Best CMS 2024 (Comparing 25 Options Worth Considering)

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Choosing the right content management system (CMS) can make or break your business blogging efforts. Whether you’re just starting or looking to upgrade, finding a solid CMS solution is critical for saving time and effort as you grow. But with so many options out there, how can you choose? This guide will help you compare the best CMS platforms of 2024 to find the right one for your needs.

And while there are plenty of great options, Feather is one CMS that stands out. It’s designed to help you quickly create and manage your content. With its notion to blog integration, you can focus on growing your business while streamlining your content creation process.

What Is a CMS?

A content management system (CMS) is software that lets you create and modify digital content for a website without knowing how to code. You can easily add:

Text

Audio

Video

Infographics

CMS platforms come with themes and templates that simplify creating and uploading content. The software handles the technical stuff for you. So, instead of making web pages or storing images, you can focus on crafting quality text content and engaging in other business-growing activities.

How Big Is the CMS Industry?

According to reports, the global CMS industry was valued at about $28.15 billion in 2023. The market is projected to reach $54.16 billion by 2032, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.54% from 2024 to 2032. The demand for CMS is rising worldwide as companies prioritize digital transformation and the need for efficient content management systems.

Why Are CMS Platforms Important?

CMS platforms make it easy for multiple teams to collaborate on your website content, including:

Content strategy

Content writing

Marketing

Analytics

You can integrate with other third-party software your business uses, such as digital asset management, content marketing, and analytics. This way, you can manage your website completely.

How Does a CMS Work?

A Content Management System (CMS) is a tool that lets you build and manage a website without knowing how to code. Imagine wanting your own site but not wanting to spend endless hours learning HTML or CSS. That’s where a CMS comes in, offering a simple interface to create and organize content, design pages, and make updates without touching any code.

The Two Main Parts of a CMS

A CMS has two main parts:

Content Management Application (CMA)

Content Delivery Application (CDA)

The CMA is a user-friendly interface that lets you create, edit, and publish content. It’s like a word processor for your website. You can add anything your site needs through a simple editor, including:

Text

Images

Videos

CDA's Role in Content Display and Optimization

On the other hand, the CDA handles how your content is displayed to visitors. Once you publish, the CMS organizes the content and displays it exactly where it should go on your website. It ensures the content loads correctly on different devices and browsers and can even help with SEO and performance optimization.

Examples of Popular CMS Platforms

Popular CMSs include:

WordPress

Webflow

Ghost

They let you pick templates, drag and drop elements, and customize your site’s look without needing any coding skills. But if you know how to code or want more control, most CMS platforms allow developers to tweak things in the background.

The Benefits of Using a CMS

Using a CMS means you don’t have to build your site from scratch. You can focus on what

Matters, your content. Whether writing blog posts, adding new products to your online store, or changing your homepage design, a CMS makes the process faster and easier.

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Popular Types of CMS?

In this ever-evolving digital world, choosing the right content management system (CMS) is crucial for your business's online presence. With so many options out there, how do you know which CMS is the best fit for your needs? Let's explore the main types of CMS you'll encounter.

All-in-One Website Builders: Simplicity Meets Functionality

Think of all-in-one website builders as your one-stop shop for launching and managing a website. These platforms, such as Wix or Squarespace, provide a user-friendly environment with everything you need:

SEO tools

Blog management

File storage

Design templates

Backend functionality

They’re ideal for new and small business owners seeking an easy-to-use solution that does not require extensive customization or coding skills.

Open-Source CMS Systems: Flexibility and Customization

Open-source CMS systems, like WordPress or Joomla, are perfect for those who want complete control over their site's:

Look

Feel

Functionality

While they offer greater flexibility and customization options, they have a steeper learning curve. These platforms are best suited for:

Web developers

Large businesses

Anyone who can manage the higher costs associated with custom development.

Cloud-Based CMS: Convenience and Scalability

Cloud-based CMS platforms host your site on a third-party provider's servers, offering two options:

Full cloud

Partial cloud

Full cloud CMS platforms handle all aspects of your site's infrastructure, while partial cloud options let you manage certain elements through source code or specific modules. These systems are great for businesses that prefer to outsource infrastructure management, though they may require ongoing support.

Enterprise CMS: Robust Solutions for Large Organizations

Enterprise CMS platforms are designed to support large institutions, offering advanced features and capabilities to manage volumes of content and users. They help organizations collect and manage unstructured data, such as emails and reports, and deliver relevant content to target audiences. These systems are perfect for enterprises needing robust solutions to handle their complex content management needs.

Headless CMS: Content Freedom Without Limits

A headless CMS, like Contentful or Strapi, allows you to create and publish content without a front-end interface. You can manage your content seamlessly across various platforms and devices, from websites to mobile apps and Internet of Things (IoT) products. A headless CMS is the way to go if you need a flexible solution that enables omnichannel content distribution.

What Are the Key Features of a CMS?

A CMS shines when handling user roles, providing a structured way to manage who can do what on your site. You can assign roles like:

Administrators

Editors

Authors

Contributors

This ensures everyone knows their responsibilities and keeps things flowing smoothly. Have you ever had a situation where too many cooks spoiled the broth? A good CMS prevents that chaos by defining transparent workflows and approval processes.

Simplifying Digital Asset Management

Think of a CMS as your digital filing cabinet. It helps you keep all your images, videos, documents, and media in one place. You can organize these assets into collections, making them easy to find and manage. This feature is a lifesaver for big teams with lots of media to handle.

Creating Content Without the Hassle

One of the best parts about a CMS is its content creation and editing tools. You get:

Drag-and-drop functionality

Rich text editors

Content scheduling options

All this means you can create, format, and publish your content without a tech degree. It’s all about making the process simple and intuitive.

Designing with Customizable Templates

Most CMS platforms offer a range of customizable templates so you can design your site to match your brand. You can tweak these templates with custom code for a unique look, helping your site stand out while providing a consistent user experience.

Boosting Visibility with SEO Tools

A good CMS has built-in SEO tools to help your content get noticed. You can optimize for search engines with features like meta tags, alt text for images, and keyword analysis. These tools help improve your site’s visibility and rankings, making it easier for people to find you.

Keeping Your Site Secure

Security is crucial, and CMS platforms don’t skimp on this. They come with robust security features to protect your site and data. Regular updates, security plugins, and secure user authentication processes keep potential threats at bay.

Understanding Your Audience with Analytics & Reporting

Many CMS platforms integrate with analytics tools like Google Analytics to give you insights into how visitors interact with your content. This data is invaluable for refining your marketing strategies and improving user engagement.

What Are the Benefits of Using a CMS?

Content Creation Without Code: A Digital Dream

Have you ever thought managing a website should be more straightforward? With a CMS, it is. These platforms have intuitive interfaces that let you create and publish content without understanding a single line of code.

This means you can focus on crafting captivating content and leave the technical stuff behind. Developers will love it, too; they can concentrate on challenging projects instead of constantly updating content. It’s a win-win, making CMS a key player in the best CMS 2024 conversation.

Collaborate From Anywhere: The CMS Way

Think of a CMS as your team’s digital playground. It’s a centralized hub where multiple users can work together seamlessly:

Content creators can write and edit

Marketers can strategize

Developers can add custom code

All of this can happen simultaneously. A CMS assigns specific roles and permissions so everyone knows their part. It’s like a well-oiled machine, ensuring your workflow and content shines.

SEO Made Easy: Boosting Your Visibility

In the online world, standing out is crucial. A CMS helps you do just that by offering built-in SEO tools. You can easily optimize the following for better discoverability:

Meta tags

URLs

This is essential for attracting organic traffic and making your mark digitally. With a suitable CMS, you’re not just keeping up with competitors but staying ahead.

Managing Content Chaos: Simplify and Conquer

As your website grows, keeping track of content can become a nightmare. A CMS acts like a digital filing system, helping you categorize and organize your content with tags, labels, or metadata. You can schedule posts, control versions, and archive old content effortlessly. This way, you’re always in control, and your content is easy to find and manage.

Brand Consistency: Your Digital Signature

A strong brand is recognizable and memorable; a CMS helps you maintain that image. With customizable templates and themes, you can ensure every page and post aligns with your brand’s identity. This consistency builds trust with your audience and enhances their experience, making your brand stand out online.

Grow As You Go: The Flexibility Factor

A CMS is like a digital Swiss Army knife. It allows you to add easily:

New pages

Features

Functionalities

You can integrate plugins and extensions to expand your website’s capabilities, adapting to your business needs as they evolve. This flexibility makes a CMS an invaluable tool for companies looking to scale and succeed.

Best CMS 2024: Comparing 25 Options Worth Considering

1. Feather: Effortless Blogging with Notion Integration

Feather is an SEO-friendly blog and email newsletter service that simplifies content management by allowing you to publish directly from Notion. This no-code platform offers features like:

Subfolder blogs for better SEO

Custom CSS for design tweaks

Seamless newsletter integration

Run your blog and newsletter with Feather today! Create a new account and send emails from Notion, or go from notion to blog in minutes!

2. Joomla

Joomla is a popular open-source CMS that has been around since 2005. It offers a balance between ease of use and flexibility and is designed for various types of websites, including:

Personal blogs

Corporate sites

eCommerce platforms

While free, you must pay for hosting and a domain name.

Joomla is known for its extensive customization options, including:

Over 6,000 extensions

Multiple templates

These features allow you to build unique websites tailored to specific needs. Nevertheless, it comes with a steeper learning curve than simpler CMS platforms, and its documentation can be challenging to navigate.

Pros

Active community support with regular updates and security patches.

Excellent multilingual support with built-in support for over 70 languages.

Flexible user management system, perfect for websites that need multiple user roles.

Cons

The steep learning curve may need to be more beginner-friendly.

More documentation is needed to get started.

Pricing: Joomla is free, but you must cover hosting and domain costs.

3. HubSpot CMS

HubSpot CMS is part of the more extensive HubSpot suite of tools, combining a powerful CMS with CRM, marketing automation, and sales tools. It is particularly well-suited for businesses that want an integrated, all-in-one platform for their digital presence. HubSpot CMS is ideal for:

Content management

Personalized experiences for website visitors

The platform’s AI content assistant and drag-and-drop editor make it user-friendly, allowing non-technical users to manage their sites easily. Yet, its premium pricing may deter smaller businesses.

Pros

All-in-one solution for content, CRM, and marketing automation.

Advanced personalization options based on visitor behavior.

Easy-to-use drag-and-drop editor for quick website creation.

Cons

High pricing makes it less accessible to smaller businesses.

Limitations in creating custom-branded websites with unique designs.

Pricing: Starts at $360/month for annual payments.

4. Wix

Wix is a cloud-based website builder known for its simplicity and drag-and-drop interface. Founded in 2006, Wix caters to individuals and small businesses looking to build functional websites without needing technical or design skills. It offers a vast library of templates and a user-friendly experience, making it one of the leading website builders.

While Wix is easy to use, its design flexibility is limited compared to more robust CMS platforms like WordPress or Joomla. The platform also tends to have slower loading times due to its infrastructure, which can impact user experience.

Pros

Extremely user-friendly with a simple drag-and-drop interface.

Large template library for various industries.

SEO features are built-in to improve site visibility.

Cons

Limited design flexibility makes it hard to create truly unique sites.

Slow loading times can negatively impact website performance.

Pricing: Website plans start at $12.50/month, and e-commerce plans start at $25/month.

5. Optimizely

Optimizely, formerly Episerver, is a digital experience platform (DXP) with a CMS. It offers a wide range of tools for:

Content management

Personalization

Digital marketing

Advanced Features and Pricing Considerations

These tools emphasize delivering tailored user experiences. Optimizely’s CMS is designed for larger businesses that need advanced functionality, such as:

AI-powered personalization

A/B testing

The platform is complex and requires technical knowledge to utilize its capabilities fully. Smaller businesses may also find the pricing steep.

Pros

AI-powered recommendations and personalization for targeted user experiences.

All-in-one platform for content management, marketing, and personalization.

Supports advanced A/B testing and experiments for website optimization.

Cons

High complexity and steep learning curve.

Pricing and third-party integrations are more complex than other CMS options.

Pricing: Content marketing starts at $79/user/month; other solution pricing is available on request.

6. Prismic

Prismic is a headless CMS designed for developers who need a flexible and customizable content management system. It lets you decouple the front-end presentation layer from the back-end content management, making it ideal for companies delivering content across multiple platforms and devices.

Prismic's Features and Considerations for Technical Expertise

Prismic offers a visual page builder, real-time collaboration features, and flexible APIs to integrate with different frameworks. It’s great for growing businesses looking to boost website traffic through fast, scalable, and well-optimized websites. Nevertheless, the technical knowledge required might be daunting for non-developers.

Pros

Headless architecture allows flexibility in delivering content to multiple platforms.

Visual Page Builder makes real-time content changes easy.

Great for fast and scalable websites.

Cons

It requires more technical expertise than traditional CMS platforms.

It may not be ideal for smaller businesses with limited development resources.

Pricing: Offers a free tier; paid plans are available for more advanced features.

7. Shopify

Shopify is a leading CMS platform, especially for e-commerce businesses. Known for its ease of use, Shopify offers a comprehensive solution for entrepreneurs and small businesses to create and manage online stores without technical expertise. Due to its e-commerce functionality and simplicity, over 7 million websites, including brands like Anker, use Shopify.

Key Features

E-commerce Functionality: Includes product management, inventory tracking, payment gateways, and shipping options.

Responsive Themes: Optimized for mobile devices, ensuring a seamless user experience across all screen sizes.

Social Media Integration: Allows product listings on platforms like Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube.

App Store: An extensive library of apps that add functionality and integrations.

Analytics & Reporting: Real-time insights into store performance, user behavior, and sales trends.

Pros

User-Friendly: Known for its beginner-friendly interface.

E-commerce-Focused: Explicitly tailored for online stores with essential tools built-in.

Hosting & Security: Shopify manages hosting, security, and maintenance, simplifying the process for store owners.

Cons

Limited Customization: Shopify may not offer the same design flexibility as other platforms.

Transaction Fees: Additional fees when using external payment gateways.

Learning Curve for Developers: Shopify uses a unique templating engine called Liquid, which requires extra learning for custom development.

Pricing

Plans start at $24/month (annual payments) or $32/month (monthly payments).

8. Squarespace

Squarespace is a popular platform for individuals, small businesses, and creative professionals. Its sleek, design-focused approach makes it ideal for those who want visually appealing websites without the complexity of technical setups. Over 5.2 million websites, including:

Squarespace powers businesses like Vanguard Properties.

Key Features

Drag-and-Drop Functionality: Create professional websites with an intuitive interface.

Integrations: Offers various integrations for e-commerce, SEO, and social media.

Hosting: Provides reliable hosting services, eliminating the need for third-party hosts.

Online Courses: Squarespace allows users to create and sell online courses.

AI-Powered Features: Squarespace’s AI helps generate on-brand product descriptions and page content faster.

Pros

Ease of Use: User-friendly interface, perfect for those with no technical background.

Beautiful Templates: A wide selection of visually stunning templates tailored for e-commerce, portfolios, and blogs.

Mobile Responsiveness: Sites are automatically optimized for mobile devices.

E-commerce Capabilities: Offers tools to run online stores, sell products, services, and subscriptions.

Cons

Limited Plugins and Integrations: Fewer extensions compared to platforms like WordPress.

Advanced Feature Learning Curve: Complex features may require some technical knowledge.

Pricing

The personal plan starts at $17/month, the Business plan at $25/month, and the e-commerce plans at $29/month and $55/month.

9. Ghost

Ghost is a streamlined CMS tailored for content creators and bloggers. Unlike platforms focusing on full-fledged websites, Ghost is optimized for writing and publishing, making it ideal for bloggers and writers who want a fast and distraction-free environment. It powers over 138,000 websites, including popular platforms like Buffer’s blog.

Key Features

Writing & Editing: Provides a distraction-free writing experience.

Memberships & Subscriptions: Allows creators to offer paid subscriptions for exclusive content.

Email Newsletters: Collects user emails and allows for integrated newsletter functionality.

SEO Tools: Offers built-in SEO features for better search engine visibility.

Markdown Support: A lightweight markup language used for formatting content.

Pros

Simplicity: Focuses on creating a seamless content creation experience.

Fast & Lightweight: Optimized for speed and performance.

Content Monetization: Supports memberships and paid subscriptions, allowing content creators to generate revenue.

Cons

Limited Customization: Less flexibility compared to other CMS platforms.

Functionality Limitations: Primarily focused on content creation, lacking broader site management tools.

Pricing

Plans start at $9/ month (annual payments) or $11/month (monthly payments), and prices increase based on audience size.

10. WordPress

WordPress is one of the most well-known content management systems available — and for a good reason. It’s so popular that many top web hosting companies offer one-click installations. WordPress provides a library of free and paid templates, and you can choose from over 50,000 plugins to customize your site to suit your business needs.

Difference Between WordPress.org and WordPress.com

It’s important to note the difference between WordPress.org and WordPress.com — WordPress.org is a free, open-source, and self-hosted option that gives users more freedom to customize their website than WordPress.com. WordPress.com, on the other hand, is a fully hosted option with a monthly fee.

While WordPress.org is free, not all of the themes and plugins are. You’ll also have to pay for web hosting through another company of your choosing, so the CMS isn’t entirely free when you factor in these costs.

Features

More than 50,000 plugins and 9,000-plus templates

Easy-to-use interface

CMS is optimized for SEO, with more granular plugins available

11. Webflow

Webflow is a website builder first and foremost, but it also offers an impressive content management system. The highly customizable tool emphasizes advanced design capabilities like interactive elements and animations.

If you don’t want to build your site from the ground up, Webflow offers free and paid templates. Each template is mobile-responsive, and the Webflow editor enables you to edit what your page will look like on both desktop and mobile devices.

With its advanced design capabilities, Webflow is best for creating a unique website that gives you total control over every pixel.

Features

Dynamic content filtering and sorting

Highly customizable

Automatically resizes and optimizes images for a variety of devices

12. Drupal

Drupal is all about customization. It’s an open-source platform, meaning it’s free to download, use, and share. The CMS is perfect for large-to-enterprise-level organizations needing a scalable, custom site. Examples of Drupal users include Major League Soccer, the University of Oxford, and Pinterest for Business.

Flexibility and Customization Options

Drupal is free out of the box. It includes over 40,000 modules you can use to enhance site functionality and over 2,500 themes to change the appearance of your site. Rather than offering a pre-fab CMS “home,” Drupal provides a variety of doors, windows, fixtures, and layouts so you can build exactly what you need — whether that’s an online store, blog, new site, or something else.

Learning Curve and Suitability for Experienced Users

While customization is certainly a perk with Drupal, it does mean there’s a learning curve for new users. For this reason, Drupal is a better fit for those with prior coding experience or a seasoned developer with time available to learn the platform's ins and outs.

Features

Secure code regularly updated by more than 1 million developers worldwide

Free, open-source software with no licensing fees

Offers 40,000-plus modules and 2,500-plus themes to personalize your site

13. Concrete CMS

Concrete CMS (formerly Concrete5) is an open-source platform with an intuitive, point-and-click interface. It is ideal for those without coding knowledge who want to get their website up and running with little to no hassle.

Concrete CMS offers SEO tools like a bulk SEO page updater that lets you simultaneously update meta descriptions, title tags, and slugs for multiple pages. With its WYSIWYG editor, there’s no guesswork around your page's appearance when published.

While Concrete CMS isn’t as flashy as some of the other content management systems in this list, it’s an excellent tool for those looking for a simple, easy-to-use tool with various helpful core features.

14. TYPO3

TYPO3 is a free, open-source platform marketed as an enterprise-level content management system. The tool offers many features beyond the basics, including accessibility compliance capabilities within templates to add:

Alt text

Captions

Title texts

TYPO3's Mobile-First Design and Asset Management Integration

The CMS also makes it simple to design mobile-first, responsive web pages with a built-in preview showing what content will look like on various devices. TYPO3 also integrates with digital asset management (DAM) systems, making it easy to track and locate what you need from a large library of brand assets.

Features

Ability to manage multiple websites and domains in one place

More than 8,000 extensions to personalize your site

Integrates with digital asset management (DAM) systems to easily manage brand assets

15. Storyblok

Storyblok is a cloud-native, headless CMS with a user-friendly interface. The platform’s visual editor makes it simple to collaborate on content with your team in real time, and its live preview function lets you instantly see what changes will look like.

Consolidated Content and Asset Management

Storyblok also consolidates content and asset management under one central platform, cutting down on the time it takes your team to find and use assets with an advanced search function. Whether you need to crop or enhance an image, Storyblok lets you edit pictures within the CMS.

Features

Easy-to-use interface

Content localization capabilities

Digital asset management functionality

16. Craft CMS

Craft CMS is a highly customizable and flexible CMS designed for developers and content creators. It focuses on creating bespoke websites with full control over content modeling, front-end design, and functionality. It’s ideal for complex websites where customization is prioritized, making it popular among agencies and large enterprises.

Pros

Highly customizable with flexible content modeling.

Excellent support and documentation.

Powerful e-commerce integration through Craft Commerce.

Cons

Requires technical expertise for customization.

There are no built-in themes; all designs must be custom-made.

17. Umbraco

Umbraco is an open-source CMS built on the Microsoft .NET framework. It’s known for its flexibility and ease of use and offers a scalable solution for developers and agencies. Umbraco is suited for both small businesses and large-scale projects, with a strong focus on content management and user experience.

Pros

Fully open-source with no licensing fees.

Flexible and scalable for different project sizes.

Great for .NET developers.

Cons

Requires knowledge of the .NET framework.

Fewer out-of-the-box features compared to other CMS platforms.

18. Contentful

Contentful is a headless CMS for developers to deliver content across multiple platforms. It decouples content management from the presentation layer, providing flexibility for creating custom front-end experiences. It’s great for businesses needing to manage content across websites, mobile apps, and more.

Pros

API-first approach with powerful integrations.

Ideal for multi-platform content delivery.

Scalable and flexible for enterprise use.

Cons

Requires technical knowledge to implement.

Higher pricing tiers for advanced features.

19. Magnolia CMS

Magnolia CMS is an enterprise-grade, Java-based CMS known for its scalability and modular architecture. It allows companies to build digital experiences across:

Websites

Mobile apps

Magnolia is ideal for large businesses that need robust features like personalization, content targeting, and complex integrations.

Pros

Modular architecture allows for flexibility and customization.

Excellent for enterprise-level projects with high scalability needs.

Extensive personalization and targeting features.

Cons

Complex setup requiring Java expertise.

High licensing costs for enterprise use.

20. Strapi

Strapi is an open-source, headless CMS that allows developers to create customizable APIs for their front-end projects. Strapi is highly extensible and allows for fast, efficient content management. It’s perfect for teams with a flexible solution to manage content across web and mobile platforms.

Pros

Headless architecture for delivering content across multiple platforms.

Fully customizable and open-source.

Strong API capabilities with support for REST and GraphQL.

Cons

Requires technical expertise to set up and maintain.

Limited out-of-the-box features.

21. Kentico

Kentico is an all-in-one CMS, e-commerce, and online marketing platform. It’s designed for mid-to-large-sized businesses looking to integrate content management with digital marketing efforts. Kentico offers extensive features, including:

Multilingual support

e-commerce functionality

Advanced SEO tools

Pros

Integrated digital marketing and e-commerce features.

Scalable for larger enterprises.

Multilingual and multisite support.

Cons

Steep learning curve for non-developers.

Higher cost compared to other platforms.

22. Agility CMS

Agility CMS is a headless, API-driven platform offering a hybrid content management approach. It allows users to create, manage, and deliver content across multiple channels while offering a visual editor for marketers. It’s designed for teams that need both developer flexibility and marketing control.

Pros

Hybrid CMS model that supports both headless and traditional CMS needs.

Intuitive visual editor for non-developers.

Flexible API-first approach.

Cons

May require technical expertise for full implementation.

Pricing can be high for smaller businesses.

23. SilverStripe

SilverStripe is an open-source CMS and framework emphasizing flexibility and control over website development. It’s known for its developer-friendly approach and extensive customization options. SilverStripe is suitable for businesses that need a custom-built solution and are willing to invest in development resources.

Pros

Developer-friendly with a strong focus on customization.

Open-source with no licensing fees.

Great for large, complex websites.

Cons

Requires coding knowledge to set up and maintain.

Limited pre-built themes and plugins compared to other platforms.

24. Ghostwriter

Ghostwriter is a headless CMS designed for content-heavy websites like blogs, news portals, and magazines. It allows you to manage and deliver content through APIs, making it highly scalable. Ghostwriter focuses on ease of use, content editing, and speed, making it suitable for developers and marketers.

Pros

Fast and lightweight, optimized for content-heavy sites.

Simple content management interface.

Great for multi-channel content distribution.

Cons

Limited functionality outside content delivery.

Technical knowledge required for customization.

Pricing: Free tier available; pricing starts at $29/month for premium plans.

25. ButterCMS

ButterCMS is a headless CMS designed for easy integration with any technology stack. It allows developers to focus on building the front-end while offering non-technical users a simple content management interface. ButterCMS is perfect for small teams and startups that want a quick and easy CMS solution.

Pros

Headless architecture with simple API integration.

Easy to set up and use, even for non-technical users.

Supports multi-language content management.

Cons

Limited advanced features compared to other CMS platforms.

Requires technical expertise for custom front-end builds.

Pricing: Starts at $83/month for small projects.

What To Look for in a CMS

Imagine visitors landing on your site. What do you want them to do? Make a purchase? Read an article? Contact a salesperson? Start by listing the actions you want them to take. This helps narrow down which CMS can best support your goals. For example, if you’re a blogger, you might want an SEO-friendly platform for easy content creation.

If you’re running an online store, you’ll likely need one with ecommerce capabilities. The right CMS aligns with your business goals, not just popularity.

Budget Considerations: Don’t Break the Bank

A budget should be established before selecting a CMS. Platforms vary in cost, from free to pricey, depending on features and support. Some offer tiered pricing, so you can start small and scale as your needs grow. Determine what you can afford and what features are most important. Consider the total cost of ownership, including hosting, maintenance, and upgrades.

Content and Process Support: Keep It Simple

Consider what types of content you’ll create and how they’ll be managed. Will you mostly publish blog posts or need more complex features like user-generated content or multimedia? Some CMS platforms are better suited for specific types of content. For example, WordPress is great for blogging, while Shopify is better for ecommerce. Make sure the CMS can handle your content needs without too much customization.

Integration and Compatibility: Don’t Get Stuck

Think about what technologies your CMS needs to support or integrate with. Do you need it to work with existing systems or tools? For example, if you’re using a particular CRM or email marketing platform, ensure the CMS can integrate with it. Some platforms offer native integrations, while others require third-party tools. Choose one that fits your tech stack to avoid headaches down the line.

Ease of Use: Don’t Complicate Things

The CMS should make it easy for you to create and edit content. This is especially important if you’re not a developer. Look for a platform with a user-friendly interface and features like drag-and-drop editors, templates, and plugins. The easier it is to use, the more likely you are to keep your content fresh and up-to-date.

Collaboration: Don’t Work Alone

If you have a team, consider how many people will be working on the CMS and their roles. Some platforms offer more robust user management features than others. For example, if you have multiple contributors, you’ll want a CMS allowing easy collaboration and content approval. Ensure the CMS can support your team’s workflow without hassle.

Measuring Success: Know What Works

Determine how you’ll measure success with your CMS. This could be anything from page views and conversions to time on site and bounce rate. Look for a platform that offers built-in analytics or integrates with third-party tools like Google Analytics. This will help you track your progress and make data-driven decisions about your content strategy.

SEO-Friendly: Get Found Online

Search engine optimization is crucial for getting your content seen. Look for an SEO-friendly CMS that allows you to quickly optimize your content for search engines. This includes features like:

Customizable URLs

Meta tags

XML sitemaps

The better optimized your content is, the more likely it is to rank well in search engine results.

Technology: Don’t Get Left Behind

Consider what technology your CMS is built on and how well it’s supported. Some platforms are built on open-source technology, while others are proprietary. Open-source platforms are typically more flexible and customizable but may require more technical expertise to maintain. Proprietary platforms may offer more support and updates but can be less flexible. Choose a platform that fits your needs and resources.

Support: Don’t Go It Alone

Consider how well the CMS is supported. This includes everything from documentation and tutorials to customer support and community forums. The more support you have, the easier it will be to troubleshoot issues and get help when needed. Look for a platform with a strong support network to ensure you’re never left in the lurch.

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So, what’s the best CMS for 2024? It’s like picking the perfect tool for a job—it depends on what you want to accomplish. You’ll need a user-friendly CMS that scales with you if your game is:

Simplicity

Collaboration

Integration

Many systems now offer:

Drag-and-drop interfaces

SEO tools

Marketing integrations

For content-heavy needs like blogs and newsletters, consider Feather. Why? It runs through Notion, making it a breeze for teams that crave easy collaboration and SEO-ready functionality.

What Makes a CMS Powerful?

When you hear "powerful CMS," think of:

Full customization

Robust integrations

The ability to handle complex tasks

These platforms support:

Content creation

Marketing automation

E-commerce

They often require development skills, though. Are you looking for something simpler yet effective? Feather offers robust SEO and email marketing features without the need for coding. You manage everything through Notion, and it’s flexible with CSS customization, providing a solution without the headaches of traditional platforms.

Today’s fast-growing CMS platforms are all about no-code or low-code solutions. Businesses love them for their agility and ease of use. Feather, for instance, is gaining attention thanks to its seamless integration with Notion. Teams can publish blog content and newsletters quickly, without tech barriers. This CMS is ideal for those focused on:

Growth

Ease of use

SEO-friendly features

Which CMS Best Fits Large-Scale Businesses?

Large-scale businesses need a CMS with:

Scalability

Multi-site management

Advanced security

These systems handle:

Large content volumes

Complex workflows

Multiple user access levels

Feather's Third-Party Integrations and Suitability for Smaller Teams

They also need to integrate with third-party tools like CRMs and analytics. Feather is an excellent option for smaller to mid-sized teams within big organizations. It’s SEO-friendly and easy to use via Notion, perfect for managing blogs and newsletters without the complexity of more extensive systems.

Go From Notion to Blog With Ease Today With Feather

Feather lets you run your blog and newsletter from Notion. If you can write it in Notion, Feather can publish it—no coding or design skills are required. Write your content in Notion, click publish, and your blog post can be live in minutes.

Feather handles the technical stuff, like getting your blog on a subfolder (domain.com/blog instead of blog.domain.com) for better SEO. You can even use custom CSS to change the design if you want. Collaborate with your team during the publishing process, then hit publish when ready. It also lets you send newsletters directly to your email subscribers from Notion.