Does it seem to you that everyone who has designed a website publicizes they are a CMS vendor?

It does to me. I have been in this business since 2000 and now that I am an old CMS curmudgeon it is amazing to see the number of CMS vendors who have some sort of “solution” in this industry. I also see many companies (both large and small) getting duped into implementing a CMS based on hype.

Over the past 10 years many CMS investments were squandered. Numerous companies who implemented an enterprise CMS 3-5 years ago are regretting their decision or their vendor is out of business (see past blog for more thoughts on this http://blog.bridgelinedigital.com/2009/02/content-management-market-has-lots-of-room-to-grow/). These circumstances are forcing them to reevaluate their platform and look at implementing another enterprise wide solution. These decisions are expensive, unforgiving and for some could be career ending!

Here are some tips to consider while evaluating CMS software:

1. Make sure the CMS you are considering is mentioned by Gartner, Business-Software or Forrester research reports. If a CMS is not mentioned anywhere don’t buy it. Chances are its longevity and credibility are questionable.  Research will tell you where the pros and cons lay and how it can affect your organization.
2. Have your short list of vendors develop an ROI model for you. If you want to justify your decision to your executive team as to why you selected a certain package telling them it was listed in Gartner’s magic quadrant may not be enough. Have the vendor develop an ROI model similar to the article I blogged about here: http://blog.bridgelinedigital.com/2008/12/return-on-investment-for-cms-implementations/
3. For Pete’s sake…DO NOT THINK YOU CAN BUILD YOUR OWN! I love it when I talk to companies who are manufacturers, insurance companies, banks, healthcare companies, etc., and I hear “We are evaluating building our own CMS, we have in-house developers.” ARE YOU KIDDING ME? That is the equivalent to letting me build you a car because I have a ratchet set and some ball bearings in my garage. Stick to what you do best and to what drives your company revenue and partner with a credible vendor who can provide your CMS. To build a great CMS that will be successful and provide a return takes years to build, lots of money and patience.  All of which we all have less of these days.
4. Modular features. Be sure to select a CMS that has integrated complimentary modules that will help your web channel grow. Modules like analytics, email marketing, commerce and social networking are a must. Why would you want to select multiple vendors and platforms if you can find one vendor to provide and support all. The investment and more importantly your organizations buy in is critical to success.
5. Make a decision. There is no such thing as the perfect piece of software that will do everything 100% just the way you like it. Find the software that will get the job done and more importantly the right company who will innovate the software and support you the way you deserve to be supported.

Good luck and happy hunting!

Written by Tony Pietrocola