With all the different technology available, it can be a little challenging to decide what CMS to build your website with. So here is my quick guide to help you evaluate what system is best for you.
First - do you really need a content management system?
Unless you are planning on updating your site often, it doesn't make sense to have a CMS. A content management system will cost you more to produce and host than a regular HTML site. When you compare that cost to what an agency would charge to make updates on your behalf - the latter is usually the most cost-effective choice. You may also want to consider whether being personally in charge of your site maintenance is in fact a good thing. Many people like the idea, but soon discover that learning CMS and finding the time to make the necessary edits on a consistent basis, may not be worthwhile.
Select the system that works best for your needs
Is your website's primary focus e-commerce, a portfolio of work or a blog? You need to define its main "job" in order to evaluate how best to accomplish it. Joomla works great for large-scale websites that require more complex functions, whereas WordPress is ideal for smaller sites that are blog-driven. If you plan on simply posting blogs and photos, then you are better off with a CMS with limited capabilities that's easier to learn, maintain and less expensive to host.
Look at the administration interface
Can you figure out how to handle the basics with no instruction? If you can't add or edit a page, write a blog or add an image without a tutorial - find another CMS. You don't want to be "re-learning" how to implement changes every time you log in. One last note here, if it doesn't have a WYSIWYG editor for articles or posts - walk away. You don't need a system that makes more work for you.
Pick standard platform
I run across people who build their sites with unknown, unsupported or even proprietary systems. This can become very expensive down the road. All too often, the original developer goes missing and you're stuck trying to find someone to take over a site that doesn't follow common protocols. A standard, common platform will save you thousands of dollars in development costs if something goes wrong. Choose a supported CMS like WordPress or Joomla and stick with it!
It should offer some creative flexibility
Some content management systems don't allow a lot of customization in the layout and look of the site. You will want to update your site appearance every couple of years and you don't want to create a whole new site just to change some basic cosmetic features.
Support and documentation
Sooner or later, technical issues will likely arise, regardless of which CMS you choose. It's invaluable to have someone readily available who can fix the problem or offer you professional advice. If you have an agency, they will handle the issue for you and spare you a lot of frustration, but if you're on your own, make sure the CMS you choose offers an active support and reference community online you can contact for help.
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