I get many questions from customers every day. And which CMS is the easiest is one of the most common. Especially for beginners, but also for average users who already use a CMS, it can be difficult to understand what a CMS really is and what it does, because most definitions are just too technical. We want to change that:
What is a CMS? - A short explanation
CMS stands for Content Management System, which should already give you a vague idea of what it does. But to give you some more details (without getting too technical):
A CMS (Content Management System) is an application that comprises the basic frame of generating websites. By using CMS, the users can concentrate on the main parts of website making, such as modifying the website design and managing the content.
As users, we usually distinguish between two types of CMS (theoretically, there are different ways to categorize them, but let's leave that for another day): this article ).
- Free CMS
In this type of CMS, a group of designers runs the software rather than an entire company owning it. Third-party creators have access to the source code and can modify and extend the software's features.
- Paid CMS
Contrary to popular belief, open source CMS can also be paid services, because it only means that the code is publicly available. Proprietary CMS, are subject to licensing. Users must purchase this software because it is owned by a company or individual who developed it. The software can be purchased through one-time, monthly or annual payments.
Selection of the best CMS
The best CMSs are the ones that include all the important tools and features that their users need. When users are looking for the best CMS, they need to consider the following:
- The cost of the software:
Users must examine the cost of the software; it must fit the user's budget.
- Scalability of the platform:
Users need to pay attention to the plugins and extensions of the software to assess how well their website can spread with the particular software.
- Usability of the software:
Users need to choose a CMS that fits their skills.
Which is the easiest CMS for beginners?
Usually you hear about WordPress, Joomla and Prestashop (when it comes to running an online store). There is a reason for that: they are very popular and widely used. But there are other great options I'd like to introduce you to. Here are the 10 most popular and user-friendly CMSs and their main features:
WordPress
WordPress is a very popular and very user-friendly software. It is a very flexible and scalable platform that makes it very easy for new users to get started.
Pros
- Low cost (as there is no license fee)
- Great customization options
Disadvantages
- WordPress extensions and plugins are not always of high quality.
- This software does not include customer service and support.
WordPress is the CMS which is most often recommended. For example, because WordPress sites can be easily transferred to other providers.
If you want support, you can either use the paid version of wordpress.com, or you can find a web designer who will design and manage the website for you. The second option is the one I rather recommend. What to consider, so that you do not have to make a bad experience, is explained here .
Joomla
Joomla is a very powerful and frequently used platform. More than 2% of all websites worldwide are powered by Joomla. Joomla offers easier access and more features.
Pros
- Hundreds of sub-sites can be easily managed with this platform.
- It offers two-factor authentication to avoid security issues.
Disadvantages
- The main control panel is not user-friendly.
- Compatibility between extensions, segments and plugins is low.
Magento
The best and most used platform for e-commerce is Magento. Magento mainly focuses on security, customization and SEO to promote all types of e-commerce businesses. This software is powerful enough to manage a large number of products.
Pros
- Management of multiple stores.
- Highly responsive management of content.
Disadvantages
- The startup setup for this software is complicated.
- Customization of the design is time-consuming.
PrestaShop
Another very popular and quite easy-to-use platform is Prestashop. It is often used for e-commerce stores and small businesses. This platform is very elastic and user-friendly, and offers a wide range of functions and tools that provide users with a very pleasant experience.
Pros
- Access to features for users of all skill levels.
- Offers a wide range of themes and modes for customization.
Disadvantages
- Limited scalability.
- Costly due to dependency on extensions and plugins.
Concrete5
Concrete5 is a very popular and simple software that is easy to use even without prior knowledge. It deals with content blocks that shorten content monitoring and customization. Also, its security protocol makes it very special.
Pros
- It has a very easy to use and simple interface.
- It has in-system SEO tools for better content optimization.
Disadvantages
- There is no developer community or documentation.
- No automatic saving option.
Contentful
Contentful is also a very satisfying CMS because it is a headless CMS, which means that the content is not tied to a web page. It uses a unique application called API to visualize the content as information. For this reason, this platform has a sharp level of knowledge for uneducated operators.
Pros
- Usable on all digital platforms.
- Flexible platform
Disadvantages
- Needs layout adjustment.
- To operate this software, users must study the manual.
Sitecore
Another very well-known and recognized platform on the market is Sitecore, which is built on similar software to Contentful. This platform sorts content creation for numerous digital platforms. Sitecore provides all the necessary applications and tools to help new users get started.
Pros
- It offers a very simple and quick to learn interface.
- It offers features that provide more data security options in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) system.
Disadvantages
- The cost of this software is high compared to other CMS.
- There is no customer support.
Umbraco
Umbraco is also one of the most used and very popular CMS platforms. It is a very easy to use CMS that is based on Microsoft's outline. Similar to other
Pros
- It offers the possibility to display content on many different platforms.
- Consists of a large security protocol.
Disadvantages
- Many plugins are missing, which causes inconvenience.
- There is no developer community.
Sitefinity
Sitefinity is the most used platform for mathematical advertising purposes. The most important thing that distinguishes this platform from others is the fact that you can do and keep business on this platform with great ease. Sitefinity also provides an exploration opportunity for new users.
Pros
- Gives guidance to new users for better use.
- Gives a very easily accessible surface.
Disadvantages
- This platform offers very few third-party integrations.
- No updates for its software
Kentico
Kentico is another independent software that relies on cloud content and uses an API. This software can deliver content more easily and effectively than any other platform of its kind. Due to its great user interface and multiple uses, it has a high market value and demand.
Pros
- It provides great tools for digital strategies and online advertising.
- It offers implementation of the latest security protocols and data protection features.
Disadvantages
- The cost of this software is higher than other programs.
- It requires a high level of technical knowledge to operate this software.
These CMSs are open source and free of charge and the public is invited to contribute to the development and features of the platform. Now that you are familiar with the different content management systems and their advantages and disadvantages, you can choose the system that best suits your needs and create your website. You should also familiarize yourself with HTML and WordPress. Without a CMS, you would have to create websites with JavaScript, CSS and HTML. Besides, it's much easier to manage all your stuff with it.
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