The Best Content Management System To Use In 2024

November 7, 2024

The Best Content Management System To Use In 2024 featured image

Looking for the best content management system in 2024 can be tricky, with so many options to choose from, at different price points and different features, it’s difficult to know which one is most ideal for you. In this guide, we will be going over the best content management systems to use for your website.

What is a content management system (CMS)?

A content management system is software to manage the content of your site. It provides a friendly interface where you can write articles, upload images, organize pages, and maintain websites through a UI instead of through code.

In addition, it can allow you to add unique functionality through the use of plugins or different designs through the use of themes. Popular CMS platforms like WordPress, Drupal, and Joomla offer great features such as user management, workflow controls, version history for articles, and search functionality, as well as being able to extend this functionality through themes and plugins.

How to pick a CMS?

Picking a CMS is a hard choice for a lot of people, which CMS has the features I need? Which CMS is the most secure? How much will this CMS cost me?

These are all common questions to ask ourselves when deciding what CMS to pick. Below is a list of criteria to always ask yourself when determining what CMS to choose.

What features and customization do you need?

Do you need a simple brochure website with five pages, a contact form, and that’s it? Or do you require a more complex solution, such as a ticketing or support platform, to help your customers?

Deciding on the key features you need for your website is crucial for deciding which CMS you will use.

How technical is your team?

Could your team jump right in and figure out a new CMS, or do they need something that’s well-documented and easy to navigate and use without much technical know-how?

Knowing your team’s technical levels will help when deciding on a CMS and allow it to stick in the organization too, as people will be keen to adopt it.

How much can you afford to spend?

Some CMSs are open-source and free to use, the only costs you’ll incur with these are typically hosting and domain costs, whereas other CMSs will cost thousands per month, and more if you tack on dedicated account managers, premium support packages, and security packages, some also charge per-user.

Ultimately it’s about finding your ideal price-point you’re willing to pay.

Best CMSs for Simple Websites/Blogging

When it comes to creating simple websites or blogs, certain CMS platforms stand out for their ease of use, robust features, and strong community support. Here are the top choices for 2024:

WordPress

WordPress.org

Price: Free (hosting costs apply)

Best for: Bloggers, small businesses, and content creators

WordPress powers over 43% of all websites on the internet, and for good reason. It offers an intuitive interface, thousands of themes and plugins, and extensive customization options without requiring technical expertise.

Key Features:

  • User-friendly content editor with block-based editing
  • Massive theme and plugin ecosystem
  • SEO-friendly structure
  • Built-in commenting system
  • Regular security updates
  • Mobile-responsive designs
  • Multi-user support

Drawbacks:

  • Can be vulnerable to attacks if not properly maintained
  • Quality hosting needed for optimal performance
  • Plugin conflicts can cause issues

Ghost

Price: Self-hosted free version, or from $9/month hosted

Best for: Professional publishers and newsletter creators

Ghost is a modern, minimalist platform focused purely on blogging and publishing. It’s particularly popular among journalists and professional writers who want a clean, distraction-free writing experience.

Key Features:

  • Built-in newsletter and subscription tools
  • Modern JavaScript stack
  • Native Markdown support
  • Built-in SEO tools
  • Fast and lightweight
  • Member management system

Drawbacks:

  • Limited plugin ecosystem compared to WordPress
  • Steeper learning curve for non-technical users
  • Fewer themes available

Wix

Price: Free plan available, premium plans from $17/month

Best for: Beginners and small business owners

Wix is a website builder with CMS capabilities that’s perfect for those who want to create a simple website without any technical knowledge. Its drag-and-drop interface makes it incredibly accessible.

Key Features:

  • True drag-and-drop interface
  • Built-in SEO tools
  • Mobile editor
  • Large template library
  • Free hosting included
  • ADI (Artificial Design Intelligence) for quick setup

Drawbacks:

  • Limited content portability
  • Can become expensive with premium features
  • Less flexible and customisable than traditional CMS platforms

Medium

Price: Free to publish, Partner Program for monetization

Best for: Individual writers and those focused purely on content

While not a traditional CMS, Medium deserves mention as a popular blogging platform. It’s perfect for writers who want to focus solely on content without worrying about technical aspects or hosting.

Key Features:

  • Clean, distraction-free writing interface
  • Built-in audience and distribution
  • Social features and engagement tools
  • Mobile-friendly by default
  • Analytics and insights
  • Monetization options

Drawbacks:

  • Limited customization options
  • Less control over your content
  • No self-hosting option

Our Recommendation

For most users looking to create a simple website or blog, WordPress.org remains the best overall choice due to its:

  • Extensive customization options
  • Large community support
  • Cost-effectiveness
  • Ability to scale as your needs grow
  • Vast selection of themes and plugins

However, if you’re looking for something simpler with less maintenance:

  • Choose Wix if you want the easiest possible setup
  • Choose Ghost if you’re focused on professional publishing
  • Choose Medium if you want to focus purely on writing without any technical overhead

Best CMSs for eCommerce

For small businesses and entrepreneurs looking to start selling online, choosing the right eCommerce CMS can make all the difference. Here are the top platforms that combine ease of use with powerful commerce features:

Shopify

Shopify

Price: From $29/month, plus transaction fees

Best for: Small to medium-sized businesses wanting an all-in-one solution

Shopify has become the gold standard for eCommerce, powering over 4 million stores worldwide. It offers everything you need to start selling online without technical expertise.

Key Features:

  • Easy-to-use product management
  • Built-in payment processing (Shopify Payments)
  • Abandoned cart recovery
  • Mobile commerce optimization
  • Built-in SEO tools
  • Multiple sales channels (social media, marketplaces)
  • 24/7 customer support

Drawbacks:

  • Additional transaction fees when not using Shopify Payments
  • Custom modifications can be expensive
  • Limited content marketing features

WooCommerce (WordPress Plugin)

Price: Free plugin (hosting costs apply)

Best for: WordPress users wanting to add eCommerce capabilities

WooCommerce turns WordPress into a fully-functional eCommerce platform. It’s perfect for those already familiar with WordPress or wanting more control over their store.

Key Features:

  • Full integration with WordPress
  • Unlimited products and categories
  • Extensive payment gateway options
  • Flexible shipping options
  • Large extension marketplace
  • Complete customization control
  • Strong SEO capabilities

Drawbacks:

  • Requires separate hosting
  • Can become complex with many plugins
  • Maintenance responsibility falls on the store owner

Squarespace

Price: eCommerce plans from $27/month

Best for: Creative professionals and small businesses prioritizing design

Squarespace combines beautiful design with simple eCommerce functionality, making it perfect for brands where aesthetics matter.

Key Features:

  • Award-winning templates
  • Built-in tax calculator
  • Instagram integration
  • Gift cards and discount codes
  • Mobile-optimized checkout
  • Professional email from Google
  • No transaction fees

Drawbacks:

  • Limited payment gateway options
  • Fewer advanced features compared to dedicated eCommerce platforms
  • Higher starting price point

Wix eCommerce

Price: From $27/month

Best for: Beginners wanting to start selling quickly

Wix eCommerce offers a user-friendly approach to online selling with its drag-and-drop interface and integrated business tools.

Key Features:

  • Intuitive store builder
  • Multiple payment options
  • Customizable checkout
  • Automated sales tax
  • Dropshipping integration
  • Multi-channel selling
  • Built-in marketing tools

Drawbacks:

  • Limited scalability for larger stores
  • Basic inventory management
  • Some features require higher-tier plans

BigCommerce

Price: From $29.95/month

Best for: Growing businesses needing scalability

BigCommerce offers more advanced features while maintaining relative simplicity, making it suitable for businesses planning to scale.

Key Features:

  • No transaction fees
  • Built-in B2B features
  • Multi-channel selling
  • Advanced SEO tools
  • Single-page checkout
  • Multiple currency support
  • Professional reporting tools

Drawbacks:

  • Steeper learning curve than Shopify
  • Templates can be expensive
  • Annual sales limits on plans

Our Recommendation

For most users starting a simple eCommerce store:

  • Choose Shopify if you want the best balance of features and ease of use
  • Choose WooCommerce if you’re already using WordPress or want more control
  • Choose Squarespace if design and aesthetics are your priority
  • Choose Wix eCommerce if you want the easiest possible setup
  • Choose BigCommerce if you’re planning for significant growth

Additional Considerations:

  • Payment Processing: Check which payment gateways are available in your country
  • Transaction Fees: Compare the total cost including transaction fees
  • Shipping Integration: Ensure the platform supports your preferred shipping carriers
  • Inventory Management: Consider your product catalog size and complexity

Next Steps After Choosing Your CMS

Once you’ve selected your ideal CMS platform, here are the key steps to get started:

1. Plan Your Implementation

  • Document your specific requirements
  • Create a content strategy
  • Plan your site structure
  • Set up a realistic timeline
  • Establish your budget for additional costs (themes, plugins, etc.)

2. Choose Your Hosting Environment

  • Research hosting providers that specialize in your chosen CMS
  • Consider factors like:
    • Server location
    • Bandwidth limits
    • Storage space
    • Backup solutions
    • Security features
    • Technical support

3. Set Up Your Development Environment

  • Install your chosen CMS
  • Select and customize your theme
  • Install essential plugins/extensions
  • Set up security measures
  • Configure basic SEO settings

4. Create Your Content Structure

  • Organize your content categories
  • Set up your navigation
  • Create templates for different content types
  • Establish your workflow
  • Set up user roles and permissions

5. Test Before Launch

  • Check mobile responsiveness
  • Test loading speeds
  • Verify all forms and functions
  • Review security settings
  • Conduct user testing
  • Check cross-browser compatibility

Conclusion

Choosing the right CMS is a crucial decision that can significantly impact your website’s success. While there’s no one-size-fits-all solution, understanding your specific needs helps narrow down the options:

  • For Simple Websites and Blogs: WordPress.org remains the most versatile choice, though platforms like Ghost and Wix offer compelling alternatives for specific use cases.
  • For eCommerce: Shopify leads the pack for most small businesses, while WooCommerce offers more flexibility for WordPress users.

Remember that your choice of CMS isn’t permanent – many platforms offer migration tools if your needs change. The most important factor is choosing a platform that matches your current requirements while providing room for growth.

Final Tips

  • Start with a platform that matches your technical expertise
  • Consider the total cost of ownership, not just the initial price
  • Take advantage of free trials when available
  • Read recent user reviews and community feedback
  • Check the platform’s roadmap for future developments

Your CMS should empower you to manage your content effectively while supporting your long-term goals. Take time to experiment with different platforms before making your final decision, and don’t hesitate to reach out to the platform’s community or support teams for guidance.

Remember: the best CMS is the one that you and your team can use effectively to achieve your objectives while staying within your budget and technical capabilities.