A Content Management System, or CMS, is software that is used to help manage your website. A CMS is useful for sites with rapidly changing content, articles, video, audio, calendar and more. Most CMS systems utilize a web-based administration allowing for access to updates anywhere you have an internet connection and are typically built so little-to-no code knowledge is necessary. If you want to be able to update your site yourself without having to know code, a CMS is the solution for you.

There are 2 types of CMS typically available:

1. Open-Source
   Simply put, this type of CMS is license-free and ALL the code is available to see. RightTurn has extensive experience with both Joomla (1.0 and 1.5) and Wordpress as two open-source options. This option is great for a group that needs collaboration without monthly/yearly cost, though is less favorable for those needing higher levels of support.
2. Proprietary
   Though this type includes either a monthly or yearly licensing fee (typically based on users) the benefits of a propriety system is that all the parts of the site work well together and usually the learning curve to using the system is not as steep as the open-source route. The major downside is that you do not actually 'own' your site and should you desire to move away from the system you would have to rebuild the entire site at the new location.

Common CMS Functionality:

• Audio/Podcast - Upload recorded audio for sharing as well as set up an iTunes™ podcast that allows iPod or mp3 player users of your site to download the audio! Files can be tagged to stream or be downloaded from the site.
• Blogging - Allow your community to share their ideas on your site through this blog component. Various authorization and configuration settings available. Add on the Members-Only Component to Manage who can post, edit, approve, and comment to the blog.
• Calendar - This feature-rich calendar allows for multiple administrators and unlimited numbers of calendars. Organize your events by category and view them by color. Create “views” that pull in multiple calendars that share events across your organization. Set up RSS/ics feeds so users can subscribe have the most recent events delivered to their Outlook, iCal or Google calendars. Any calendar can be printed or saved. View your calendars as a month or agenda and even feature certain events by flagging them.
• Classifieds - Create an online classifieds for your community that allows them to post items to share or sell.
• Comments - Installing this component into Merge allows members/guests to post comments to any or select sections/categories on your site. Various authorization and configuration settings are available.
• Documents Manager - Organize your download-able documents into various categories or even by groups allowing for select access to information. Track numbers of downloads and allow license agreements prior to download.
• Donations - Allow visitors to donate either one time or recurring donations. To save even more on the transaction fee allow for ACH payments. Use with an SSL certificate.
• Enewsletter - Visitors to your site can subscribe to unlimited Enewsletter lists. Send newsletters as html and/or text. RightTurn can customize the newsletter template to match your site or brand. Enewsletter recipients can unsubscribe or change settings at any time. Some examples of 3rd-party Enewsletter solutions are MailChimp, Constant Contact, Emma and Acajoom.
• Forums - Also known as message boards, this functionality allows users to post or comment on certain topics or “threads”. Create a community within your site driving more return traffic and interest.
• Links - Set up web links simply and keep them organized by category. Track hits to sponsored links or advertisements and view statistics by month.
• Members-Only - Allow visitors to your site to register and set up a profile on your site. Set up content, menu items or other components as only viewable to your registered users. Allow registered users to connect with one another without giving up their private information.
• Photo Gallery - Post photo albums of your events and view them as a slide-show or individually. List most recent albums automatically.
• Site Analytics - Utilizing Google Analytics tools, RightTurn will set up tracking codes on your site. Once the site is launched all you need is a Google account and you can view in-depth reporting on visitors, content, keywords and more.
• Subscription - Require paid memberships to access content or members-only areas.
• Surveys Generate unlimited number of surveys and download results as a csv file.
• Video - Post compressed Flash video files or simply stream in your videos from YouTube or Google Videos embedded in your content.