Building a website on your own can seem like a daunting task. If you aren’t a web developer, how are you supposed to create anything without the knowledge of HTML, CSS, or JavaScript?
Several people had this same question – that’s where Content Management Systems (CMS) changed the game.
What exactly is a CMS? A CMS is a system that allows you to manage and publish content to the Web, all without coding knowledge. In 2019, open source CMS reigns supreme.
Open Source CMS
Open source CMS offers free access to the source code, which can be modified. With all open source CMS, there are expansive online communities that can problem solve and enhance usability. These factors make open source the most popular and practical option.
WordPress
“Priceless, and also free” CMS that features a “plugin architecture and template system.”
Pros:
- Free
- Complete control
- Huge library of extensions, plugins, add-ons, and third-party tools
- Thousands of templates, both free and paid, to choose from
- Mobile friendly
Cons:
- Complete control means you’re in charge of security, backups, and updates
- Not a drag-and-drop website builder
- One of the most hacked CMS due to its popularity
Drupal
“The #1 platform among global enterprises, governments, higher education institutions, and NGOs.”
Pros:
- Good for creating large, complex websites
- Support by a dedicated community
- Strong security features
Cons:
- More complex than most CMS
- Requires a lot of time and effort
Joomla
“Built on a model-view-controller web application framework that can be used independently of the CMS that allows you to build powerful online applications.”
Pros:
- Ecommerce capabilities
- Use of PHP scripting, the most common web development language
Cons:
- Lack of extra modules and features
- Compatibility issues
Magento
“Empowers thousands of retailers and brands with the best ecommerce platforms and flexible cloud solutions.”
Pros:
- Has features that many other ecommerce platforms lack
- Large community of users
- Mobile-friendly configuration
Cons:
- The enterprise version is very expensive
- Slow loading time
- Poor product and forum support
Umbraco
“Written in C# and deployed on Microsoft’s .NET framework, using ASP.NET.”
Pros:
- Lack of popularity makes it a minority target for hackers
- Works on ASP.NET
- Conducts penetration tests every 6 months
Cons:
- Lack of plugins
- Can be overly complicated unless you’re a developer
Website Builders
One important and current component of CMS is website-building platforms. Website builders have become more popular over the years, as an alternative to hiring a web developer. WordPress, Squarespace, and Wix are all website builders that are very commonly used.
Squarespace
“Pre-built website templates and drag and drop elements to create webpages.”
Pros:
- All-in-one platform means you don’t have to install any plugins – everything is built-in
- 24/7 customer support
- Contemporary templates, stock images, and typefaces
- Fully responsive and mobile-friendly templates
Cons:
- No free plans; pricing can be expensive
- No support for third-party plugins
- They only offer Stripe for payment processing
Shopify
“The all-in-one commerce platform to start, run, and grow a business. Shopify powers over 800,00 businesses worldwide.”
Pros:
- Multiple high-quality store designs, some are free
- Can sell products on multiple channels
- Supports over 100 payment processors worldwide
- Has a free 14-day trial
Cons:
- Theme customization requires a developer
- Doesn’t offer email hosting
- Single-language interface
Wix
“The world’s most innovative drag and drop website builder.”
Pros:
- Simple and easy DIY option
- Offers flexible plans, including a free option
Cons:
- Not many apps or extensions
- Technical SEO issues
- No way to export data
Weebly
“A web hosting service oriented for online shopping. Its parent company is Square.”
Pros:
- Easy to use
- Offers a variety of analytics and insights depending on your plan
- Has a built-in SEO tool
- Great for entry-level ecommerce
- Competitive pricing, includes a free plan
Cons:
- Doesn’t have the greatest backup system
- Image editing capabilities are simplistic
The options for a content management system are endless. Whether you’re looking for a complex CMS or a user-friendly website builder, there’s something for everyone.
Let me know what you think:
- Does your website use a content management system?
- Have you ever used a website builder, such as the ones listed above?
- What features do you value most in a CMS?
