Where to begin your search: There are numerous resources on the Web that can be used to help you to find and select when you bother to choose the right CMS for your job. To begin, check out this CMS List. The above list gives you a huge list of content management systems with descriptions of each. Once you have a few you like, contact the applicable vendor and see if they can provide you a demo of the system have found (make sure you install the trial as part of the demo), so you can get a good overview of the product. You also want to ensure that the CMS you are considering an SEO Friendly CMS. You can also search for CMS Reviews you a detailed breakdown of the product. Consider the costs: Remember to consider open source solutions. There are tons of them available and most have very large communities. The NOT List: NOT choose your CMS based on the fact that you found a nice theme. Themes can be created quickly and easily. . and frankly, the choice based on that factor alone is bound to give you a headache. Not just buy something without trying it first. You would not do with a car (we hope) so do not do with your content management system. We can almost guarantee that if you approach a supplier and tell them you’re curious and interested, but will first demo, they will make it happen, or risk your business. NOT throw tons of money (because we all have tons of money anyway?) When a developer and have something custom for you. It is not worth the investment. . There are many systems that are well supported and it’s much better to others who know the product and support options instead of just one person. Do not assume that because it costs money CMS, the Open Source better than the alternatives. While this may be the case in some instances. . It is certainly not always the case. There are many Open Source CMS products on the market that are far better than some of the commercial supply. . and vice versa. NOT the Drupal forums and ask them if WordPress or Drupal is the best. . you get a biased answer. This is about as intelligent as walking into a Ford dealer and ask if they think Ford is better than Chevrolet. The DO List: Take your time and explore your options. There are many resources out there (this is the internet for Pete’s sake!) Who can help you in your quest. We think cmscritic. com is the best. (like how we slipped that?). Try the product first. We have no demos recommended as they are already installed. It is best to download the package, a cheap host somewhere and try to install and see what happens. If you get lost somewhere and need help. . hit the forums for the appropriate package. Ask other webmasters of sites you want. Some may or may not be willing to tell you what (if any) they use CMS, but it never hurts to ask. Frequest webmaster forums or un-jaded sites like ours! Know the full research product that you are considering. . explore several themes, plugins and see how the community deals with questions of new users. This gives you a good feel for the product.