Skip to ContentGo to accessibility page
OpenStax Logo
Workplace Software and Skills

Summary

Workplace Software and SkillsSummary

Summary

8.1 What Are Content Management Systems?

  • Content management systems allow users to manage content on all platforms, such as social media and web content, to create a consistent message and image for the organization.
  • Using a CMS promotes collaboration and quality control and facilitates search engine optimization, security, and the ability to reuse content.
  • There are seven stages of the content management lifecycle: organization, creation, storage, workflow, editing/versioning, publishing, and removal/archiving.
  • Content management systems include features for controlling each part of the content management lifecycle, including page templates, document libraries, and calendaring.

8.2 Common Content Management Systems

  • Web 2.0 enables users to create, curate, and manage content by using WYSIWYG software, which allows them to visualize how their content will be displayed.
  • There are three main types of CMS: open-source, proprietary, and enterprise. An open-source CMS provides free access to basic features and functionality. A proprietary CMS can offer faster, more customized solutions but requires licensing. An enterprise CMS offers high storage capacity and security, making it an ideal platform for day-to-day workflow.

8.3 Creating Content with a Content Management System

  • WordPress is a CMS that is easy to install, free, and open-source. This makes it an ideal platform for small businesses, start-ups, nonprofits, and bloggers.
  • To create a business website with WordPress, you may want to make use of features such as search engine optimization (SEO) and analytics that measure your site’s performance.

8.4 Search Engine Optimization

  • Search engines use computer programs that filter through keywords and website content to return and rank search lists.
  • SEO refers to processes that help optimize search results to increase the chance that your company’s website will appear higher up in the user’s search results list.
  • Techniques for optimizing your website for effective searches include using an easy-to-understand URL, using descriptive titles, and keeping your page heading engaging.

8.5 Social Media in Business

  • Businesses can use social media to reach their target audience, connect with existing customers, engage new customers, and make use of customer feedback.
  • Using the appropriate social media and networking platforms can benefit a business by generating more customers, building a loyal customer base, and providing exposure to other audiences.
  • Creating original content for social media requires developing and producing posts as well as curating your content in ways that are consistent with your brand.
PreviousNext
Order a print copy
Citation/Attribution
Reuse and redistribution of this content in digital or print format:
  • This book may not be used in the training of large language models or otherwise be ingested into large language models or generative AI offerings without OpenStax's prior written permission.
  • This book uses the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike License, which means that you can reuse and modify the material only for noncommercial purposes, must attribute OpenStax, and must distribute any derivative works under the same license.
  • Any commercial printing of this textbook, including using a local or custom printer, must be approved by OpenStax, and proper citation provided.
  • OpenStax-copyrighted images, activities, assessments, and similar components of this book are subject to the same licensing – CC-BY-NC-SA. They can be used for noncommercial purposes with attribution. Commercial use requires permission.
  • Permission requests: Anyone who intends to incorporate this content (including text, images, and other components) into large language models, use it in AI offerings, use it commercially (including in print), and/or has questions about another use case is welcome to complete our reuse request form.
Attribution information
  • If you are redistributing all or part of this book in a noncommercial print format, then you must include on every physical page the following attribution:

    Access for free at https://openstax.org/books/workplace-software-skills/pages/1-chapter-scenario

  • If you are redistributing all or part of this book in a noncommercial digital format, then for every page that includes OpenStax content, you must license the derivative work under the same CC-BY-NC-SA license as the original, and include on every digital page view the following attribution:

    Access for free at https://openstax.org/books/workplace-software-skills/pages/1-chapter-scenario

Citation information

The information below includes the information needed to generate citations in most major styles (APA, MLA, etc.); you must reformat and organize the information as needed to fit the requirements of the style. Use the information below to generate a citation. We recommend using a citation tool such as this one.

© Apr 23, 2026 OpenStax. Textbook content produced by OpenStax is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike License. The OpenStax name, OpenStax logo, OpenStax book covers, OpenStax CNX name, and OpenStax CNX logo, and Rice University name, and Rice University logo trademarks, or wordmarks are not subject to the Creative Commons license and may not be reproduced without the prior and express written consent of Rice University.