while security, performance, and features are all important benefits of upgrading a CMS that are often discussed, there are other lesser known, one might even say hidden, benefits that are frequently overlooked. Here are a few examples:
- Improved Accessibility
One benefit of upgrading a CMS that is often overlooked is improved accessibility. As digital accessibility guidelines continue to evolve, new versions of CMS software often include accessibility improvements that make it easier for people with disabilities to access and navigate websites. For example, a new version of a CMS might include better support for screen readers, improved keyboard navigation, or more accessible forms and menus.
- Better SEO
Another hidden benefit of upgrading a CMS is improved search engine optimization (SEO). While most CMS platforms have built-in SEO tools, newer versions of CMS software often come with improved SEO features that can help your website rank higher. Just as an example, a new version of a CMS might include better support for schema markup, improved URL structure, better integration with Google Analytics, or any other capabilities that add to the overall ranking.
- Streamlined Workflow
Upgrading a CMS can also help streamline workflows and make it easier to manage your website. With each version of CMS, the shift has been more and more around the CMS becoming the central location/tool of content. This is part of the industry trend to shift the platform from a CMS (Content Management System), towards a Digital Experience Platform (DXP), this has led to more and more focus on improved user interfaces and better organization of content, which can make it easier to find and manage content. Additionally, newer versions of a CMS may have better support for third-party integrations, allowing the automation of repetitive tasks to save time, this also includes RPA and ML capabilities.
- Reduced Maintenance
Upgrading a CMS can also help reduce the amount of maintenance required for your website. Newer versions of CMS software often include bug fixes and performance improvements, which can reduce the likelihood of errors and downtime. Additionally, newer versions of a CMS may be more compatible with newer versions of PHP, which can reduce the likelihood of conflicts and make it easier to maintain your website in the long term.
- Improved User Experience
Finally, upgrading a CMS can help improve the overall user experience of the website. Newer versions of CMS software often come with improved design elements, such as better typography, more modern layouts, more complex interactive elements, which can make the website more visually appealing and engaging. Additionally, newer versions of a CMS may include even better support for responsive design, making website more accessible on mobile devices and improving the user experience for mobile users.
It’s all about the bottom line!
While as techies we love to discuss the benefits of improved SEO, accessibility, etc. In the end, we are doing this for improving the bottom line. Let’s take a closer look at the cost analysis of the five hidden benefits of upgrading a CMS that we discussed:
- Improved Accessibility
The cost of improving accessibility can vary depending on the complexity of your website and the specific accessibility improvements you need to make. However, the cost of not improving accessibility can be significant, as inaccessible websites can result in lost business, legal fees, and damage to your brand reputation. According to a report by WebAIM, companies that do not prioritize accessibility may miss out on up to 20% of the online market share, which can equate to millions of dollars in lost revenue. (https://webaim.org/projects/million)
- Better SEO
The cost of improving SEO can also vary depending on the specific improvements you need to make. However, the cost of not improving SEO can be significant, as websites that do not rank well in search engine results pages (SERPs) may miss out on valuable organic traffic. According to a report by BrightEdge, organic search accounts for 53% of website traffic, and companies that rank on the first page of Google search results are 10 times more likely to receive clicks than those on the second page. (https://www.brightedge.com/resources/research-reports/organic-traffic-2019)
- Streamlined Workflow
The cost savings associated with a streamlined workflow can be significant. By reducing the time and effort required to manage your website, you can free up resources to focus on other aspects of your business. Additionally, a streamlined workflow can reduce the likelihood of errors and mistakes, which can save time and money in the long run. According to a report by McKinsey, companies that optimize their workflow can improve productivity by up to 30%. (https://www.mckinsey.com/business-functions/organization/our-insights/the-organization-blog/optimizing-workflows-a-hidden-source-of-competitive-advantage)
- Reduced Maintenance
The cost savings associated with reduced maintenance can also be significant. By reducing the likelihood of errors and conflicts, you can reduce the amount of time and effort required to maintain your website. Additionally, by reducing downtime and improving performance, you can improve customer satisfaction and reduce the risk of lost revenue. According to a report by ITIC, companies that experience just one hour of downtime can lose up to $100,000 in revenue. (https://www.zdnet.com/article/one-hour-of-it-system-downtime-can-cost-100000/)
- Improved User Experience
The cost savings associated with improved user experience can be significant, as a better user experience can improve customer satisfaction, reduce bounce rates, and increase conversion rates. According to a report by Forrester, companies that prioritize the customer experience can increase their revenue by up to 5 times more than those that do not. Additionally, a better user experience can improve customer loyalty and retention, which can save money on customer acquisition costs in the long run. (https://go.forrester.com/blogs/prioritize-customer-experience-to-drive-revenue-growth)
What does this mean?
Upgrading a CMS can offer many hidden benefits that are often overlooked. By improving accessibility, SEO, workflow, maintenance, and user experience, companies can save money, improve customer satisfaction, and increase revenue. While the costs associated with each of these benefits may vary depending on your specific website and business needs, the potential cost savings and revenue gains make upgrading a CMS a worthwhile investment.
