Sitecore has become one of the most popular content manage systems (CMSs) with everyone from the website owner, to the developer and the end-user. In part, this is due to the fact that is simultaneously an extremely powerful and flexible platform that can also be made extremely simple to use. Undoubtedly one of the best features of Sitecore is that it is very much focused on providing a great experience to its audience. This means you can get an awful lot out of the content on Sitecore sites –
Here are five great ways you can get more from your Sitecore Content.
1. Make things as easy as possible for the CMS user
If you want to get the most out of your content, you need to make it as easy as possible for the person using the CMS do their job. This is an often-overlooked aspect of the process in creating great content. Yes, you need to be writing or creating the kind of content that appeals to your audience and puts you in a good place to make conversions, but you also need to make it as easy as possible for this content to be deployed.
One of the best aspects of working with Sitecore is that the CMS can be fully customised to make it as simple as possible for use for everyone.
2. Don’t let language be a barrier
One feature that can allow you to get more from your Sitecore website is that of translation. If you are interested in launching websites in a number of different languages, Sitecore makes it as easy as possible. Unlike many CMSs, there is no need to have a difficult-to-navigate content tree with each individual page in Spanish or German – Sitecore can simply be set up to create different versions of the page with the native language version and the second language side-by-side.
This can make it far more convenient if you are looking to launch into a new market with a website in another language, as both websites can be easily managed from the same place.
3. Work with Sitecore specialist hosting
If you really want to get as much as possible for your Sitecore website, you need to ensure that you are working with suitable hosting. A platform that can be as intensive and demanding as Sitecore requires hosting that understands the needs of the site; this includes its current requirements as well as those which will change over the mid to long term.
Look for a hosting solution from Sitecore-certified hosting partners to ensure that the company can offer a high level of expertise. Your ideal hosting provider should take the time to discuss your project with you to understand your changing needs and requirements. That can help to ensure that you will be provided with a solution that plans for the future, and to make doubly sure that Sitecore is indeed the right platform for you.
4. The value of cloning
A strong feature of Sitecore is that you can use the clone feature to duplicate pages, creating a link between them. This can be extremely valuable as you can control the content editing of multiple pages from the master page – you can decide which aspects of the pages will be changed across all of them, and which will be kept as they were.
This is especially useful when you have a project where pages or articles need to be put out across multiple sites; the cloning tool can save you a significant amount of time. For example, if you have a number of websites for different locations, but you want to provide an update to identical services details across all the sites, you can do so by creating the page once and then cloning it.
5. Make the most of widgets
Widgets are an important way to get more from your Sitecore site. And the most crucial aspect is understanding the purpose of each widget you use. For example, you need to establish if a widget can be re-used and which pages it is going to be relevant to.
It is important to carry out an investigation into the use of widgets on your site whilst the site is being built. Establish whether a single widget displays different levels of data or different things due to its source of data. This will ultimately make it easier for the webmaster, or anyone who has to use the CMS later on.
