Why your CMS implementation may not have met your expectations

There are many reasons why Content Management System (CMS) projects fail to meet expectations, and it is important to distinguish what happened, and why. 

Some companies pursuing CMS may find that have not been delivered a system that adequately meets their needs, only being able to author and publish content while still receiving - and paying - invoices for expensive development efforts that have not meet promised expectations. They may also get caught spending too much time trying to find resources within niche skillsets to utilise their CMS deployment, and delivering reports to Senior Management of poor ROI performance because of inadequate CMS implementation. The company system may allow them to apply Content and Authoring solutions, but falls short when it comes to promised features such as:

• Security 
• Increased performance
• Easy Extensibility
• Analytical Reports
• …and more 

When delivery fails to live up to expectations, there are often several reasons why. These may include:

• Lack of control: One of the primary reasons why Content Management Systems may fail occurs when there is a lack of central editing control, resulting in varying styles of writing and delivery across the site. While CMS may provide tools for central control, they are not always applied or used appropriately and may require someone with adequate editorial experience.
• Contribution: It is not unusual for features in a CMS solution to go unused. This may be because some users do not think that specific applications are necessary, or that they do not contribute to the website. The site needs to be seen as a critical business tool that can be utilised efficiently and effectively by a company. If it does not meet the need, it may deliver, at a cost, features that contribute little.
• Unfocused Call to Action (CTA): A CMS solution should aim to improve the business, but with no clear call to action users remain unable to fulfil their needs. The website needs to cater to its expected market and encourage users to engage with the content in a meaningful way.
• Implementation: A majority of CMS promises' revolve around creating innovative websites. However, the company and its users must be able to make use of these innovations and ensure that they are relevant to both their long and short-term strategies.

Ultimately, the successful implementation of a CMS system relies on a comprehensive plan and realistic strategies. Companies who have encountered a failed CMS project, or who wish to avoid one altogether, should look to engage an effective implementation partner. A good implementation partner will be able to perform a project rescue, assessing with the existing project’s needs, discovering what went wrong, where, and why to find an appropriate resolution. They will also be able to ensure that projects remain relevant and on track; and that the needs of the organisation and their users are adequately addressed.

If you are interested in resolving your CMS concerns or wish to start a growth-oriented CMS journey, get in touch with a Triggerfish consultant. With experience delivering successful growth-driven designs, and the ability to help businesses realise their potential, we can help you get results fast. Get on the line today.