How can you use content management systems and platforms more effectively? (2024)

Not all CMS and platforms are created equal. Some are more suited for certain types of content, audiences, or functionalities than others. Before you select a CMS or platform, you should consider your content strategy, your technical requirements, your budget, and your future plans. You should also compare the features, benefits, and drawbacks of different options, and test them out if possible. Choosing the right CMS or platform for your needs will save you time, money, and headaches in the long run.

Content governance and workflow are the policies and processes that guide how you create, approve, publish, update, and archive your content. They help you ensure consistency, quality, and accountability across your content team and stakeholders. To define your content governance and workflow, you should identify the roles and responsibilities of each person involved, the standards and guidelines for your content, the tools and methods for collaboration and communication, and the metrics and feedback for evaluation and improvement. You should also document and communicate your content governance and workflow clearly and regularly.

SEO and accessibility are not only important for reaching and engaging your target audience, but also for complying with web standards and best practices. To optimize your content for SEO and accessibility, you should follow some basic principles, such as using keywords, headings, meta tags, alt text, and links strategically, writing clear and concise copy, using plain language and inclusive terms, formatting your content for readability and scannability, and testing your content with different devices and tools. You should also use the features and plugins of your CMS or platform that can help you with SEO and accessibility, such as Yoast, WAVE, or Lighthouse.

Automation and integration can help you streamline and simplify your content tasks, such as scheduling, publishing, sharing, updating, and analyzing your content. You can use the built-in functions of your CMS or platform, such as WordPress cron or Hootsuite scheduler, to automate some of these tasks. You can also use third-party tools and services, such as Zapier, IFTTT, or Mailchimp, to integrate your CMS or platform with other applications and platforms, such as social media, email marketing, or analytics. Automation and integration can help you save time, reduce errors, and increase efficiency.

One of the benefits of using CMS and platforms is that they allow you to experiment and learn from your content performance. You can use the analytics and insights features of your CMS or platform, such as Google Analytics or Medium stats, to measure and monitor your content metrics, such as traffic, engagement, conversions, or retention. You can also use the testing and feedback features of your CMS or platform, such as A/B testing, surveys, or comments, to try out different content variations, formats, or strategies, and collect user feedback. Experimenting and learning from your content performance can help you improve your content quality, relevance, and impact.

Finally, you should keep your CMS or platform updated and secure, to avoid technical issues, bugs, or breaches that can compromise your content and user experience. You should always backup your content and data regularly, and store them in a safe and accessible location. You should also update your CMS or platform software, plugins, and themes whenever there are new versions or patches available, and check for compatibility and functionality issues. You should also use strong passwords, encryption, and authentication methods, and follow the security recommendations and best practices of your CMS or platform provider.

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

Content Strategy

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