WordPress as a CMS :: Content Management System
WordPress around inception was known as a blogging platform, today, it is regarded as one of the top content management systems around. But what makes a platform be considered a cms? Well let’s take a look at what WordPress needs to do in order to run with the big boys when it comes to maintaining full blown websites.
WordPress CMS – What can it do?
- Create Static Pages
A CMS must be able create static pages on go, at any time without any added coding just to implement it. WordPress includes pages by default, all you have to do is go to the admin section and click on “add new page”. Immediately you are presented with an editor and you are now ready to add content to your website.
Each post can also have its own individual template. So now you can create pages on the fly each having its own custom look and layout.
- URL and link structure
URLS must be Search Engine Optimized and dynamic (ie is you can change them to suit your needs). With WordPress, each page’s url can be edited at the touch of a button. From the edit section, WordPress also provides shortlinks for each link originating from your website. Links are now ready for search engines to eat up and process so that you can be in one of the top ten.
- Menu structure
Navigation is one of the primary features of a cms. Visitors must find relevant menu navigation on the page that will bring them to where they want to go. Not a problem for WordPress. Prior to WordPress 3.0, navigation was supported through plugins and some very clever coding.
Now, menu navigation links can be created using a nifty drag and drop style. Using categories, tags, posts and pages as a basis your website’s navigation can be created quickly and efficiently.
Also with more and more businesses adding blogs to their websites isn’t it great that WordPress is first and foremost a blogging platform? Now you don’t have to go searching for either a cms or a blog management system. WordPress does it all without even breaking a sweat.
The debate continues as to whether WordPress should be considered a content management system or not. But truthfully, does it really matter? WordPress offers the functionality that you need to present your business, thoughts or vocation with your own personal style and flair, that should be enough to satisfy even the most hardened detractor.