When you start learning about websites, you will often come across the term CMS, or Content Management System. But what is it, and how is it different from a website builder?
A CMS is a tool that lets you create, manage, and update a website without needing to know how to code. It gives you control over your content, design, and functionality, all through a simple dashboard.
The most famous example is WordPress.org, but there are many others, including Shopify, Joomla, and Drupal.
A Content Management System separates your website’s content (like text, images, and videos) from its design and functionality. This means you can easily:
Add new blog posts
Update page content
Change your site’s design
Manage menus and navigation
Install extra features through plugins or apps
You log into the CMS using a web browser, much like you would log into your email or social media accounts. From there, you can control everything.
CMS vs Website Builder: What Is the Difference?
In the last post, we looked at website builders like Wix and Squarespace.
The key differences between a CMS and a website builder are:
| Feature | CMS (e.g. WordPress.org) | Website Builder (e.g. Wix) |
|---|---|---|
| Flexibility | Very high | Limited |
| Coding skills | Helpful but not essential | Not needed |
| Ownership | Full | Limited to the platform |
| Cost | Hosting and domain separate | Usually bundled |
| Control | Full control over everything | Limited settings |
If you want more freedom to design and grow your website, a Content Management System is a better choice. But it does come with a steeper learning curve compared to simple drag-and-drop builders.
Popular CMS Options
Here are a few well-known Content Management Systems:
WordPress.org: Powers over 40% of all websites worldwide. Free software, but you need your own hosting and domain name.
Shopify: Ideal for e-commerce websites. It is a paid platform that manages hosting and security for you.
Joomla: A flexible CMS with powerful features, better for more technical users.
Drupal: Highly customisable and great for larger, complex sites, but harder to learn.
For most beginners, WordPress.org is the most popular and accessible option, especially if you want to build a blog, business site, or portfolio.
Pros of Using a CMS
Freedom and flexibility: Create any type of site, from blogs to shops.
Scalability: Add more features as your site grows.
Control over SEO: Fine-tune your site to rank better in search engines.
Ownership: You are not tied to one company.
Community support: Huge online communities offering free advice and plugins.
If you enjoyed planning your website and writing your own content, using a CMS gives you the space to keep developing your site over time.
Is a CMS Right for You?
A CMS could be the right choice if:
You plan to grow your site over time
You want full control over your site’s features
You are happy to learn a little more about website management
You want to save money by doing things yourself instead of paying a developer
If you want something simple and fast, a website builder might still be a better fit. But if you want real control and the ability to customise every part of your website, a CMS is well worth it.
Cons to Consider
Learning curve: Takes a little longer to understand than a basic builder.
Maintenance: You are responsible for updates, backups, and security.
Separate hosting needed: You need to arrange hosting and a domain name yourself (we covered these topics earlier).
However, once you get comfortable, a Content Management System opens up far more options for your website in the long run.
🧠 Final Thought
A Content Management System is a powerful tool for building and running your own website. It gives you full control, lets you scale up when needed, and is a brilliant choice for people who want to invest a little time in learning.
In our next post, we will look at something else that will help you shape your website: what templates and themes are, and how they make building a beautiful site even easier.
