Content Management System (CMS) A comprehensive guide

January 12, 2025
Are you looking to build a website, but not sure where to begin? Well, that is exactly what a Content Management System (or CMS) is for! Think of it as a really advanced website builder where you can create and manage your website without having to understand any of the complex code. It sounds tricky but trust me, it is not!
A CMS will allow you to add text, images, and videos and fine-tune the look of your site exactly how you want it. It’s like a super, super, super basic version of Microsoft Word on the web.
You might think, “Sounds nice, but how doesn’t it actually work?” From Traditional CMS to Headless CMS: What are the Different Types of CMS? So, keep reading and I will explain all of that, and more! You'll discover the great things you can do with it, the advantages and even how to find the best one for you. So, come along with me, and let’s get you started with your website!
What Exactly is a CMS?
So, what in the world is this mystical Content Management System? Well, a CMS is basically a type of program, or software, that allows you to create, modify, and maintain all the things on a website without knowing how to write computer code. It’s like a super-organized way to build a website without having to know how to code. What this means with a CMS is that you have no knowledge of writing complicated computer languages to be able to create your own website.
A CMS consists of a few very vital parts, which strengthen each other:

Content Management Application (CMA)

This is the user-friendly part that allows you to create and modify your website.

Content Delivery Application (CDA)

This is the behind-the-scenes component that takes your content and delivers it to your website.

How Does a CMS Work in Reality?
Let’s say for example you want to create a website without using a CMS. It would be like building a house from the ground up, tool-less and by hand. You’d have to write complex computer code for every tiny detail – the words, the pictures, the colors!
But with a CMS, it’s like having a crew of builders and a guide for reference. CMS handles all the technical nitty-gritty so you can work on presenting your website beautifully.
What Are Some Cool Things You Can Do With A CMS?
CMS platforms have some fantastic features really making website building so easy:
  • User-Friendly: They rely on simple drag-and-drop tools, so you don’t need to be a computer whiz to create your pages.
  • Creation and Storage of Content: You can produce and upload words, photos, and videos in one place.
  • Revision Control: You can easily correct mistakes and view previous versions of your content.
  • Content Publishing: You can schedule when your content goes live for future planning.
  • Content Publishing: You can schedule when your content goes live for future planning.
  • SEO Tools: Typically contain tools to allow you to be discovered via Google or other large web searchers.
  • Integration: Interact with other programs like email and social media.
  • Digital Asset Management: Manage all your digital things in one place.
  • Analytics: Assist you in tracking who is visiting your website.
  • Multilingual Support: Manage content in different languages.
  • Scalability: Scale with your business and manage larger amounts of content as you grow.
Why Should You Use a CMS?
  • No Code Needed! Create a website without any coding knowledge.
  • No Hassle Required: The intuitive interface means anyone can build a website with ease.
  • Teamwork Makes the Dream Work: Multiple people can work on the website simultaneously.
  • Time and Cost Saving: Hiring lots of developers is unnecessary.
  • Easy to Find: Built-in SEO tools make it easier for people to find your website.
  • On-Demand: Access your website on any internet-enabled device.
  • Awesome Looking: Helps keep your site looking professional.
  • Super Organized: Provides easy tools to keep your content organized.
  • Scales Up: Grows with you as your business expands.
  • Stays Current: Allows for easy content changes and updates.
Cool CMS Platforms

There are numerous CMS platforms available, but several of the most popular are:

WordPress

The most popular CMS on the planet! It is free, scalable, and offers tons of themes and plugins.

HubSpot CMS

Perfect for sales and marketing teams since it allows you to track your customers.

Shopify

An e-commerce CMS for sellers who want to sell things online.

Webflow

A platform for building sites with a visual editor.

Contentful

A headless CMS to manage content in one place but share it on many devices.

Drupal

An open-source CMS to create flexible websites.

Joomla

Another open-source CMS to build all kinds of websites.

Magento

Used for e-commerce — very scalable and flexible.

Squarespace

Super easy to use CMS; great for bloggers and small businesses.

Wix

Cloud-based CMS with excellent templates.

CMS platforms are fantastic tools for all those who wish to create and manage their own websites. They make it ridiculously easy to create great content and share it with the world, even if you have absolutely no coding experience. I hope that this guide helps you understand more about CMS platforms and find the right one for yourself! Keep in mind, it is the whole premise of having a sweet online presence.

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