Content Management Systems may sound like a technical term, but at its core, it’s really just a tool that helps you build a website without needing to write all the code from scratch (or even know how to code at all).
However, when you are starting out and just starting to build your website, it can be overwhelming to determine which CMS is suitable for you and your business needs. Not only can it be overwhelming to choose on your own without the help of a website development agency, but with around 1000-2000 content management systems available, there are simply too many to choose from!
Whilst they all serve the same purpose, they all work differently, and some can meet the specific needs of your business.
So how do you know which one to pick?… Below, we break down some of the top contenders currently available and what exactly the difference between a CMS compared to any bog-standard website builder and key features you need to consider when selecting.
So, What Exactly Is A CMS?
As forementioned, a content management system is a software application that handles the basic infrastructure of creating websites.
Using a CMS allows you to focus on the front-end areas of website building, such as customising the website design and managing content.
Whilst, again there are multiple types of content management systems available, there are three specific kinds that have proven to be the most popular:
- Open-source CMS – a community of developers maintains the software instead of a single company owning it. Third-party developers can access the source code and develop and improve the software’s functionalities.
- Cloud CMS – a pre-built system accessible without having to download hardware or software. Users can manage web content safely over the cloud and have it be easily accessible from multiple devices.
- Proprietary CMS – This CMS comes with a license fee as it is the legal property of a company, organisation, or individual that created it. The cost can be a one-time initial payment, a monthly fee, or an annual charge.
How To Chose The Best CMS Based On Your Business Needs
When selecting a CMS, the best ones are those that provide the necessary tools and functions to reach your target audience.
There are three factors you should take into consideration when selecting:
Cost
Can you afford it? No point in buying a fancy website builder if it’s ultimately going to eat away at your profit margins.
Scalability
As your business inevitably grows, does the CMS have the capacity and capability to grow with you? To check, ensure you look at the extensions and plugins and see how well your website can grow using the platform.
Functionality
Is it easy to use? There are plenty of options, so don’t settle for the most tech-savvy one that’s impossible to use. There are platforms with steeper learning curves than others, so ensure you take the time to find the one that makes sense to you.
The Top 5 CMS Right Now
Below are some of the best and some of the new and trending CMS platforms currently available as well as a short pro and cons list for you to make your assessment.
Ultimately the choice is yours, but ensure you stay mindful of the three key components when choosing your CMS platform.
1. WordPress
With over 42% of all websites using WordPress as their chosen CMS, it’s the first and only choice for many and is the world’s most popular CMS platform.
PROS
- Lots of payment options.
- Extensive plugins and free templates.
CONS
- Not all plugins and themes are reliable or high quality.
- Lack of customer support and reliance on online tutorials and customer forums.
2. Contentful
It is a new kind of CMS that uses an Application Programming Interface (API) to present content as data.
PROS:
- You can edit all formats of your digital platforms, from web browsers to mobile apps.
- Extremely flexible with all different types of content.
CONS:
- Does require some technical knowledge.
- Can be more focused on the backend of your website rather than how it actually looks.
3. Sitefinity
This unique CMS platform is the platform’s capacity to create a personalise visitors journey for your customer.
PROS:
- Deliver insights to help optimise visitors’ journeys
- User and beginner-friendly, with simple drag and drop functionality.
CONS:
- It does not automatically update.
- Limited capability for third-party integrations.
4. Drupal
If this isn’t your first website build, Drupal is for you. This flexible API architecture that supports different digital platforms is designed for those who are a little more experienced when it comes to website builds.
PROS
- Can cope with large-scale website builds
- Strong security with 2-factor authentication
CONS
- Requires basic knowledge of coding.
- It can take a while to update certain features.
5. Joomla
Powering over 2% of all websites, Joomla is an open-source CMS that lets you get straight to it.
PROS
- Can cope with large-scale website builds.
- Strong security with 2-factor authentication.
CONS
- Not very user-friendly and includes technical terminology that can confuse a website builder beginner.
- Lack of compatibility between different modules, extensions, and plugins.
