CMS Web design is a rapidly growing field, and the demand for experienced CMS web designer professionals is only increasing. With the emergence of new platforms such as WordPress and Joomla, even the most tech-challenged individuals have access to creating their websites or blog with ease. However, if you’re looking to create stunning and functional websites for yourself or a client, you’ll need an advanced skill set—enter content management system (CMS) web design.
In this article, we’ll explore what CMS web design is and how you can become a successful CMS designer. We’ll take an in-depth look at the various skills needed to become a proficient CMS user, as well as some tips to help you get started.
What is a CMS?
A content management system (CMS) is a software application or set of related programs used to create and manage digital content. CMSes are typically used for enterprise content management (ECM) and web content management (WCM).
ECM covers a broader scope of content types than WCM, including images, videos, audio files, blogs, & news articles in addition to the more traditional web pages. ECMs also support managing & delivering content to multiple channels, such as websites, mobile devices, & print publications.
WCM, on the other hand, is focused on delivering content to websites. A good WCM will make it easy for non-technical users to create & publish web content without needing to know HTML or other coding languages.
Some famous examples of CMSs include WordPress, Drupal, Joomla!, & Adobe Experience Manager.
Types of Web Design
There are three types of web design: static, dynamic, and responsive.
Static web design is the simplest type and is created using HTML and CSS. Static websites are easy to develop and usually load faster than dynamic or responsive websites.
Dynamic web design is created using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Dynamic websites are more complex than static websites but allow for more interactivity and features.
Responsive web design is created using HTML, CSS, and media queries. Responsive websites adjust their layout and content to fit the screen size of their viewing device. This makes responsive websites accessible on any device, from mobile phones to desktop computers.
The Benefits of becoming a CMS Web Designer
If you’re considering a career in web design, you may wonder what the benefits are of specializing in CMS web design. Here are just a few of the advantages that come with this particular skill set:
1. Increased Job Opportunities – As more and more businesses use content management systems (CMS) for their websites, the demand for CMS web designers will only increase. By becoming a CMS specialist, you’ll position yourself ahead of the curve and open up new job opportunities.
2. Greater Earning Potential – With the increased demand for CMS web designers comes an increase in salaries. On average, CMS web designers earn 20% more than traditional web designers. So if you’re looking to maximize your earnings potential, becoming a CMS expert is a great way to do it.
3. More Flexibility and Freedom – When working with a CMS, there’s more flexibility regarding what you can do with the website. As a designer, you can be creative and experiment with different design elements. Plus, you’re not limited by the coding constraints of traditional HTML-based websites.
4. Easier Website Maintenance – One of the most significant advantages of using a CMS is that it makes website maintenance more straightforward and less time-consuming. If you’re working on a website built with a traditional HTML structure, making even small changes can be pretty tedious and time-consuming.
How to become a CMS Web Designer
There are many ways to become a CMS web designer. However, most people start by studying web design and development at a college or university. Once you have completed your studies, you can take the necessary steps to become certified in CMS web design.
To become certified in CMS web design, you must pass an exam administered by the Certification Board for CMS Web Designers (CBDW). This exam will test your knowledge of both web design and content management systems. Once you have passed this exam, you can use the title Certified CMS Web Designer (CCWSD).
If you are interested in becoming a CMS web designer but do not want to get certified, there are still plenty of opportunities available to you. Many companies are always in need of talented web designers, so be sure to showcase your skills and portfolio on job websites and freelancer platforms. With enough experience, you can eventually start your own web design business or work as a freelance contractor for larger organizations.
What Courses do I need to become a CMS web designer
There are a few different types of courses that you may need to take to become a CMS web designer. The first type, of course, will teach you how to use the CMS platform itself. These types of systems are usually offered by the company that created the CMS or by a third-party provider.
The second type, of course, you may need to take covers web design basics. This can include topics like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. These courses can be found at many colleges and universities, as well as online.
The last type, of course, you may need to take covers specific aspects of designing for a CMS. This could include topics like template creation, plugin development, or working with multilingual content. Specialized training providers often offer these courses.