A content management system is currently used by over 64 million active websites (CMS). Users may develop websites and manage their content with a CMS instead of having to code all of the website parts from scratch. Creating a website on the incorrect CMS platforms, on the other hand, will simply complicate the task.

More than 1000 to 2000 content management systems are currently available. It is important to pick one based on the goals and scope of your website, as each has a distinct target audience as well as a unique set of capabilities and features.

This post will detail 5 of the finest CMS systems, as well as their features and benefits, to assist you in finding the most appropriate CMS.

A CMS differs from conventional website-building tools in several ways, which we’ll go through before moving on.

What is a Content Management System (CMS)?

Software that manages the core infrastructure of website creation, such as a CMS, can be found on the internet nowadays. It’s easier for web designers and content managers to focus on front-end aspects of website construction with a content management system (CMS).

You can choose from a variety of content management platforms. The following are three of the most popular:

Open-source CMS — instead of being owned by a single corporation, the software is maintained by a community of developers. Third-party developers have access to the source code and can work on expanding and improving the software’s features.

Cloud CMS — a system that does not require any hardware or software to be installed to access. Web content can be safely managed in the cloud and accessed from a range of devices.

Proprietary CMS – It carries a license fee because it is the legal property of the company, organization, or individual who established it. It may be necessary to pay a one-time cost, a monthly price, or an annual fee.

Choosing Between a CMS Platforms and a Website Builder

Website builders, another popular form of software for constructing websites without having to write any code, can easily be confused with a content management system (CMS). Some of the distinctions between them are as follows:

Hosting – While website builders frequently include hosting as part of their service, CMS software is normally self-hosted. This means that users can pick and choose the web hosting services they want, based on their needs.

User-friendliness – Website builders frequently include user-friendly editors for creating content and customizing a site. It may be more difficult for non-technical people to master various CMS platforms because of the nature of their interfaces.

Scalability – Websites can be easily scaled with the use of extensions and plugins provided by most CMS platforms, especially open-source ones. When it comes to how big a site may become, website builders, are usually more limited.

How Did We Select the Most Appropriate CMS Platforms?

Tools and functions customized to a certain target audience are what make the greatest content management systems (CMSs). There are a variety of needs that can be met by our top 5 best CMS platforms.

Consider the following factors while choosing the right platform for your needs:

Cost – Determine whether or if the platform’s cost is within your financial means.

Scalability – Examine the platform’s extensions and plugins to evaluate how effectively your website can scale.

Ease of use – Simplify the use of your CMS by choosing one that suits your ability level.

Our investigation will include elements such as advantages and disadvantages, the best website group, pricing, and the top CMS platforms’ important features.

5 CMS Platforms to Watch in 2021

1. WordPress

WordPress is the most widely used content management system (CMS) with over 42 percent of all websites running on it. There’s no better open-source CMS than WordPress because it’s so versatile and easy to use. This is further supported by a collection of more than 58,000 WordPress plugins that may be used to build any form of a website.

Advantages:

• When calculating the pricing, individual needs and budgets are taken into account.
• Use a variety of themes and plugins to personalize your site.

Disadvantages:

• Unfortunately, there are many unreliable and low-quality WordPress plugins and themes out there.
• Customer support representatives are not on-hand to answer questions; instead, forums, tutorials, and documentation are provided.

From those who want to create a basic blog to those who want to build a complicated website, WordPress can work for everyone. Sony Music is a famous example of a WordPress website, which features photographs and videos of its featured artists.

Characteristics:

• Different user types, such as administrators, editors, authors, contributors, and subscribers, are assigned roles and access through user management.
• When inserting photos, make sure you include alt text and captions as part of the media management process.
• Commenting on pages and posts is made easier with built-in comments.

2. Joomla

Almost two-thirds of all websites use Joomla, an open-source content management system. For example, Joomla’s multilingual capabilities set it apart from competing for content management systems. Non-technical individuals, on the other hand, may find the first setup difficult.

Advantages:

• A site with hundreds of sub-pages can be managed effectively.
• To prevent break-ins, use two-factor authentication.

Disadvantages:

• Terminology for web development that appears in the control panel is not for the faint of heart.
• Compatibility issues with various modules, extensions, and plugins.

Multi-user websites benefit the most from the flexibility of Joomla. As an example, consider the official website of Roger Federer, a professional tennis player. There is also a news platform and commerce featured on this website.

Characteristics:

• Tool for managing banners. Advertise on the website to generate revenue.
• The setting is multilingual. Websites using the platform’s core technologies can be translated into over 70 languages.
• Search. Make it easier for users to find the information they’re looking for on a website by providing a search function or smart search feature.

3. Drupal

Its API architecture is versatile enough to handle a variety of digital platforms, making it ideal for web developers. Drupal’s built-in features are optimized for improved performance and security when compared to Joomla and WordPress. Another thing to consider is that the websites powered by Drupal receive more traffic than those powered by competing CMS platforms.

Advantages:

• CMS software is less prone to security attacks since it regularly performs security tests.
• With the help of pre-installed modules, a website’s functionality can be further enhanced.

Disadvantages:

• PHP, CSS, and HTML are all required for this project to be successfully completed.
• Even simple tasks like updating the system’s software necessitate significant effort.

For skilled users with extensive technical skills, this is a good CMS platform for building huge, complex websites. Drupal, for example, powers the city of Los Angeles’ main website, which regularly publishes news and information about the city.

Characteristics:

• It’s possible to translate between more than 100 languages using automated translation.
• A user’s location, browsing history, device kind, and behavioral taxonomies can all be used to provide a tailored experience for the customer.
• Automation in marketing. Increase the number of people who see your content by using automated marketing campaigns.

4. Magento

When it comes to e-commerce systems, Magento is up there with the best. Customization, security, and SEO are all priorities of the CMS software for all types of eCommerce websites. The platform can handle a large number of products and orders due to its focus on larger online retailers.

Advantages:

• In charge of several stores in different countries and currencies, in various languages.
• Mobile devices can be used to access content management systems.

Disadvantages:

• The first setup is difficult.
• It takes a lot of effort to customize the design and list products.

With Magento, you can run a modest or even a large online business without a problem. When it comes to selling cameras, audio equipment, and binoculars, Olympus has a significant eCommerce store that uses Magento.

Characteristics:

• Using Worldpay and Cybersource, a safe and secure payment method.
• Hands-on features. Touch-sensitive back-end admin dashboards make it easy to make updates to the database.
• Categorizing products. Virtually display products by employing inventory management, which includes the production of new products and the adjustment of their prices.

5. PrestaShop

For small to medium-sized eCommerce firms, PrestaShop is another popular content management system. You can manage your online store with ease because of its active community and extensive feature set. You can simply enter and monitor products thanks to its well-organized interface.

Advantages:

• Users of all skill levels can construct a professional online store with the help of user-friendly eCommerce tools.
• You can choose from a wide variety of themes and modules to customize your website.

Disadvantages:

• There is insufficient scalability to evolve into a larger eCommerce store
• It is dependent on third-party plugins and extensions, which might be expensive.

A great solution for small and medium-sized online shops, PrestaShop is a powerful platform. Many rings and wedding bands can be purchased on the internet from Harry Fay in the United Kingdom, for example.

Characteristics:

• Optimize content by adjusting meta titles, descriptions, and URLs of your web pages.
• Options for making a payment. PayPal, Skrill, Stripe, WorldPay, and offline processing are just some of the payment options available.
• Managing multiple stores. Organize and manage many stores that share components and functionality.

Conclusion:

Now that you are familiar with the various content management systems and their advantages and disadvantages, choose the one that is most appropriate for your needs and begin developing your website.