Looking for the best content management system (CMS) for your small business? You’re in the right place! In this article, we’ll discuss the various features of some of the most popular and efficient CMSes available today. We’ll also provide you with a solid comparison of these tools so you can make the right selection for your needs.
Drupal
Drupal is one of the most popular Content Management Systems (CMSs) used by medium-sized businesses. Its popularity comes from its stability, the security it provides, and its powerful, yet easy-to-use, interface.
Drupal can be downloaded and installed on your own server. Its installation is straightforward and can be done by anyone with basic computer knowledge. Once installed, you’ll need to set up a database before you can start using the CMS. Luckily for you, we’ve done all the work for you and created a free Drupal database with all the necessary features you’ll need to get up and running in no time.
Joomla
Joomla is another content management platform that has risen in popularity among SMBs. Its features include a basic, yet versatile, blog platform, an events management system, a simple marketplace, and more.
Joomla can be downloaded and installed on your own server. Once installed, you’ll need to set up a database before you can start using the CMS. Luckily for you, we’ve already done all the work for you and created a free Joomla sample database that you can download and install directly on your server.
WordPress
WordPress is the most popular blogging platform out there and has been around for almost 15 years. It’s also one of the most versatile platforms around, as it provides users with the ability to create any kind of website or blog they want with just a few clicks of the mouse.
WordPress can be downloaded and installed on your own server. Its installation is straightforward and can be done by anyone with basic computer knowledge. Once installed, you’ll need to set up a database before you can start using the CMS. Luckily for you, we’ve done all the work for you and created a free WordPress sample database that you can download and install directly on your server.
CMS Comparison
Now that you have a clear idea of what CMSs are and what they do, let’s take a quick look at some of their comparative features.
Features
Each CMS comes with a variety of features; some of these features are more valuable than others based on your needs and the type of content you plan on creating. For example, if you’re looking for a highly flexible blogging platform, you might want to look at the Joomla CMS, while if you’re looking for a simple content management system (CMS) to use for a personal website, you might want to consider WordPress.
Here are some of the most important features to consider before buying any CMS.
Developer-Friendly
One of the most essential features of any content management system is its ease of use. If you’re planning on developing websites and/or blogs using the CMS, you want to make sure that you choose a developer-friendly platform that is straightforward to use and does not require extensive training to be able to use effectively. You also want to make sure that the CMS you choose is able to be updated and supported by the developers, as this will largely determine the stability of the CMS over time.
Backend
The backend of a CMS is where all the powerful stuff lies and is where you’ll be spending the vast majority of your time. The backend of a CMS is where you can control most of the features of the platform, including:
- The creation and editing of content
- The organization and presentation of content
- The creation and management of pages
- The creation and management of posts
- The creation and management of categories
- The creation and management of tags
- The administration of users
- The management of email campaigns
Interface
The interface of a CMS is how it looks like, how it works, and how you access and navigate the different areas and features of the platform. The interface of a CMS will largely determine the end-user experience and how easy it is to use the platform. The ideal interface for a CMS allows for only the most basic interactions and minimal navigation.
Data Import
One of the great things about CMSs is their ability to effortlessly import data from other sources. This could be a variety of different data, such as:
- Product information (including pricing and availability)
- Contact details
- Blog information
- Social media profiles
Importing data into your CMS is extremely easy and can be done in just a few mouse clicks. This makes it incredibly useful for those looking to populate their CMS with data from other sources.
Stability
Another important factor to consider when choosing a CMS is its stability. After all, if you’re planning on using the platform to power important parts of your business, you don’t want to invest in a CMS that might go out of service at any time due to technical errors or malfunctioning. Look for stable, well-maintained CMSes with a good track record.
User-Friendly
User-friendliness is another important consideration when choosing a CMS. After all, you’ll be the one using the platform and dealing with any issues that might arise. To that end, you want to make sure that the CMS is easy to use, boasts a good user experience, and doesn’t require extensive training. Look for user-friendly CMSes that are easy to use and that anyone in your organization, with or without technical training, can operate effectively.