There are plenty of companies out there that will be more than happy to take your money and create a website for you, but it will cost you. Hiring a designer to build a site can run anywhere from several hundred to many thousands of dollars! If you hire a web hosting service to do everything, the ongoing cost of doing business may be prohibitive in the long run. Using a CMS, you can do a lot of that work yourself! A content management system (CMS) can give even the web-challenged the tools they need to develop, maintain, and improve upon their own websites.

What is a CMS?

A CMS does just what its name implies: it is downloaded software whose job is to manage all of a website's content, from text to photos to music to video and just about anything else imaginable. Most people are not technically adept enough to handle computer language input onto their websites, but a CMS makes the process simple enough for just about anyone.
Who uses a CMS?

Many CMS companies make their software available to the public and so the software is used by hosting companies, professional designers, and lay-people alike that enjoy creating and managing websites. The options available through these systems make them appropriate for small- and large-business websites, non-profits, personal homepages, and even online magazines or other publications.

What if the initial set-up is not enough?

A good CMS will make available a variety of add-ons (plugins) that can be easily integrated into your existing system. For example, if you want to add a slide show feature, there is a plugin for that. If you want to incorporate a blog, there's a plugin for that as well. Most are available for one low price, but there are many that can be downloaded free of charge as well.

Advanced applications are also available for those whose websites need more comprehensive features: reservation systems, business directories, integrated e-commerce systems, and so forth.

Because there are lots of Content Management Systems out there vying for your business, be sure to spend a considerable amount of time doing research and investigation before making any kind of commitment. Visit each company's site and see how user-friendly their systems are. If possible, try the system out for free: the best companies will always have a link that allows you to "try it on" first. Look at their list of plugins and see if their options will suit your needs. And finally, make sure they have a supportive team that is available to help 24 hours - 7 days.