What is CMS?
Content Management System
TL;DR
A CMS (Content Management System) is software that lets you create, edit, and manage website content without knowing how to code.
Example
Think of a CMS as Microsoft Word for your website.
Without a CMS, changing text on your website would require editing code files, understanding HTML, and uploading files to a server. With a CMS, you just log in, click on the text you want to change, edit it, and hit "Save."
Popular CMS platforms:
- WordPress - Powers about 40% of all websites. Very flexible, huge plugin ecosystem.
- Webflow - Visual website builder with CMS capabilities. Designer-friendly.
- Sanity/Contentful - "Headless" CMS for developers building custom sites.
- Shopify - E-commerce focused, manages products as well as content.
- Squarespace - All-in-one website builder for simpler sites.
If you've ever logged into a website, typed in a blog post, and clicked "Publish," you've used a CMS.
Explanation
How a CMS Works
A CMS separates content from presentation:
- Content lives in a database (text, images, data)
- Templates define how that content is displayed
- The CMS interface lets non-technical users manage content without touching templates or code
Types of CMS
Traditional CMS (Coupled) Content management and website display are bundled together. WordPress is the classic example. Good for simpler sites where you want an all-in-one solution.
Headless CMS (Decoupled) Only manages content, delivered via API. The website (or app, or anything) is built separately and pulls content from the CMS. More flexible but requires developers.
Website Builders Like Squarespace or Wix. Combines CMS with drag-and-drop design. Easiest to use but least flexible.
Key CMS Features
- WYSIWYG editor - Edit content visually, not in code
- Media library - Manage images and files
- User roles - Control who can edit what
- Version history - Undo mistakes, see what changed
- Scheduling - Publish content at specific times
- SEO tools - Manage meta tags, URLs, etc.
Why It Matters
For Business Owners
Independence from developers. Once your site is built, you can update content yourself. New blog post? Product update? Team member change? You don't need to pay a developer for simple updates.
Speed. Changes that would take days through a development process can be done in minutes.
Consistency. Content lives in one place. Multiple team members can contribute without stepping on each other's toes.
Choosing the Right CMS
The right choice depends on:
- Your technical skills - Website builders for beginners, headless CMS for developers
- Your content needs - Blog-heavy? E-commerce? Multiple languages?
- Your budget - From free (WordPress.com) to enterprise pricing (Contentful)
- Your growth plans - Will you need more flexibility later?
Common Misconceptions
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