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Head-to-Head CMS Comparison

What Is a Content Management System (CMS) & How to Choose a CMS for Your Website?

Before we dive into how to choose a CMS, it’s important to ensure we’re all on the same page. From there, we will explore the key functions and features a CMS can deliver and touch on the impact that artificial intelligence (AI) is having in shaping how these platforms execute your marketing strategy.

 
CMS Graphic

Before we dive into how to choose a CMS, it’s important to ensure we’re all on the same page. From there, we will explore the key functions and features a CMS can deliver and touch on the impact that artificial intelligence (AI) is having in shaping how these platforms execute your marketing strategy.

Chapter 1: CMS Platforms—What You Need to Know

Key features and other considerations to guide your selection process

What Is a Content Management System?

A CMS is a powerful tool that simplifies website content management. It allows you to easily create, edit, and publish webpages, add images and multimedia elements, and upload files in one centralized location. By using a CMS, you can streamline processes and collaborate across the entire content management process, saving time and effort that can be redirected toward strategic website development and optimization efforts.

The Must-Have Content Management System Features

Here are the top features you should consider when choosing your next CMS:

Ease of Use

Your CMS should be user-friendly, enabling even those without extensive technical knowledge and web development experience to create and manage websites. 

Intuitive interfaces make it easy to add content, modify images, and perform other tasks without requiring programming expertise.

Customizations

Many CMSs offer extensive flexibility in customization. Users can select from various themes and extensions to tailor the site's appearance and functionality to their specific needs.

Simplified Content Organization

CMSs are designed to make content management easier. Articles, images, videos, and other media can be organized hierarchically and intuitively. Managing updates and publishing new content is also intuitive.

Collaboration Features

CMSs often facilitate collaboration among multiple users. You can set roles and permissions for team members, making content management and updates easier.

Scalability

Several CMSs are built to adapt to your website's evolving needs. If you anticipate that the complexity and functionality of your site will grow over time, prioritize the ability to scale when making your choice. 

Also, ensure the CMS allows for the installation of new modules, extensions (plugins), or code customizations, if necessary.

Built-In Search Engine Optimization (SEO) Tools 

Many CMSs come with built-in tools or plugins to improve your site's search engine optimization (SEO). Depending on your goals, these SEO-related features can enable your content marketing strategy.

More specifically, your website could be the most engaging, but if it doesn’t show up on search engines when users look for relevant topics, you’ll miss out on great opportunities. 

A CMS allows you to optimize titles, meta tags, URLs, and other essential elements to enhance your site's visibility in search engines.

Enhanced Security

Popular CMSs receive regular security updates to protect against online threats. Using a CMS ensures you benefit from these updates, keeping your site secure.

Integrated Analytics

Many CMSs include analytics tools that allow you to track your website's performance, including traffic, conversion rates, and other important data. This enables data-driven decision-making, allowing you to optimize your site and objectively demonstrate the impact of specific changes.

Strong Community Support

Leading CMSs have large user and developer communities. This often means easy access to help, tutorials, and resources to solve problems or enhance your site.

Choosing Your CMS: How to Proceed

Selecting the right CMS is crucial for effective website management. Consider the following factors:

  • The CMS's history, reputation, and community support
  • Whether the system aligns with your intended use (e.g., blogging versus e-commerce)
  • The user experience and how well it suits your company's needs
  • Its versatility and scalability for various projects.

A Note on the Rapid Evolution of Artificial Intelligence in CMSs

Integrated AI capabilities within CMSs are rapidly evolving, with new features being announced frequently. 

In turn, certain CMSs may offer advanced functionality for content creation, management, image generation, and other interactive customizations (e.g., chatbots). Additionally, some options provide more complex extensions and integrations for predictive analytics or machine learning. 

However, the rapidly evolving nature of AI and the diversity of available tools means that features can vary significantly between different CMSs. For this reason, we purposefully chose not to compare the AI capabilities of each CMS. 

Therefore, it’s important to stay informed about updates and new capabilities offered by each CMS to ensure you’re getting the most out of your investment. Ultimately, we recommend viewing AI extensions and integrations as “nice-to-have” features rather than a key decision factor.

Chapter 2:  It’s Time for a Head-to-Head CMS Comparison

A platform-by-platform CMS comparison to guide your selection process

Choosing a CMS is a big decision, so you should ensure you have all the information you need.

Here is a quick summary of the key features your team can use to evaluate CMS platforms, organized in an easy-to-read, handy chart

CMS Table (english)

 

Craft CMS

Craft CMS offers unique flexibility: You can use the free version if your site is for personal use (not for an organization) and manage the hosting yourself. For small, medium, or large organizations, pricing is tailored accordingly. You can also opt for Craft’s managed hosting solution, which, of course, incurs a fee. In any case, additional costs may arise for advanced features through extensions or themes.

Logo de Craft CMS

➡ You can check the updated pricing for Craft CMS here.

Prices are subject to change without notice. Please note that additional fees may apply for themes and extensions. It is advisable to budget for contingencies to account for unexpected expenses or price changes.

WordPress

WordPress is an open-source CMS, meaning the code is accessible and modifiable by anyone. There are no licensing or usage fees associated with WordPress. However, monthly or annual expenses may arise, especially for purchasing themes and plugins. Costs vary, although many options are available for free.

There are two main approaches to setting up WordPress:

wordpress

Self-Hosted WordPress on a Server of Your Choice

  • Advantages

You have complete control, from the code to the selection of plugins.

  • Limitations

This option requires a development team capable of customizing the CMS to your specific needs.

WordPress.com: Hosting Provided by WordPress

  • Advantages

This option is easier to manage.

  • Limitations
Depending on the plan you choose, the ability to install themes and plugins may be restricted, which can be limiting if you're looking for more customization.

➡ You can check the updated pricing for WordPress.com here.

Prices are subject to change without notice. Please note that additional fees may apply for themes and extensions. It is advisable to budget for contingencies to account for unexpected expenses or price changes.

Drupal

Drupal is an open-source CMS, meaning its code is accessible and modifiable by anyone. There are no licensing fees associated with its use.

However, you may want to purchase a theme or add extensions. Prices vary, and many options are available for free. Be prepared for potential one-time, monthly, or annual costs.

Drupal Logo

➡ You can check the updated pricing for Drupal here.

Prices are subject to change without notice. Please note that additional fees may apply for themes and extensions. It is advisable to budget for contingencies to account for unexpected expenses or price changes.

HubSpot Content Hub

HubSpot Content Hub operates as a hosted service in which all infrastructure is managed by HubSpot. This means you do not have the option to manage the system on an external server. Subscription fees cover hosting, software maintenance, and technical support.

HubSpot Logo

➡ You can check the current pricing for HubSpot Content Hub here.

Prices are subject to change without notice. Please note that additional fees may apply for themes and extensions. It is advisable to budget for contingencies to account for unexpected expenses or price changes.

Additional Costs to Consider When Choosing the Right CMS for Your Website

Regardless of the CMS you choose, initial costs do not cover everything. Building a website also involves expenses for graphic design, development, content integration, search engine optimization, and copywriting, among others. 

Additionally, if your organization does not have in-house experts, technical support and periodic update fees should be anticipated to ensure the security and performance of your site.

Chapter 3: Narrowing Down Your Pick

SmartBug’s own CMS comparison: Pros & Cons

Now’s the time when the digital rubber hits the road. 

However, even with a strong grasp of the key features that each CMS platform provides and an understanding of the potential cost structures, we know that it can still be difficult to narrow down the options.

That’s why the SmartBug team wanted to share our thoughts on each CMS platform that you can use to inform your own decision.

Craft CMS

Craft CMS excels with a unique proposition: a flexible, secure platform ideal for those seeking a blend of aesthetics and reliability. With unparalleled customization options, it enables easy content management and an intuitive user experience. Its modular framework is perfect for organizations wanting a personalized website that’s still easy to manage. 

Craft CMS strikes a balanced approach, enhancing content value and user experience while remaining accessible to non-technical users and providing responsive support.

pros icon

What we like:

Craft uses modern technologies and development practices that minimize vulnerabilities—a major advantage in the CMS realm. Its high flexibility and customization are ideal for complex projects. The product’s robustness is unbeatable.
cons icon

What we don't like:

The extension library (plugins) meets basic needs but is much less extensive than WordPress.

WordPress

As the world’s leading CMS, WordPress is known for its user-friendliness and vast plugin library, making it a top choice for quick and effective integration. Its flexibility in content management makes it a solid tool for both startups and large companies. 

However, its popularity requires heightened security vigilance; WordPress’ market dominance makes it a frequent target for hackers. Ultimately, WordPress offers a rich, versatile environment ideal for those looking for a proven ecosystem and a dynamic community to support their digital growth.

pros icon

What we like:

It provides a massive plugin library that covers almost any imaginable need. The large user base fuels a highly active community for support.
cons icon

What we don't like:

Frequent updates can feel cumbersome and may cause compatibility issues with plugins. Additionally, adding plugins can lead to performance issues that are challenging to address.

Drupal

Drupal is known for its robustness and security, but it requires technical expertise, making it a preferred choice for developers and large companies with specific, advanced needs. Non-technical users may feel overwhelmed and would likely need close support.

Drupal is a strong option for organizations that seek a powerful solution and are equipped with a sizable budget for technical support or an in-house development team. Its capacity to handle high traffic volumes makes it an ideal platform for ambitious and complex projects.

pros icon

What we like:

Drupal is scalable and capable of managing complex, high-traffic sites.
cons icon

What we don't like:

It comes with a steep learning curve and is less intuitive for occasional users.

HubSpot Content Hub

HubSpot Content Hub is an all-in-one platform with advanced marketing tools, providing a turnkey solution for growth-focused companies. It’s especially appealing to marketing teams wanting full control over their digital strategy. 

With top-notch security and scalability, Content Hub is a prime choice for businesses considering a long-term investment in digital infrastructure. A favorite among larger enterprises, it’s an ideal tool for companies with high-level inbound marketing needs.

pros icon

What we like:

Superior customization options via "Smart Content" and CRM integration enable highly targeted personalization that is perfectly aligned with inbound marketing.
cons icon

What we don't like:

The pricing structure can become challenging for smaller businesses to sustain.

A Detailed Explanation of Evaluated Features

  • Define your business needs: Identify the specific needs of your business, including the goals for your website, the type of content you’ll be managing, and any integration requirements with other tools or systems.
  • Evaluate ease of use: Consider your team’s technical skill level. Then, narrow your search to CMS options that offer an intuitive user interface, especially if your team lacks a full-time developer. 
  • Consider your need for scalability: Don’t forget to think ahead! Make sure your chosen CMS can handle your business growth and increased traffic. Look for platforms that support scalability through features such as cloud hosting and robust infrastructure. 
  • Don’t forget your need for security: Vet your potential CMS for built-in security features such as SSL, firewall protection, and regular updates to guard against vulnerabilities. 
  • Cost will always be a factor, so factor it in: Consider both the initial setup cost and ongoing expenses, including licensing fees, hosting, and any additional plug-ins or extensions needed. 
  • Think about your support and community requirements, too: It’s hard to overstate the value of a strong support system and active community. Open-source platforms such as WordPress, Drupal, and Joomla have extensive communities that provide help and resources.

Chapter 4:  Final Thoughts

Closing thoughts to help you find the best CMS fit

Choosing a CMS is a crucial step for a successful website project. 

Depending on your needs, the four solutions outlined here are solid, supported by engaged communities and adaptable to a business' unique needs.

To find which of these content management systems is the best fit for your organization, take time to assess your needs, priorities, and resources available—both financial and support staff. This will help you identify the necessary features and the characteristics most relevant to you. 

At the same time, changing CMS platforms is not a decision to take lightly, as it can be a complex process. Think long term.

Therefore, we advise you to ask your agency to show examples of sites built on the CMS platforms that interest you most. Review other companies’ feedback and references. Seek advice from web development experts to get a well-rounded perspective on the available platforms.

Finally, avoid selecting solely based on cost. Remember that changing CMS platforms incurs additional expenses, so make this choice thoughtfully.

By following these guidelines and asking the right questions, you’ll be well-equipped to select the ideal CMS for your organization. Starting your website project by choosing the right CMS will set you on the path to digital success.

Elevate Your Digital Presence with a Cutting-Edge CMS

Ready to transform your website with the perfect CMS? 

At SmartBug Media, we specialize in helping businesses choose and implement the ideal content management system for their unique needs, goals, and requirements. 

Our team of marketing wizards and content experts can guide you through every step of the process, from selecting the right platform to launching your new site to establishing a plan to keep content fresh and engaging. 

Whether you're looking to streamline operations, boost lead generation, or create a more engaging user experience, we have the expertise to make it happen. Don't settle for a generic CMS—partner with SmartBug to unlock your digital potential and take your online presence to the next level.

Contact us today to start building the website you've always dreamed of.

 

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Elevate Your Website Strategy With Our Team of HubSpot Experts

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