In an increasingly digital-driven landscape, a corporate website is more than just an online brochure – it’s a vital business asset. From showcasing your brand and building credibility to generating leads and supporting customer relationships, your website needs to work seamlessly as part of your overarching business. Central to this is the Content Management System (CMS) you choose.
The process of choosing a website builder or CMS can feel overwhelming with the variety of platforms available. For a business website design project, the stakes are even higher. Your CMS must not only meet technical and functional requirements but also align with your longer-term objectives.
What is a CMS, and why does it matter for corporate websites?
A Content Management System (CMS) is software that allows you to create and manage your website without needing technical knowledge. It provides a user-friendly interface where you can upload content, add new pages and make changes quickly to your website.
For corporate website design, a CMS is particularly valuable because:
- It empowers marketing teams to manage website content independent of 3rd parties.
- It streamlines collaboration across departments.
- It ensures that the website remains up-to-date and scalable.
Choosing the right CMS for your website is crucial to achieving these goals and ensuring your platform grows with your business.
Key factors to consider when choosing a CMS for your corporate website
When it comes to selecting a CMS for your corporate website, there are numerous aspects to evaluate to ensure the platform aligns with your business needs and technical capabilities. Each decision can significantly impact your website’s usability, scalability and overall success.
1. Ease of use and flexibility
A corporate CMS must be intuitive and easy to use. Your team should be able to create, update and publish content quickly without relying on developers.
- Look for a CMS with a user-friendly dashboard and drag-and-drop features.
- Ensure it allows you to manage content effectively, including text, images, videos and documents.
- Opt for platforms that provide flexibility for customisation, so you can tailor the website to reflect your corporate branding.
Many platforms, such as WordPress, offer a good balance between user-friendliness and customisation options. If your team is not tech-savvy or you do not wish to engage a professional, you may also consider platforms like Wix, which simplify the process further.
2. Scalability
As a corporate business, your website needs to grow with you. Whether you’re expanding to new markets, introducing new services, or adding integrations, the CMS should always be implemented with scale in mind.
- Choose a CMS that can handle a growing number of pages, content types and visitors.
- Ensure it supports multi-site management, especially if you operate in different regions or divisions.
- Ensure the website hosting platform for your CMS can scale seamlessly as your business grows. A scalable hosting platform guarantees your website remains fast and reliable, even during peak usage, enabling uninterrupted user experiences and maintaining uptime.
Enterprise-grade CMS platforms like Sitecore are excellent options for scalability, though WordPress with professional customisation can also achieve similar goals.
3. Customisation and design capabilities
Your corporate website should reflect your brand’s identity and values. The CMS you choose should provide flexibility in both design and functionality.
- Choose a platform with a variety of themes and templates.
- Ensure it supports custom web development so that developers can add unique features and designs.
- Look for CMS options with responsive design features to ensure the website effectively showcases your brand best across all devices. A responsive design enhances your digital marketing by delivering a seamless experience on desktops, tablets and smartphones alike.
A platform like WordPress, paired with a custom theme or a page builder like Manta, allows you to maintain a polished and professional look.
4. Security and maintenance features
Security and maintenance are non-negotiable when it comes to a corporate website. From protecting user data to ensuring the smooth operation of your website, your CMS should offer robust security measures and ongoing technical support.
- Look for platforms that provide SSL support, regular security updates and data encryption to safeguard your website from vulnerabilities.
- Consider CMS platforms that allow role-based access control, so only authorised users can manage sensitive data.
- Ensure the CMS is compliant with local data protection regulations such as Australia’s Privacy Act.
- Evaluate the maintenance and support options offered, such as updates, scheduled backups and disaster recovery to keep your website running efficiently over time.
Platforms like WordPress can be made highly secure with the help of a developer experienced in website maintenance and cyber security, while enterprise systems like Sitecore often come with advanced built-in security.
5. SEO and marketing capabilities
Search engine optimisation (SEO) and digital marketing are critical to attracting customers to your corporate website. The CMS you choose should support your SEO website design and digital marketing strategy.
- Look for built-in SEO features or integrations with popular SEO tools.
- Choose a CMS that supports metadata, clean URLs and sitemaps.
- Ensure it can integrate with marketing automation tools, CRM systems and email marketing platforms.
For example, WordPress offers a range of plugins like Yoast SEO, which simplify content optimisation. Other platforms like HubSpot CMS integrate directly with their own internal marketing tools for a seamless workflow.
6. Performance and speed
A slow website can significantly harm user experience by frustrating visitors, lower your search engine rankings by not meeting performance benchmarks, and ultimately lead to reduced conversion rate optimisation as potential customers leave for faster alternatives. Therefore, the CMS you choose must prioritise performance, ensuring swift loading times and functionality even during high traffic periods.
- Ensure the CMS supports fast loading times and optimised content delivery.
- Look for platforms that use Content Delivery Networks (CDNs) and caching tools.
- Test how well the CMS performs under heavy traffic loads.
Top CMS platforms to consider for corporate websites
If you’re trying to figure out how to choose a website builder, it helps to understand the features and capabilities of the most popular platforms used by corporate businesses. The right choice can provide a solid foundation for business growth.
1. WordPress
WordPress is the world’s most popular CMS, powering over 40% of websites. It offers:
- Flexibility for customisation with plugins and themes.
- A user-friendly interface for non-technical users.
- Scalability for growing businesses.
2. Manta
Manta, a customised version of WordPress suitable for enterprise use created by S1T2, one of Australia’s leading creative technology agencies, offers:
- Advanced customisation and scalability.
- Strong security features tailored for enterprises.
- Multi-site management capabilities.
3. Sitecore
Sitecore is a premium enterprise CMS designed for large organisations. It offers:
- Advanced marketing automation features.
- Personalisation capabilities.
- High-level security and scalability.
4. HubSpot CMS
HubSpot CMS integrates seamlessly with HubSpot’s CRM and marketing tools, making it a solid option for businesses focused on lead generation.
Steps to take when choosing a website builder
Selecting the right CMS for your corporate website is a pivotal decision that impacts every aspect of your digital presence. To streamline the process and ensure you make an informed choice, here’s a detailed process to help you assess, compare and ultimately decide on the platform that best meets your needs:
- Define your goals and requirements: Identify what you need from the CMS in terms of functionality, scalability and features.
- Assess your team’s technical skills: Choose a platform that matches your team’s expertise.
- Consider budget and resources: Evaluate both upfront and ongoing costs for hosting, maintenance and development.
- Research CMS options: Compare platforms based on features, flexibility and user reviews.
- Request demos or trials: Test out shortlisted platforms to see how they work.
- Evaluate support and updates: Choose a CMS with reliable support, security patches and regular updates.
Whether you’re considering WordPress, Manta, or another platform, the key is to choose a CMS that is reliable, flexible and aligns with your corporate strategy. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you’ll feel confident in how to choose a website builder that helps your business grow.