When doing research for a website design, certain key elements such as graphics and usability are closely examined because these are important tools that give visitors a positive experience while exploring a website. Another web feature that cannot be overlooked by enterprising design companies is called CMS or content management system(s).

What is a CMS?

CMS is the acronym for content management system, which when properly incorporated, is part of a content management web design. It is a platform, usually in the form of a template, which can be integrated into web design to help separate structure/content from design.

Content management allows the user to conveniently add and manage the contents of a site such as articles or blogs. It allows the designer to focus on the design itself separate from the non-design function of updating and managing the content on the website. Content management web design allows the content and the design to be integrated into a user-friendly website.

Without a content management system, adding and updating web contents on a website requires the skill of someone with a thorough understanding about HTML codes, usually a web designer or a programmer. Updating a website with the help of a web designer is an additional maintenance cost for your website, especially if your content requires constant updating.

A content management system that is part of content management web design will give users control over their website without having to depend on a web designer every time the site needs updating. With CMS installed, the user has the freedom to add and edit contents on the site at any time. Timeliness of updating goes back to when it is needed rather than when it is convenient.

CMS is the simplest way of updating website content these days. Everything about content management web design is point and click. The interface of most CMS is pretty basic and understandable. Adding pages and contents can be performed at ease with minimal special training or lessons. Normally, one person is trained in CMS by the website design company and that person can then train any additional user personnel.

Who needs a CMS? – Everyone!

Although content management web design is a powerful tool both for the designer and the user, not all websites require its use. CMS is strongly recommended for websites with contents that need updating regularly although CMS does raise the cost of the web design and the website itself. In saying this, it cannot be denied that the growing trend of web-based purchases will only increase the likelihood that MOST websites will need some inexpensive way to update content material in order to create new subject matter to keep visitors coming back.

What are the Various CMS Platforms?

There are different CMS platforms a web designer can use. Two popular open source and widely used CMS are WordPress and Joomla. WordPress is the most popular blog software in use today. Joomla is more customizable and perfect for advanced users although it is more complicated to use for those new to CMS.

It has been said that content management web design is where the future of web design is heading. It allows designers to focus on the technology necessary to create the templates and frees content experts to focus on building content in a totally separate setting. Design companies that don’t offer a CMS to their clients will be missing out on the shifting demand for more online updating freedom.

Chris Hunter is an expert Web Designer and Internet Marketer  and runs a blog about Internet Marketing techniques. You can also go to his website that is all about Houston Web Design.