By AJ Hall

YNOT – Choosing a content-management system isn’t easy. There are so many choices and so little honest information that what should be an easy buying decision leaves many business owners frustrated and confused.

How do you go about choosing the right adult CMS software?

Here are some tips to help you choose the right product to run your business.

Tip 1: Pick a reputable product.
Any software provider that’s been around awhile will have some history. Look for testimonials from known companies and established brands. It’s not a good sign when the only people who will vouch for a CMS are unknowns. If there’s little or no public praise for a product, there’s probably a good reason. A truly solid company will have a good record of industry presence by way of widespread use, award nominations, press coverage, etc. Remember that you’re putting the base operation of your business in someone else’s hands. Make sure you’re working with someone you trust.

Tip 2: Make sure the product is updated often.
Look at a CMS provider’s history for updating its product. A few of the so-called “leading” companies in the market have not updated their products in four or five years. The last thing you want is to be stuck with outdated websites and be at the mercy of a software provider. Also beware of anyone who tells you that if you want them to add new features, you have to pay for “customizations.” This is often how companies make their money — not on the software itself, but on customizations.

Tip 3: Think ahead.
Look for features you need today as well as what you think you might need tomorrow. You should be free to grow your business without worrying about your software. Going with a basic starter product or free script that has the basic features you need isn’t always a bad idea, but if you do go this route, keep in mind that it’s much harder to move established sites to another management platform than it is to plan ahead from the start.

Tip 4: Don’t make price the deciding factor.
Try to cut costs, but avoid cutting corners. Sometimes a cheap CMS or a free script will get the job done and be all you need. Other times you may want something better, but hesitate due to the price. Don’t settle just because the price is right. Go for what you can afford and stay within your means, but try to get the best product possible based on your long-term goals for your business. The truth is, the initial investment will make little difference. Your business will succeed or fail regardless — but it’s more likely to fail if you don’t use the right tools for the job or if you settle for something that may fall short of helping you reach critical goals.

Tip 5: Take your time.
Check out product demos. Talk to every CMS company you’re considering and ask questions. See who replies to your emails, who answers the phone, who calls you back promptly and who conveys the most trust. Let them earn your business. A CMS will be one of the main components of your whole operation. Do your research and make an informed decision. If you go with the right solution for your needs it’s very likely that you’ll be happy with it for years to come.

AJ Hall is a 12-year adult industry veteran and the co-founder and chief executive officer of Elevated X Inc., a provider of popular adult CMS software for the online adult entertainment industry. Hall has spoken at industry trade shows and is a contributing writer for several trade publications. Elevated X powers more than 2,000 leading adult sites, has been nominated for industry awards six times and won the 2012 XBIZ Award for Software Company of the Year.