14 Rules for Selecting the Right Content Management System (CMS)

The Gist

• Market Shift: Transition from traditional CMS to Digital Experience Platforms (DXP) driven by multi-channel and multi-device needs.
• Agility Required: Choosing the wrong CMS can impact ROI; thus, flexibility and agility are crucial.
• Strategic Approach: Evaluate content operations holistically and consider long-term strategy and partner involvement.

Death of the Content Management System?

• Websites and other platforms still require managed content despite the shift to DXPs.
• CMS should provide agility to meet consumer demands across multiple channels.
• Thorough platform procurement process is essential to avoid unforeseen challenges.

What is Content Management?

• Systematic process of handling information across its lifecycle.
• Involves curating and delivering digital content effectively.
• Often requires integration with third-party systems and multiple CMS for larger organizations.

What is a Content Management System?

• Facilitates creation, management, and modification of digital content.
• Enables non-technical users to edit, author, and publish content-rich experiences.
• Examples: Acquia DXP, Adobe Experience Manager, Drupal, Sitecore DXP, Wordpress.

14 Tips for Selecting the Right CMS

1. Recognize These 4 Key WCM Pillars

• Support: Range from basic patches to advanced services.
• Vision: Alignment between vendor and customer vision is crucial for product growth.
• Community: Engage with existing customer community for insights.
• Stability & Focus: Ensure product's core relevance to vendor's strategy.

2. Validate the Need for CMS

• Confirm if the need is genuine; consider problems in content lifecycle instead.
• Recognize the disruptive nature of implementing new technology.

3. Build a Shortlist

• Identify CMS that supports requirements and is easy to use.
• Filter by technology, budget, and business functionality.

4. Think Holistically About Content Operations

• Evaluate overall content operations before choosing platforms.
• Consider digital asset management and content marketing overlaps.

5. Lean Heavily on Usage Scenarios

• Use scenarios to assess CMS fit, rather than relying solely on spreadsheets.

6. Don't Abuse Your Features Matrix

• Use requirements matrix wisely to understand needs but avoid over-reliance.

7. Features Don't Implement Themselves

• Understand that CMS features often require additional implementation effort.

8. Mind the Shiny Object Syndrome

• Evaluate new features realistically and ensure they fit the company’s roadmap.

9. Skating to Where the WYSIWYG Puck Is Going to Be

• Focus on vendor's future roadmap as implementation approaches evolve.

10. Take Product Demos Seriously

• Prepare thoroughly for demos to evaluate product fit with business needs.

11. Place Heavy Consideration on Implementation Team

• Implementation partners are crucial; they must understand business goals.

12. Select an Implementation Partner Early

• Engage partners early to align strategies with technical requirements.

13. Understand Your Success Baseline

• Define minimal viable solutions to avoid getting distracted by unnecessary features.

14. This Is Only a Framework

• Use this as a guideline but seek professional help if necessary due to the complexity of CMS selection.