7 Common Mistakes in Managing CMS Projects

When the time comes to contemplate a new CMS (Content Management System) for your organization there are many considerations to be mindful of. All too often, CMS projects are delayed and complicated by simple mistakes. In this post, we discuss seven common mistakes in managing CMS projects.

1. Hurrying through the Design Phase
We’ve all heard the expression, don’t judge a book by its cover. This noble expression contains many truths, however, when embarking on a CMS project it is critical to consider the look of your website. According to Stanford University’s Web Credibility Project, 75 percent of people judge the the credibility of a company on the design of its website. Design should be one of the foremost considerations in the process of a CMS overhaul. Take time during the design to tweak color schemes, consider page layouts and create an attention grabbing homepage.

2. Too Many Captains on the Ship
Designate a project lead within your organization. Allow everyone on staff to contribute suggestions and ideas for the new CMS, but have one person in charge of working directly with the vendor. Having a designated project lead will make the project more efficient and reduce errors that stem from miscommunication.

3.Getting Caught Up in the Glitz of the Demo 
The relationship between the vendor and your project lead is infinitely more important than the flashy CMS features you saw in the CMS demo. Avoid getting caught up in the excitement of CMS features and get a feel for the chemistry between the vendor and yourself. According to software creator, Boris Kraft, “The relationship you have with both your implementation partner and your vendor are often more relevant to project success than the features in the product demo.”

4. Choosing a CMS based on Popularity Alone
Your organization has unique business requirements, and the most popular CMS on the market may not be the best fit for your website. Research is crucial to selecting a CMS that is suitable to your organization. Don’t be afraid to reach out and ask questions about the pieces that matter most.

5. Assuming the Vendor is only Interested in Your Pocketbook
A reputable vendor will give you honest advice about the CMS features they offer; helping you decide what features will enhance your CMS, instead of trying to sell you unnecessary features.  Remember, the CMS vendor you choose has intimate knowledge of content management systems and can be a great source of advice.

6.Focusing on hypothetical problems
Most organizations have an idea of their website’s strengths and weaknesses. Make sure you discuss the strengths and weaknesses of your website with your vendor. Avoid spending too much time focusing on the “what ifs”, the vendor you select will likely have expertise in providing solutions to common websites problems.

7. Getting fixated on the launch date
CMS projects notoriously run over schedule, even with the best planning and management.  A snag in development or a delay in content porting can add weeks to the initial launch date. Skimping on content porting and testing in order to stick to a strict schedule often backfires in the long run.

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