Content Management Systems A content management system is software that loads on your web host’s server and manages all content on your web site dynamically. Meaning the content is separate from the site’s structure. The content is stored in a database and the structure is driven by internal programming. Updating content or the site’s structure or appearance is easily done as one simply logs into the administrative panel and opens that component or module and updates from there. Content in this case will refer to text, photos, music, videos or documents. A major advantage of using a CMS is that it requires little technical skill or knowledge to manage any aspect of a website. Joomla’s administration panel login © C. Kent

Now that you understand what a content management system is, let’s learn the benefits of having one built or installed for your site? Consider the following No one knows what you want to say or how you want things to look more than you. A CMS gives you direct control over the appearance and content on your web site. Keeping everything current. Sites that change and update their content on a regular basis not only give your organization the appearance of being alive and more active, but search engines give higher emphasis on new and fresh content. Site growth is usually increased as it is easy to add pages, media and features. A CMS allows any number of approved individuals or authors within an organization to add, edit and delete content. The administrator can assign different levels of permission to each user. Benefits of using a CMS

Many content management systems store your information in a database system where control mechanisms can more easily restrict access to your content. Done correctly, the information is only accessible via the CMS thereby providing better protection for your site's content from many common and standard web site attacks. The design of the website can be changed at any time without affecting the content. One click will change your site’s look. There are many free templates on offer, however if you prefer a specific look, you may wish to purchase a premium template. Sites such as Template Monster offer high-end whole-site templates for about $70 U.S. You save money as the content is maintained through the web browser meaning there are no additional software requirements, software licensing fees or hardware costs. Nor do you require a webmaster to update your site. Benefits of using a CMS

As you can see by the number of logos below, there are a variety of CMS each with their unique functions and possibilities, today we will focus on two of the most popular, WordPress and Joomla, both open source (or free). I encourage you to find the CMS that best suits your organization’s needs. Which CMS to choose….