How do I know if our CMS is limiting SEO performance?

To determine if your CMS is limiting SEO performance, check for issues like slow page load speeds, lack of mobile responsiveness, and limited customisation options for meta tags and URLs. Evaluate if the CMS supports SEO best practices like structured data and XML sitemaps. If these features are missing or difficult to implement, your CMS might be holding back your SEO efforts.

Why Your CMS Choice Matters for SEO

Choosing the right CMS is like picking the right tool for a job. It can either make things smooth and efficient or turn them into a frustrating slog. Imagine you’re running a B2B company with a website that’s supposed to generate leads. If your CMS is clunky, every change or update becomes a chore. And if it doesn’t play nice with SEO, you’re basically hiding your website from potential clients.

Think of it this way: your CMS is the backbone of your website. It dictates how easily content can be managed and optimised. A good CMS should allow you to tweak things like meta tags, URLs, and alt text without needing a degree in computer science. If it doesn’t, you’re probably not getting the SEO performance you could be.

Key Features to Evaluate in Your CMS

So, how do you know if your CMS is up to scratch? Here are a few things to look out for:

• Page Load Speed: Slow websites drive visitors away. Make sure your CMS isn’t bogging down your site with unnecessary scripts or heavy themes.

• Mobile Responsiveness: With so many people browsing on their phones, your site needs to look good and function well on mobile devices. Check if your CMS supports responsive design.

• Customisable URLs: You should be able to create clean, descriptive URLs. If your CMS spits out URLs full of random numbers and symbols, it’s time to rethink your setup.

• Meta Tags and Headings: Ensure you can easily edit meta titles, descriptions, and headings. These are basic SEO elements that shouldn’t require a developer to change.

• Structured Data Support: Does your CMS allow for the easy implementation of structured data? This can help search engines understand your content better and improve your rankings.

Once you’ve evaluated these areas, you’ll have a clearer picture of whether your CMS is a help or a hindrance. If it’s lacking, you might want to consult with a search engine optimisation expert to explore your options.

When to Make a Change

Sometimes it’s hard to admit that something isn’t working. Especially if you’ve invested time and resources into a CMS. But if it’s holding back your SEO, you need to consider a change.

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Some businesses thrive on WordPress, others on Shopify or Joomla. It depends on your needs and goals. Don’t be afraid to switch if your current CMS isn’t cutting it. A better system can improve rankings on Google and make your life easier.

Remember, the goal is to make your website as accessible and attractive to search engines as possible. If your CMS can’t do that, it’s time to find one that can. You’ll thank yourself later.