If the processes of a web content management system are in sync only then it would be effective. This article is a thorough analysis of the syncing of the processes that make the CMS effective.

1. Web content management systems are
effective only when the processes are in
sync
5 Tips for an effective web content management
system
Whether there is any necessity to tie up resources who would be involved to administer the
web content management systems once it’s fully functional is a moot point. There are
hindrances too, that either deters regular posting of new content or outdated items cannot be
archived or sent to the trash bin.
As a solution, fine-tuning of the process is essential so that corporate policies can be applied
along with the definition of workflows that would be published onto a web content
management system. According to professionals of web content management systems, this
can be achieved by adhering to five vital aspects.
1. An early start
Creating a policy document that would act as a guideline for a successful WCM strategy that
would have clarity in terms of decision-making with regard to content and allocation of
content. Confusion at a later stage can be avoided if conversations are documented in the
beginning.
2. Locate a sponsor
Organizations are in need of someone influential who would act as a mediator as and when
there are disagreements and to set a course. The designated person ought to be sort of a
project manager and not simply someone authorized to sign checks.
3. A steering committee for WCM
A team across departments ought to have meetings early on and frequently to create
workflows so that content can be approved and validated, proofread and edited, scheduled
archived and deleted. Undoubtedly steering committees are vital as the group would be able
to think clearly about the basic WCM rules. However, these groups are known for the

2. creation of workflows that may appear to be foolproof but could lead to complications in
reality. If the process for approval of a WCM is lengthy then that is considered as a
hindrance.
4. Fresh content
Content ought to be fresh so that presence on the web is indeed a success. Without any
ownership of content, the content will be outdated. Owners cannot be held responsible though
as there might be a lack of resources in terms of establishing criteria that are clear as to the
frequency of review of content and whether outdated information needs to be archived or
deleted.
The flow of new content steadily from business groups is few and far between. To ensure a
steady flow of content, new content that is created could be linked with processes for
publishing. A checkbox, for example, could be created which would indicate that new content
is ready for posting on a website.
5. Feedback analysis
To define policies and workflows are all well and good. Organizations, however, need to be
able to quantify success. To begin with, there are a few indicators that would ascertain as to
whether or not the objectives of the site have been met. The performance of a site, in other
words, would depend on whether or not revenues in addition to what a business may be
generating without using the site is being generated through the site, whether sales leads are
generated through the site, and last but not the least, whether customer service is improving
as a result of the site.
Traffic analytics tools could be used for further feedback analysis with accuracy.
Organizations would benefit by using analytics deftly and the data could show the path to
owners of content as to how they should give shape and update content.
WCM consultants are of the opinion that all these pieces of the puzzle as it were ought to be
in place prior to deploying the system. Even if websites “go live” in a hurry, the website can
be WCM integrated later on.
If a system or the lack of it is beyond control, then it’s even more necessary to have teams
and processes in place. The processes that are currently in place needs to be audited as well
so that the existing processes can be streamlined and improved for a better performing WCM.
Latest trends in CMS
Both WordPress, and Drupal, for example, are free and open source software licensed
under General Public License and are written primarily in PHP. WordPress only supports
MySQL database management systems, while Drupal supports other database management
systems in addition to MySQL. Themes and templates are used so that sites appear visually
along with plugins, modules, or extensions for advanced features. Since these are open source
software, therefore they are projects initiated by the community.