Question #1: Why Should I Use Sitecore?
Entire conferences are devoted to answering this question; however, for the sake of brevity, just know that Sitecore is one of the most powerful CMS platforms available. It masters the functions of a traditional CMS while integrating a ton of powerful tools that have transformed it into a “one-stop-shop” solution.
With Sitecore, businesses can finally bridge the gap between marketing and IT in an effective manner.
A few benefits of Sitecore:
- Integrates extremely well with existing Microsoft programs.
- Right message, right channel, right time
- Dynamic content personalization
- Fully customizable
- Top enterprise grade Security and Support
- Has great Documentation
- Multilingual
- WYSIWYG
- Works with databases (SQL)
- Powerful Tools (DMS, Email Campaign Manager)
Question #2: Why Does Sitecore Cost So Much?
Let’s put it this way. Would you rather fly across the country in a private jet, or hitch a ride in a windowless van with a stranger you met on the “rideshare” section of Craigslist? Yes, both options will get you from point A to point B (hopefully), but the experience and quality of your trip will be entirely different.
Sitecore is the private jet of CMS platforms. It is an enterprise grade product that features some of the most innovative and powerful technology on the market. Many of the cheaper alternatives are not designed to handle the intricate facets of enterprise grade websites. The higher price tag ensures that the specific needs of enterprises are met.
Many of Sitecore’s enterprise grade competitors, similar to the windowless van, can still get you to where you need to go, but the ease of use, quality, and power of Sitecore will be absent. You get what you pay for.
Question #3: What do I get from Sitecore out of the box?
Out of the box, Sitecore comes with a Content Management System (CMS), Digital Marketing System, (DMS), and a Customer Engagement Platform (CEP). All of these tools are extremely innovative and have the potential to be very powerful. They are not, however, meant to be the “end all” solution directly out of the box. Initially, they are more of a springboard to build upon. Martin English, an Arke Sitecore developer, explains that “Sitecore gives you a solid foundation with countless tools which allows for robust customization. This ensures that Sitecore is the perfect fit for your business.” Sitecore is so powerful because it focuses on user customization and individual business needs, instead of “prebuilt” one size fits all solutions.
Question #4: Is my company ready for Sitecore?
We usually don’t recommend Sitecore for inexperienced or non-enterprise companies. While Sitecore’s user experience is relatively straightforward (the development side is a whole different story), many of the more advanced features, the ones that make Sitecore so expensive, will most likely go to waste if the user has had no prior CMS experience. It will basically be a very expensive learning tool. For smaller businesses–it’s overkill. The only reason a business should be investing in an enterprise grade solution is if they are indeed an enterprise.
Question #5: What is the implementation process like?
The implementation process is different for every business that tries to adopt Sitecore. Variables such as needs, experience, and practices can affect the time and difficulty that defines the entire process. There is one aspect, however, of implementation that reaches across all differentiating variables—data migration. Countless hours are spent finding, moving, testing, and updating content. Very few businesses have a complete web inventory which is why data migration issues tend to reach across business variables.
Finally, it is important to realize that no matter how large or difficult Sitecore adoption may be, you do not have to do it alone. Companies, like Arke, are here to help and guide you through the entire process. Arke, in particular, is great at developing detailed plans and ensuring that things run as smoothly as possible.
Question # 6: We have Sitecore already, but what tools am I not utilizing?
One of the most common features that Sitecore users neglect to utilize is DMS (Digital Marketing System). The engagement analytics, integrated email marketing, engagement automation, and sales automation features of DMS make it the ideal marketer’s “tool box.” All of these powerful tools are easy to find in the “Marketing Center,” and are designed to improve conversion rates and generate more qualified leads through web, email, mobile and social channels. It allows businesses to target particular customers with predefined types of content. This in turn makes relevant content easier to access, and therefore increases conversion rates. Despite these amazing benefits, many marketers still refuse to use the DMS. Marketers often fear learning a new system and are scared to part with the tools that they have grown accustom to. Also, many people fear that they don’t have the technical knowledge or skill to use the DMS effectively. Unfortunately, fear makes it impossible for a company to experience the full potential and benefits of Sitecore. If fear is holding you back, take a look at “Top 6 Reasons Why Sitecore’s DMS Seems Scary, But Really Isn’t.”
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