With so many open source web content management systems now freely available (eg. WordPress, Drupal, Joomla, ExpressionEngine, etc.), it can be difficult to pinpoint the right one for your business. You want a content management system (CMS) which serves your needs, and your needs only – that means no frills and no unnecessary tools cluttering up your screen. You may find that being inundated with so many options only serves to add further confusion. Thankfully, there is a way of bypassing all of that.

Like you, the team at Realise4 grew so frustrated with off-the-shelf CMSs and their bloated code that we elected to build a CMS of our own. After customising the site navigation and condensing the modules down to just the essentials, we were left with a dramatically streamlined CMS and, as a result, a far simpler system for site administrators.

WordPress and similar pre-packaged CMSs are prepared for a broad range of businesses, resulting in user interfaces that are brimming with modules. Each business has unique demands, so why should a one-size-fits-all approach apply to your website's CMS? Read on for a more in-depth look at why your business should consider opting for a custom-made CMS.

Work Faster

Time is money, and you can't afford to waste yours navigating through a maze of resources and tools – the majority of which you will never need to use. A custom CMS trims away the fat of unnecessary features, so that you are left with a system that fits your business like a glove. Less clutter and a user interface which is tailored to your workflow means less time spent operating within the limits of an off-the-shelf CMS.

Clarity for your staff

Off-the-shelf CMSs often use web developer lingo which the average person would not be familiar with. If you have a multi-tiered business with a variety of roles, chances are that the IT skill level of your staff is just as varied. A custom CMS is flexible to your requirements and can be tweaked to match the skill level of your team, rather than the other way around. Use only the language your workers will recognise, so that no one is left scratching their head.

Don't Waste Time Wrestling With an Off-The-Shelf CMS

A custom CMS is particularly useful for businesses which seek to implement a custom web application. Off-the-shelf CMSs boast an array of plugins, extensions and tools, but what if none measure up to the application you have in mind? If you decide to integrate an application using a pre-packaged CMS like WordPress, your developer would first have to delve into its architecture and identify its limitations. In contrast, a custom CMS – built from scratch – has only a fraction of the code associated with an off-the-shelf CMS, enabling your developer to quickly and easily tailor it to your wishes.

Security

The bigger the name, the more attractive it becomes to hackers and spammers, making popular platforms like WordPress a target for exploitation. This is particularly the case with open source content management systems, which is why many businesses look to custom CMSs for the added security.

Reliability

While pre-packaged plugins may seem appealing at first glance, their lack of long term stability can cause widespread grief for website administrators. Many open source CMSs offer free and regular updates at the click of a mouse. Unfortunately, there is a downside. Open source developers often lack incentive to update their plugins accordingly, leading to conflicts and breakages within the CMS. Equally frustrating is the fact that developers are neither obliged nor guaranteed to provide support should you happen to hit a roadblock. Ensure that your CMS has the benefit of stability; do away with undependable third parties by choosing a custom CMS.

Realise4 are experts in creating custom content management systems for businesses of any size. For more information on our work, contact our Dublin team of professionals today.

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