good fit for you by doing a pilot or proof of concept using your real-world requirements (see chapter 11 of the ebook).
4) There is a perfect CMS out there for me or my company.
No, not really…there is no such thing as a perfect CMS. Whether you choose a $500,000 CMS or open-source software, you will encounter issues, technical glitches, down time (although this is somewhat dependent upon your host or servers as well) and a learning curve. You will also eventually discover something that your CMS cannot do for you when your business needs change, your business grows or the powers-that-be at your company decide on a new strategic direction.
5) A CMS will make my life or job so much easier.
Eventually, it might make some things a bit easier. In rare cases, it will make them a LOT easier. However, be forewarned that this will not happen immediately. In fact, you will likely encounter a learning curve when you first start using a new CMS, which may leave you feeling confused or frustrated—especially if you’re not trained properly or if you’re new to content management. Take your time to learn the CMS and understand its capabilities in the beginning, and you’ll ultimately reap bigger rewards while using it later.
Want to learn about the other five CMS myths, the top 10 CMS mistakes, CMS terminology, the difference between enterprise and low-end CMS tools and more? Download my ebook on Amazon soon!
Lisa Kirschner
Managing Editor, JUMP START Blog and Online Community
Managing Director, Flair Interactive Services Inc.
