Do you want to create a website for your company, but you're worried about the need of having coding and design skills? With an an easy-to-use editor, and publishing tools, CMS software can help you with that.
A CMS system enables you to create, manage and update a website. You will count on an intuitive platform to have your website running seamlessly. Check out the article to understand how.
What Is a CMS Software?
CMS is short for Content Management System and, as the name suggests, it's developed to help you manage and develop content for a website, as well as create the site itself.
Building a website from scratch requires knowing programming languages such as HTML, JavaScript, and CSS. But, when using CMS software that isn't necessary, since this type of software provides solutions such as pre-built templates, and design and content editor.
Often, they offer a drag-and-drop tool to build the web pages. You can choose a template, and edit it as you wish by inserting images, graphic elements, texts, resizing and positioning them, and choosing other details such as the color palette and font types.
With CMS software it's possible to make static pages, ecommerce websites, blogs, landing pages, and much more. You can have a website with multiple sections.
Common CMS software features:
- Content editor
- Content storage
- Design editor
- Analytics tools
- Automatizing tools
- Web hosting
Benefits of Using a CMS Software
Doesn't Require Coding Knowledge
To build a website from scratch, you would have to use HTML to insert the building blocks of a site, images, buttons, and other elements. Then, to style all of these, you would need to add CSS, and probably JavaScript for enabling more advanced functionalities on your website pages.
Every time you needed to make changes, such as edit content, you would have to open the server and alter the HTML code.
For someone who doesn't know how to code, these steps can be very complicated, and if you don't have the resources to hire an expert, it could prevent you from expanding your business by having a website.
CMS makes it possible to skip all of those parts and still have your website. You can focus only on the front-end part. It doesn't even demand design skills either since many CMS software provide pre-built templates and other design tools.
You Can Add Multiple Users
If you are going to count on a team to help you manage your website, with CMS software it's possible to include all of them in the platform and assign access permissions according to their roles, for example, editors, authors, and admins.
Multiple users can use the CMS at the same time on each of their computers without having to be in the company office, which facilitates remote work. You and your team can work from anywhere, you just need an internet connection. It's possible to update or publish content in real-time, and also schedule them.
Pre-built Website Templates
It's common to encounter CMS software that offers pre-built templates for different types of web pages, such as blogs, home pages, e-commerce, and product pages. You can usually select the template by theme, and, then, customize it to adapt to your brand's visual identity.
With a pre-built template, it's easier to know how to organize the page elements, by following a model. Besides, it doesn't require being a design professional, you already have the base to develop the page, just use your creativity, and make sure that the website is aligned with your brand's identity.
SEO Features
SEO (search engine optimization) is a term that you probably have already heard when it comes to digital marketing strategies, conquering visibility for your website, and increasing organic traffic. You can enjoy the built-in features that the best CMS software provides to optimize your website for search engines.
Usually, they include SEO features like:
- Create page titles and meta descriptions
- Have SEO-friendly URL structures
- Insert image alt text
- Optimize page load times
Aspects to Consider When Choosing a CMS Software
There are some essential features an effective CMS software must have. Before selecting the one you prefer, observe if it includes them.
Easy-to-use Interface
It's important to analyze if the interface is simple to navigate for you and all of your team. The tools should be easy to find and use, so you can make the most of the platform.
To make sure the CMS provides an intuitive dashboard, check customer reviews and register for a free trial. The CMS has to enable you to quickly create, manage and edit content, optimizing the work.
Personalization Tools
A CMS software should offer you customization tools to allow you to create personalized pages that can enhance user experience, and also enable you to design your website according to your brand's visual identity.
Customer Support
Check if the CMS software of your choice provides multiple communication channels for customer assistance, such as live chats, and 24/7 support. This way, you can guarantee that, in case of any problem, you will count on expert help to fix problems.
SEO
When analyzing the CMS software features to choose the one that fits your needs best, don't forget to see if it has built-in SEO features. This way, you can build optimized pages that is to rank on the first search result pages at Google and other search engines.
Scalability
As your website grows on traffic, you will need more storage and badwidth, Make sure the CMS platform is scalable and will adapt as your requirement change. It's fundamental to ensure your website performance won't be affected for example when there are high peaks of access.
Security
What security measures does the CMS software of your choice take to make sure your data and the ones from your visitors are protected? It's essential to count on a safe system, which takes all the necessary precautions to prevent hack attacks and data leaks.
Price
The price is another important factor when it comes to selecting CMS software. You will see that many of them offer various plans, and the price varies according to the features it contains. Analyze which tools are your priority and the budget available to invest in the best content management system for creating the type of website you need.
24 Best CMS Software
1. Wix
Wix gives you the freedom to create, design, and manage your website the way you want. With the the drag-and-drop feature, you can fully customize each web page, resize, recolor, and rotate elements, for instance
Enjoy the Wix ADI (artificial design intelligence) solution, where you just have to answer a few questions, and it will develop the website design for you. You can create different page types, blogs, portfolios, online stores, events, and much more.
You will count on a library of pre-built templates, images, and extensive font selections as well. You can also upload files of your own to enrich your pages, with videos and custom animations, for instance. Besides, Wix provides SSL web security, 24/7 website monitoring, built-in accessibility, analytics, and SEO tools.
Key features:
- Wix Editor
- Wix ADI
- Pre-built templates
- Marketing integrations
- SEO tools
- Built-in analytics
- Store manager
2. Wix AI
CMS software
With more than 250 million users worldwide, Wix is one of the world's most popular website builder solutions. With the development of Wix AI, they intend to make it even easier and faster to create different web pages to fit your needs.
When you access the AI website creator, you will be required to write a brief about how you want your website, in terms of design and features. Then, the platform will generate a website based on the guidelines you gave. With just a few clicks, you will have an entirely customized layout to fit your content.
You don't need to know how to code or be a design expert, the AI will do the hard work for you. Once the AI generates the website, you can modify its details as you wish, changing the colors, and fonts, inserting images and videos, and much more.
Key features:
- AI-powered
- Easy to use
- Responsive design
- Suffle layouts
- Customization tools
- Built-in business solutions
- Optimized to load fast
- Escalable and reliable web hosting
- Business growth solutions
- 24/7 customer support
3. WordPress
CMS software - WordPress
WordPress allows you to create any kind of website, use professionally-designed themes, and customize pages with interesting photos, forms, reviews, and maps, for example.
It offers thousands of plugins to help you add more advanced functionalities to your website, manage it, and track performance. For instance, to build an online store, you can count on WooCommerce, and, to measure and analyze your traffic, integrate with Google Analytics.
Your website will be hosted by WordPress, and to help you put your website available, you can count on a 1-on-1 quick-start session with a member of the customer support team.
Key features:
- Custom domain
- Pre-built templates
- Built-in social sharing
- In-depth stats
- Search engine optimized
4. SITE123
CMS software - SITE123
With SITE123, you can count on an intuitive website editor that doesn't require coding, create mobile-friendly pages, register your domain, and host it for free. Define the website type you wish to make, choose a template, select the content, and get it quickly published.
You can create your online store as well, broadcast your products, and configure delivery and shipping methods To make sure your website can rank well on search engines, the platform also provides SEO tools. If you have any doubts, you can contact 24/7 customer support.
Key features:
- Website editor
- Pre-built templates
- Free hosting
- Custom domains
- SEO tools
- Sell globally
- 24/7 customer support
5. HostGator
CMS software - HostGator
To help you easily build your website, HostGator offers the Gator Website Builder. You answer a few questions, and the platform makes the website design for you, including layout, images, and even content.
You can use the editor to make the changes you wish, and enjoy the logo maker to have a new logo for your brand. It also enables you to create your ecommerce website and use its inventory management tools. To follow up on your website performance, HostGator provides metrics to better understand your visitor behavior.
The platform also gives a 45-day guarantee and offers 24/7 customer support. You can choose the best hosting plan for your website, register a new domain or transfer an existing one.
Key features:
- Easy to use
- Logo maker
- Inventory management
- Image library
- Search optimized
- 24/7 support
- Multiple hosting options
6. Bluehost
CMS software - Bluehost
If you are looking for an easy-to-use website builder, Bluehost offers the solution you need. It has AI tools that enable you to create pages from scratch. Start by selecting your domain name, then choose a pre-built template and customize it.
It also offers SEO tools so your pager will be more likely to rank in the first result pages in search engines like Google. If you need expert help to solve any problem with the website, you can request 1:1 guidance, and enjoy 24/7 customer support too.
Other benefits from Bluehost are automated security updates, backup data protection, malware detection, and free SSL. You can also use WooCommerce to build an online store and sell products and services through your website.
Key features:
- Free domain
- Free SSL
- Free CDN
- Pre-built templates
- Insightful analytics
- Automated security updates
- Backup data protection
- 24/7 support
- SEO tools
- Powerful plugins
7. Webnode
CMS software - Webnode
Webnode provides a user-friendly website builder, with an intuitive editor that enables you to create pages using pre-built templates. You don't need to install anything to edit your website, it's possible to manage everything on your browser.
You can get a new domain or use an existing one, and enjoy Webnode's reliable hosting service. Your website will be kept safe and secure, and you have the option to get more space and bandwidth as you need, there is no limit of pages to create.
All websites created using Webnode have SSL certificates and use HTTPS. To help you grow your traffic, the platform counts on SEO tools, and the system is available in 24 languages.
Key features:
- User-friendly website builder
- Reliable hosting
- Backup previous versions of your website
- SEO tools
- Pre-built templates
- Intuitive store management
8. GoDaddy
CMS software - GoDaddy
GoDaddy allows you to create different types of websites, from blogs to ecommerce sites, add multiple sections, and use pre-built templates. Customize the pages with the editor, adding texts, images, menus, your brand's logo, changing colors, and much more.
Create a custom domain, and use GoDaddy's tools to enhance your website results. It provides a marketing and analytics dashboard, so you can keep track of key performance indicators (KPIs), such as organic traffic and the number of conversions.
Key features:
- Website builder
- SSL certificate
- Analytics tools
- Online store and marketplace selling
- Inventory management
- 24/7 customer support
9. Pixpa
CMS software Pixpa
Pixpa is an easy-to-use website builder that enables you to create your own portfolio website. If you work in the creative industry, as a designer or a photographer, for instance, it's important to have a website where people can see your previous work.
Pixpa offers pre-built responsive website templates and several features so you can develop every page of your website without having to know how to code. It's possible to add videos, galleries, and forms, and customize the website as you prefer.
If you need any help, count on Pixpa's 24/7 customer support to guarantee your website will always run smoothly. To know if that's the right website builder for you, enjoy the 15-day free trial.
Key features:
- Made for creators
- Pre-built templates
- 24/7 customer support
- 15-day free trial
- Responsive design
- Fully customizable
- SEO tools
10. Strikingly
CMS software - Strikingly
Strikingly easy-to-use editor enables you to customize your pages, and also make an online store. The platform is optimized to help you add selling features, such as connecting to PayPal and Stripe, configuring shipping, and adding coupons, memberships, and log-ins.
It's possible to create a blog page as well, include live chat, and forms, and show your Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter feed directly on your website. You can also count on analytics and HTTPS built-in. Besides, the platform offers you 24/7 customer support.
Key features:
- Make a website in minutes
- Ecommerce built-in
- Analytics built-in
- HTTPS built-in
- 24/7 customer support
11. Weebly
CMS software - Weebly
Weebly provides you with a step-by-step guide on how to build and launch a website through its CMS software, including expert starter guides and planning tools. You have the possibility to customize your website and choose a theme developed by top designers.
The drag-and-drop editor makes it easy to insert and organize elements on the web pages, you can include images, animation effects, videos, texts, and a search bar, for instance. To analyze your metrics and know what needs to be improved, enjoy Weebly's integrated analytics, and use the SEO and Marketing tools to enhance performance.
When it comes to security, you can rest easy since the platform will take care of it. You will have an SSL certificate, DDoS mitigation, and 24/7 customer support.
Key features:
- Drag-and-drop builder
- Image editor
- Integrated analytics
- Free website hosting service
- SSL certificates
- SEO and marketing tools
12. Shopify
CMS software - Shopify
If you are looking for the best CMS to open your ecommerce, Shopify deserves to be on your list. The platform provides over 70 professional online store themes that can be easily customized using the drag-and-drop store builder.
Use Shopify Payments to set up payment options with the guarantee your customers' data is secure and protected by the platform. To manage your store, you will count on multiple tools, including a comprehensive dashboard that gives you a detailed view of your business to understand the sales process and get to know your audience better.
Shopify also provides SEO and marketing tools to help you make your brand stand out and reach your goals. You can sell in different marketplaces and social media platforms too, such as Amazon, eBay, and Instagram, and manage everything at Shopify with an inventory that is synced to all the channels.
Key features:
- Drag-and-drop store builder
- Pre-built templates
- Designed for mobile devices
- Shopify payments
- Comprehensive dashboard
- SEO tools
- Shopify apps
13. Webflow
CMS software - Webflow
Webflow enables you to build a website using an intuitive editor, and easily create and add new content. You will count on SEO tools, for example, to add meta descriptions, and page titles and customize URLs.
Work on a team by inviting other collaborators to edit the website , you will be able to track the alterations, and who made them before publishing.
To develop your online store, Webflow allows you to customize your cart and checkout, and craft custom interactions and animations.. Set the delivery methods, and integrate with payment gateways such as PayPal.
You can integrate Webflow with your CRM, create workflows and also connect with multiple plugin types for SEO, analytics, marketing automation, and insert forms and surveys, for example.
Key features:
- Intuitive editor
- SEO tools
- Ecommerce management tools
- Integrate with CRM
- Create workflows
- Multiple plugin options
14. Joomla
CMS software - Joomla
Joomla CMS software gives you the tools you need to create websites, applications, templates, and extensions. You can develop, organize and manage content using its flexible system, where you are also going to find several tutorials and guides to help if you have any doubts.
The platform is open-source software and is available for free. When it comes to security, you will have two-factor authentication and extensive access control levels. Joomla has more than 70 translation packs, so you can create content in the languages you wish.
Key features:
- Free open-source software
- Create websites, apps, templates, and extensions
- Search engine optimized
- More than 70 translation packages
- Publishing tools
15. HubSpot
CMS software HubSpot
HubSpot CMS software allows you to develop your website using a drag-and-drop editor, and integrate it with HubSpot CRM software to offer a unique and enhanced digital experience for your visitors and customers.
You can personalize your webpage for every visitor, create and publish content, and empower it with SEO tools. Insert a live chat to engage and other page elements as it fits better to your business.
To include your team in the website management and content creation, you can assign roles for every member inside the CMS platform and control what areas of the website they have access to.
Key features:
- Website themes
- Drag-and-drop editor
- SEO recommendations
- Fully integrated CRM
- Adaptive testing
- 24/7 customer support
16. BigCommerce
CMS software - BigCommerce
With BigCommerce, you get fully customizable themes with built-in HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, and you can to edit them using the drag-and-drop editor. The platform also allows you to customize the checkout process to make it simpler for your customers, encouraging them to finalize purchases.
To make sure all the sections are configured properly, use the Stencil CLL tool to test the website. It can be integrated with WordPress as well.
To boost sales, BigCommerce enables you to provide multiple payment methods and create more than 70 native discounts and promotions, without requiring scripting. The SEO tools, such as creating customizable URLs, enable you to optimize your online store to be found easily on search engines.
You can also make your products available on multiple sales channels, in marketplaces, and on social media. If you have a B2B company, BigCommerce has specific solutions for that too, including quote management, bulk pricing, and customer groups.
Key features:
- Page builder visual editor
- Theme customization
- Checkout customization
- Preview before publishing
- WordPress integration
- SEO tools
- B2B tools
17. SquareSpace
CMS software - SquareSpace
With SquareSpace, you can start by choosing among one of their industry-leading templates, then select the color palette, and fonts to make each page aligned to your brand's visual identity. You can also have an online store and integrate it with multiple third-party plugins.
Besides, the platform offers tools to create email campaigns and use social media to promote your website. You may create different types of pages, such as a blog, portfolio, curriculum vitae, and online store.
Key features:
- Wide range of templates
- Marketing tools
- Ecommerce tools
- Logo maker
- 24/7 customer support
- Free trial
18. Duda
CMS software - Duda
Duda is a CMS software focused on the creation of digital marketing agency websites. There is no need to know how to code to use this platform. Enjoy the drag-and-drop tool to customize each page of your website and leave it with your brand's identity.
You can choose among the pre-designed templates to begin with. All the websites built through the Duda platform have a responsive design, which means they will perform well on desktop computers and mobile devices.
Key features:
- Drag-and-drop tool
- Dudaflex editor
- Responsive design
- Pre-designed templates
- Showcase your portfolio
19. Jimdo
CMS software
Use Jimdo's built-in design features to personalize every detail of your site web pages. Add the images, logo, and text, and position every element to make it easy for users to navigate through the website. You can choose your domain name through the platform too.
All the websites are developed with a responsive design, so the user can enjoy them whether they are on their mobile devices or desktop computer. Count on Jimdo's free image bank to use high-quality photos that will make your website more appealing.
Key features:
- Built-in design features
- Responsive design
- Copyright-free photos
- Connect with social media
- SEO tools
20. Dorik
CMS software - Dorik
Dorik offers a single platform to not only build your pages but also maintain them always up to date. For example, by inserting new articles and features as you see necessary.The platform offers more than 60 professional templates and over 250 UI blocks.
You will have a free SSL certificate, and the website will be hosted on AWS and Digital Ocean. If you plan to build an ecommerce, there is the option to integrate PayPal, Stripe, and Gumroad. You also can add subscription forms to your website.
Key features:
- More than 60 templates
- Over 250 blocks
- Free SSL
- Payment integration
- Custom domain
- Export code
21. Simvoly
CMS software - Simvoly
Simvoly allows you to create your own customized website using a drag-and-drop editor. It offers several assets to become even simpler to design the pages the way you wish, which includes more than 200 templates, custom blocks, and elements. Choose the fonts, color palette, add images, and make A/B tests too. The design is fully responsive.
If you intend to create an ecommerce, tools like sales funnels and custom checkout will be very useful. You have the option to customize the buyer journey. Besides, you will have access to detailed analytics to get to know your target audience better and understand how to improve the website.
Key features:
- Page builder
- Drag-and-drop tool
- More than 200 templates
- A/B test
- Responsive design
- Sales funnels
- Custom checkouts
- AI assistant
22. Volusion
CMS software - Volusion
Volusion is a platform focused on enabling you to create your own ecommerce website. You will find themes for different types of stores. All you have to do is choose the one that suits you best and start customizing it.
To help you make your website stand out, you can count on a team of experts, including SEO experts, web designers, and marketing professionals. To enhance the user experience when browsing through your website, Volusion offers several options to personalize the layout, you have different types of displays to showcase your products.
Key features:
- Ecommerce website themes
- Responsive design
- Customize layout
- Product display options
- Home page slideshow
- SEO tools
- Fast loading
23. Ionos
CMS software - Ionos
With Ionos, you can build your website the way you want. It's possible to make one with just three steps, first choose a design, then add your content, and just click publish. In each one of those steps, you are going to count on several tools to help you customize every page, and get a high-performance website.
Ionos provides multiple industry-specific templates, for example, to online stores, restaurants, real estate businesses, travel agencies, and much more. You also can edit the images and texts as you prefer, and enjoy the free image bank that contains more than 17,000 photos.
Key features:
- Professional templates
- Customization tools
- SEO tools
- Free SSL certificate
- Responsive design
- Easy analytics
- Built-in privacy tools
24. Web.Com
CMS software - web.com
Web.Com has an intuitive interface, so it becomes easy to build different types of websites the way you wish. Use the drag-and-drop tool to customize every detail of your pages, including the text, photos, and where you will put every button.
If you have any doubts, you can even count on one free hour of web design support. Web.Com provides you with more than 150 professionally designed templates, and ready-made content blocks too. They have multiple website plans, so you can choose the one that fits your needs and budget.
Key features:
- Customizable templates
- Easy drag-and-drop technology
- Built-in web hosting
- SSL certificate
- Expert support
- User-friendly marketing tools
FAQ: CMS Software
What is the most used CMS software?
WordPress is the most popular CMS software in the world. It's used by around 43% or the websites in the internet.
Can I use a CMS for free?
Yes. There are several CMS software that offer free plans. However, the free plans may have some limitations compared to the paid options.
Which is the best CMS for begginers?
It depends on what type of website you want to build. A good CMS software for beginners should provide an intuitive interface, so you can quickly learn how to use it.
Do I need a CMS to start a blog?
Yes, a content management system is essential to create a blog. You will use the CMS to update the blog with new articles, and manage it.
Which CMS software is best for e-commerce?
A CMS software for e-commerce muse offer features that enable you to create a high-quality online store. It should have inventory, payment, and shipping tools. Representing 10% of total US ecommerce, Shopify is one of the most popular CMS for e-commerce.
Select the CMS Software that Suits Your Business Best
Having a website for your company is no longer a differential, but almost a requirement in many sectors. Creating a website that offers high-quality content to your target audience, follows SEO best practices, and is aligned with your brand's visual identity can make you stand out among the compettion.
As you could see, there are many CMS software that allows you to create a website with just a few steps and no coding. Take a look at them, check their features, and choose the CMS that is in your budget, and offer the tools you need.
