You may have heard the term CMS. It stands for Content Management System. But what is it exactly, and why should it matter to you?
What Is a CMS?
A Content Management System is software that empowers users to create, edit, and publish content effortlessly. Most CMSs are known for streamlining the creation, management, and delivery of digital content, enabling users to build and maintain websites without extensive coding knowledge. On a website with a CMS installed, the content and media are managed through an administration area called the “backend” or “dashboard.” This area is also where you can manage the layout of the website.
There are many CMSs used around the world to build websites. In this article, we will explore the functionalities and unique features of popular CMS platforms, including WordPress, Drupal, Joomla, and Magento.
Why Use a CMS?
The main reason you’d want to use a CMS is because it allows you to easily create and manage your website content—and by that we mean text, images, video, audio, downloadable content, and other forms of content.
A secondary benefit that CMSs bring is easier integration of website features. If you need a feature like a contact form, events calendar, or email signup form, it’s generally easy to install a plugin providing that feature for the CMS you are using. The alternative would be to have a web developer build a custom solution for the features you need, which is generally more costly and time-consuming than using one made for a specific CMS.
A website built on a CMS is much easier to manage day-to-day than a website built from scratch.
Choosing the Best CMS
With so many different CMS options, choosing one can be challenging. Look for a CMS that:
- is known for being simple to install and configure.
- has a wide variety of themes and extensions.
- has an extensive and well-maintained support center.
One way to familiarize yourself with different CMSs is to search online for the themes and plugins (sometimes called “modules” or “extensions”) built for that CMS. You can get a feel for the different types of websites that are using that CMS.
Also, if you ever see a website that you love the look and functionality of, you can figure out what CMS it’s built with by checking WhatCMS.
Best Content Management Systems
WordPress
WordPress powers 38,539,556 active websites.
When it comes to CMS, one name stands tall: WordPress. Powering over 40% of websites worldwide, it has cemented its position as the most popular and user-friendly CMS. Companies like Sony, Facebook, Spotify, PlayStation, and even the country of Sweden use WordPress to support their online presence.
WordPress offers an extensive library of themes, plugins, and widgets that cater to diverse needs, from personal blogs to large-scale e-commerce websites. With its intuitive interface and the largest development community over any other CMS, WordPress has become synonymous with simplicity and flexibility, making it an ideal choice for beginners and seasoned professionals alike.
For the most secure WordPress site, you need secure hosting. That’s why InMotion Hosting created their own WordPress Hosting plans with rigorous server-side security - so you can spend less time hardening your hosting and more time creating your website.
Drupal
Drupal powers 495,389 active websites.
For those seeking unparalleled scalability and customization, Drupal is a top contender. This open source CMS is renowned for its robust architecture, providing a solid foundation for building complex and high-traffic websites. Drupal caters to enterprise-level requirements, empowering organizations to manage vast amounts of content while ensuring seamless performance. Its modular design and extensive API integrations make it a favored choice for developers and businesses with unique needs.
Joomla
Joomla powers 1,150,477 active websites.
Joomla, another popular CMS, strikes a balance between simplicity and versatility. It offers a wide range of built-in features and extensions that cater to various website types, from corporate sites to community portals. Joomla provides a user-friendly interface that enables users to manage content, create interactive websites, and implement robust security measures. With its multi-language support and ease of use, Joomla is a solid choice for small to medium-sized businesses seeking a well-rounded CMS solution.
Magento
Magento powers 144,035 active websites.
When it comes to e-commerce, Magento emerges as a dominant force. Designed specifically for online merchants, Magento provides a comprehensive set of features to build and manage robust e-commerce platforms. Its scalability, advanced product management capabilities, and powerful marketing tools make it the go-to choice for businesses aiming to establish a captivating online presence. From catalog management to secure payment gateways, Magento enables e-commerce pioneers to excel in the competitive digital marketplace.
Conclusion
As we conclude our exploration of Content Management Systems, it becomes evident that the right CMS choice depends on your specific needs and goals. WordPress, Drupal, Joomla, and Magento each offer unique advantages and cater to different use cases.
When selecting a CMS, consider factors like ease of use, scalability, customization options, and the support provided by specialized hosting providers. By aligning your requirements with the strengths of the chosen platform, you can set yourself up for success in the ever-evolving digital landscape.
So, whether you opt for WordPress Hosting, Drupal Hosting, Joomla Hosting, or Magento Hosting, embrace the power of a robust CMS to unlock the full potential of your online presence. Happy content managing!
