In the world of website building, there are a few key pieces of software that reign supreme. Of these, CMS systems are some of the most popular and well-known. A CMS, or Content Management System, allows you to easily create a website without understanding any code (at least for most of them). This is hugely beneficial for people who want to build a website but don’t know where to start. In this article, we’ll be explaining why it’s so important to choose the right CMS platform for your website. We’ll also share our top picks for the best and most used CMS systems along with a comparison.
Choosing a CMS Platform
Many freelancers and businesses don’t have the time to learn Javascript, C++, or HTML to code a website from the ground up. If you’re developing a simple site without many frills, you may not want to shell out the money to a website developer, either. This is where a CMS system comes in.
A CMS allows you to create a website without knowing how to code by using pre-made templates and drag-and-drop features. You can also use a CMS to add content to your sites, such as blog posts or product pages, without having to touch a line of code.
While there are many different platforms available, even the most used CMS systems are not all created equal. It’s important to choose a platform that fits your needs. When researching platforms, keep in mind these criteria:
- Price. Some platforms are free to use, while others charge a monthly or annual fee.
- Features: All CMS platforms offer basic features, such as templates and drag-and-drop editors. However, some platforms have more robust features, such as e-commerce integration and membership portals.
- User-friendliness: Some platforms are more intuitive to use than others. If you’re not tech-savvy, look for a platform with a low learning curve.
- Support: When things go wrong (and they will), you’ll want to have access to customer support. Some platforms offer 24/seven support, while others only offer limited support.
- Security. If you’re storing sensitive data on your site, choose a platform with robust security features like two-factor authentication and malware scanning.
The Most Used CMS Systems (Compared)
Now that you know what to look for in a CMS platform, it’s time to choose one. Here are some of the most popular and most used CMS systems, along with a comparison of their features:
1. WordPress
WordPress is the most popular CMS on the market, powering 65.2% of websites. That translates to 42.4% of all websites – almost half of the internet. It’s free to use and has a huge selection of themes and plugins. Because it is simple to navigate and use, it may be helpful for smaller firms who are just starting or have less web design expertise.
Pros:
- Automatic mobile optimization
- Thousands of themes and plugins
- Free to use
- Excellent social media integration
- Easy to optimize for SEO (Search Engine Optimization)
Cons:
- Can be slow if not properly configured
- Requires regular maintenance and updates
- Its popularity makes it a target for cyberattacks
Who uses WordPress?
You might recognize Etsy Journal – a place where people, sellers, and buyers alike can learn more about crafting, share their thoughts, and become inspired.
2. Joomla
Joomla is a free, open-source CMS with a global community of developers. It’s popular among small businesses, non-profits, and education institutions. Its web content applications include discussion forums, image galleries, e-Commerce and user communities, and countless other web-based applications.
Pros:
- Open source (free to use)
- Large global community of developers
- Flexible and extendable
Cons:
- Smaller module marketplace than WordPress or other more popular platforms
- Not as user-friendly as some other CMS platforms
Who Uses Joomla?
Harvard University uses Joomla to power its website. The Ivy League school relies on the CMS to deliver news and information to students, staff, parents, and alumni.
3. Hubspot CMS Hub
HubSpot CMS Hub is a paid platform with a focus on marketing and sales features. While it isn’t necessarily one of the most used CMS systems, it offers users powerful tools to grow their website traffic and convert leads into customers. CMS Hub is the ideal platform for both small and big businesses looking to create a dynamic, fun online presence. Because it’s based on HubSpot’s CRM software, which includes a variety of marketing automation, sales, service, and operations tools, CMSHUB is an excellent choice for expanding firms and huge organizations searching for an all-in-one system to manage their website.
Pros:
- Built-in CRM (Customer Relationship Management) tool
- Excellent marketing and sales features
- Good customer support
Cons:
- Expensive compared to other platforms
- Limited features and customization options if you’re not on the Enterprise plan
Who Uses Hubspot CMS Hub?
Isos Technology, an Atlassian tools partner, uses Hubspot CMS.
4. Wix
Wix is a cloud-based platform that offers users a drag-and-drop editor to create websites. It’s one of the most used CMS systems and most user-friendly platforms available and is ideal for small businesses, artists, and bloggers. Wix also has an artificial intelligence feature called Wix ADI (Artificial Design Intelligence) that can create a website for you based on your answers to a few questions. It boasts unique characteristics such as online storage for your site’s assets, e-commerce tools, stylish video backgrounds, title animations, mobile apps, and even a helpful free service tier. In the ever-growing field of website construction services we’ve tried, its Editor X user interface also ranks among the most user-friendly, slick, and effective.
Pros:
- User-friendly drag-and-drop editor
- Wix ADI can create a website for you
- Hundreds of templates and designs to choose from
Cons:
- More expensive than some other platforms
- Limited features and customization options if you’re not on a paid plan
Who Uses Wix?
The popular rideshare company Lyft built its website with Wix.
5. Weebly
Weebly’s interface is clean and easy to use, letting you create attractive, responsive web pages with little effort. Plus, the platform has many terrific template designs along with integrated e-commerce tools that give you a lot of flexibility when creating mobile sites. That said, Weebly does have some drawbacks: namely, it doesn’t have a universal undo button or the ability to reuse uploaded images. Additionally, themes can only be customized to a limited extent. Overall, Weebly is a good platform if you’re looking for an easy-to-use website builder with integrated eCommerce tools.
Pros:
- Drag and Drop Ease
- Easy page management
- Easy to purchase domains
Cons:
- If you change a theme, items become misplaced and distorted
- Mobile app is not highly rated
Who Uses Weebly?
Weebly powers the Douk Snowboards website, an online store that takes would-be buyers deep into the making of Douk’s distinctive, handcrafted snowboards.
6. Shopify
Shopify is a comprehensive eCommerce platform that lets you create an online store to sell products and services. It offers users a customizable platform, an easy-to-use checkout process, and a wide range of features. Shopify also has a built-in blogging tool and integrated social media tools to help you promote your business. Overall, it’s a great platform for businesses of all sizes that want to sell products and services online.
Pros:
- Customizable platform
- Easy-to-use checkout process
- Wide range of features
Cons:
- Expensive compared to some other platforms
- Limited customization options if you’re not on the Shopify Plus plan
Who Uses Shopify?
The UK-based publisher Penguin Books is one of the biggest companies that use Shopify.
As technology advances, there are more choices for website platforms than ever before. It can be hard to keep up with all of the options, but it’s important to choose a platform that is going to be easy for you to use and that has all the features you need. We hope this article on our favorite most used CMS systems has helped you narrow down your choices and find the best platform for your needs!
Interested in learning more about building a top-ranking website? Check out our blog for more tips and tricks.
Or, if you’re ready to let the professionals take over, contact us today to get started. We’d be happy to help you take your website to the next level!
