CMS stands for Content Management System and in the context of a website, it's how you manage your the content.
Without a CMS it's likely you will need a web developer to make any change to your content, even the correction of a typo or the change of a phone number. This may incur additional costs every time, so it really is beneficial to make sure you invest in a website that includes an easy to use CMS.
Which CMS you use and how your CMS system is implemented, will determine how much of your website you can update. For example, on this site I (as a non techie) can create new pages in any section, edit all content in existing pages, change the format of a blog, update contact details - pretty much everything. I can preview the change first to avoid any glaring issues and it's quick and simple to do. I can even log in and update it from my mobile.
I can’t change the structure of the home page, the colours and fonts. When I do create a new page, I am restricted to what format that page takes. These limitations are specific and to ensure I don’t implement anything which is not in keeping with our brand and the consistent look and feel we want for our website.
There are many content management systems out there - one of the most popular is WordPress. WordPress started as a blogging platform in 2003 and his since grown to be an all encompassing CMS. Blogging, though, is still what it does best. It is free to use and has a massive community of supporters.
Our preferred CMS is Umbraco - this too is a free to use open source CMS with a community of developers and advocates. Umbraco is our tool of choice due to its robust nature and scalability, which we feel is superior.
Whilst we have developed WordPress sites in the past, we would work with you to determine which CMS is the best fit for your functional website needs as well as your budget.
If you would like us to quote for a website, please don’t hesitate to get in touch at contact@carbon-pixel.com.
LINKS
Check out our blog post: Umbraco & why it's our CMS of choice.
More information from Umbraco on Umbraco CMS.