How to find the best CMS consultants + example interview questions

As of 2024, it is estimated that approximately 71% of businesses have established an online presence, with content management systems (CMS) at the core. These systems help manage and update websites, keeping content fresh and engaging.

A CMS developer sets up and fine-tunes your CMS to fit your business needs. But skilled CMS developers can do so much more. They understand digital marketing, user experience (UX) design, and conversion optimization. This means they can help you use your CMS to boost business growth.

Finding the right consultant who has both technical know-how and understands your business needs takes some careful planning.

Before we get into what to look for in a CMS consultant, let's look at what a CMS consultant does and why their role is so important.

What a CMS consultant does

A CMS consultant is key to making your website work well and support your business goals. Here’s a quick rundown of what they do and why it matters:

They set up and configure your CMS to meet your needs, adding features and functionality tailored to your business. They integrate third-party tools like CRM systems and e-commerce platforms to enhance your website's capabilities.

Optimization is a big part of their job, ensuring your site performs well and ranks high on search engines with techniques like caching and image optimization. They also implement strong security measures to protect your site.

Training your team to use the CMS effectively is another important task, as well as providing ongoing support and troubleshooting. Finally, they align the CMS with your business strategy, focusing on digital marketing, user experience, and overall website development.

A good CMS consultant ensures your website is not only functional but also a powerful tool for business growth.

Now, let’s explore what to look for when choosing the right CMS consultant for your business.

Look for cross-platform proficiency

Many CMS consultants specialize in one CMS platform. However, those with experience across multiple CMS platforms like WordPress, Drupal, Joomla, and Magento can offer broader insights. They can recommend the best tools and integrations from a wider range of options.

This cross-platform knowledge is especially useful if your business evolves and needs migration or integration with different CMS platforms.

Check their knowledge of emerging technologies

Your CMS consultant should be aware of and proficient in emerging web technologies and trends. This includes headless CMS solutions, progressive web apps (PWAs), and AI-driven content personalization. Ask about their experience with these technologies and how they can enhance your website’s performance and user engagement.

Find a strategic thinker

You need more than just technical skills. A good CMS consultant will think about how your website fits into your overall business strategy. They should provide insights on digital marketing, user experience (UX) design, and how to drive conversions. Discuss your business goals with them and see how they plan to align your CMS strategy with these objectives.

Ask about comprehensive audits

A valuable CMS consultant will perform thorough audits of your existing content management system (CMS). This includes code quality, site performance, SEO, and security. They should provide a detailed report with actionable recommendations. Ask for examples of past audits and how their recommendations led to improvements.

Consider project management skills

While not always necessary, project management skills can be a big plus for CMS developers, especially for complex projects. A consultant with strong project management abilities will keep your project on track, within budget, and aligned with your goals. Look for evidence of their project management experience and ask about their approach to managing projects. Understanding their methods for planning, executing, and completing tasks can help ensure your CMS implementation runs smoothly.

Test their ability to integrate third-party tools

Your CMS consultant should be proficient in integrating various third-party tools and services that enhance your website’s functionality. This includes CRM systems, marketing automation platforms, e-commerce solutions, and analytics tools. Inquire about specific integrations they have handled and the benefits these brought to previous clients.

Verify their experience with performance optimization

Website speed and performance are crucial for user experience and SEO. A top-tier CMS consultant should have expertise in performance optimization techniques like caching, image optimization, and code minification. Request case studies or examples where they significantly improved site performance for past clients.

Look for a robust support network

A consultant with access to a strong professional network can provide additional resources and expertise as needed. This network might include other web developers, web designers, SEO specialists, and digital marketers. Inquire about their network and how they leverage these connections to deliver comprehensive solutions.

Conduct a competitive analysis test

Ask potential consultants to perform a competitive analysis of your industry. This test will show their ability to identify market trends, benchmark your site against competitors, and suggest improvements. Their findings will give you a preview of their analytical skills and strategic thinking.

Check their content strategy expertise

A good CMS consultant should understand the importance of content strategy in driving traffic and engagement. They should advise on content creation, distribution, and optimization. Discuss their approach to content strategy and how they can help you create compelling content that resonates with your audience.

Customization and flexibility are key

Look for CMS consultants who excel in creating custom templates and solutions tailored to your unique business needs. They should develop and implement features that are not available out-of-the-box in standard CMS software. This ensures that your website stands out and meets specific requirements.

Check for programming language expertise

CMS development often requires proficiency in multiple programming languages. Ensure your consultant has experience in languages like PHP, JavaScript, and Python. This expertise allows them to handle complex customizations and integrations necessary for your project.

Evaluate their experience with open source CMS

If you are using or considering an open source CMS, find a consultant familiar with these systems. Open source platforms like WordPress and Joomla offer great flexibility but require specific expertise to manage and secure effectively.

Consider their approach to WYSIWYG editors

WYSIWYG (what you see is what you get) editors are common in many CMS platforms. They allow users to create and edit web pages without knowing HTML. A good CMS consultant should customize and optimize a wysiwyg editor
to fit your needs, ensuring a user-friendly content management experience.

Key interview questions for finding the best CMS developer

When you're interviewing potential CMS consultants, asking the right questions can help you find the best fit for your needs. Here are some essential questions and what to look for in their answers:

1. Can you describe a recent project where you implemented a CMS from scratch? What were the challenges and outcomes?

What to look for: You want detailed explanations that show their problem-solving skills and experience. Look for how they handled specific challenges and what positive outcomes they achieved. This will provide insight into their hands-on experience and ability to manage complex projects.

2. How do you stay updated with the latest CMS trends and technologies?

What to look for: A top-notch consultant should be continuously learning. Listen for mentions of industry blogs, forums, webinars, and conferences they follow. This shows their dedication to staying current, which is crucial in the ever-evolving tech landscape.

3. How do you approach integrating third-party tools and services into a CMS?

What to look for: Their answer should highlight their technical skills and integration experience. They should explain their process for evaluating, implementing, and testing integrations, ensuring they meet your specific needs. This will show their capability to enhance your CMS with additional functionalities.

4. Can you provide examples of how you have improved website performance through optimization techniques?

What to look for: Specific examples and measurable results are key. Look for details on techniques like caching, image optimization, and code minification. Ask about the impact these optimizations had on site speed and SEO rankings, as this demonstrates their effectiveness in improving performance.

5. How do you handle project management and ensure that projects stay on track?

What to look for: Organizational and communication skills are crucial here. They should describe their project management approach, including tools they use (like Trello or Asana) and how they keep everyone informed and engaged. This will help you understand their ability to manage timelines and deliver results.

6. Can you share an example of a time when you had to align a CMS implementation with a client’s business strategy?

What to look for: Look for examples where they successfully integrated CMS functionalities with broader business goals. This might include increasing traffic, improving conversion rates, or enhancing user engagement. Their ability to align technical solutions with strategic objectives is invaluable.

7. What steps do you take to ensure the security of the websites you manage?

What to look for: Security is a major concern. They should discuss practices like regular updates, security audits, backup strategies, and the use of security plugins or features. This shows their commitment to protecting your website from vulnerabilities and attacks.

These questions will help you gauge a candidate's technical expertise, strategic thinking, and practical experience. By understanding their approach and past successes, you can find a CMS consultant who is the perfect fit for your business needs.

Conclusion

Hiring the right CMS consultant can turn your web content management system into a powerful tool for business growth. It's important to carefully evaluate their technical skills, strategic thinking, and ability to align with your business goals. When interviewing candidates, ask targeted questions to uncover their true capabilities and ensure they fit your needs. Taking the time to find the best consultant will pay off with a CMS that supports your current needs and future success.

Looking for CMS Consultants?

If you're searching for top-notch CMS consultants, we can help. We specialize in connecting businesses with highly skilled CMS consultants who excel in optimizing CMS platforms and enhancing website functionality. Our reputation for quick and effective matches ensures that you'll find a consultant who meets your technical requirements, project timelines, and cultural fit.

We provide:

• Fast matching: We prioritize your time and work efficiently to connect you with the right CMS consultant quickly.
• Quality assurance: Our CMS consultants are thoroughly vetted to ensure they are leaders in their field, giving you confidence in their expertise.
• Customized service: We recognize that every project is unique. Our goal is to find CMS consultants who are the perfect fit for your specific project requirements.
• Expertise in various systems: Whether you need expertise in WordPress, Drupal, Joomla, Magento, or another CMS platform, we have consultants specialized in different systems to meet your needs.

Contact us today to secure the ideal CMS consultant promptly and efficiently.