Best CMS platforms to start a website in 2023

A content management system (CMS) has been devised to simplify the process of generating, revising, and disseminating information from a collective of writers. The CMS typically archives data in a database and showcases it through templates in a presentation layer.

At present, more than 64 million active websites make use of a content management system. By using a CMS, users can design websites and handle their content without having to write website elements from scratch.

Nonetheless, selecting an unsuitable CMS platform will only complicate the process. This article will introduce 10 of the best CMS platforms, their characteristics, and advantages to aid you in identifying the most appropriate CMS for your website for business.

Top CMS platforms to start a website in 2023

The creation of web pages involves the utilization of programming languages like HTML, JavaScript, and CSS.

However, building a website from scratch, without the aid of a CMS platform, necessitates the acquisition of knowledge in these languages, as well as the composition of a substantial amount of code.

Fortunately, CMS platforms provide a solution to this issue by enabling website development without the need for coding or programming expertise.

Below are the top 12 CMS options, each offering its own set of features and benefits.

1.WordPress

WordPress is among the best CMS platforms which is utilized for constructing, modifying, and managing websites. It is also the most favored content management system available.

Nearly half of all websites on the internet are developed using WordPress. WordPress is a flexible website platform that empowers users to create various types of websites. You can initiate a blog, upload a portfolio, publish video tutorials, or establish a business website.

It is perfect for novices and more straightforward than creating a website from scratch. There are numerous online courses and resources to acquire WordPress skills, and an active community.

You don't need any specialized expertise or programming proficiency. The block editor of WordPress simplifies the process of designing visually appealing pages for your website.

In addition, by providing your content in XML format, WordPress enables you to effortlessly switch to a different platform in the future, if you decide to do so.

The WordPress platform is available for free. Nevertheless, you will require a domain name and a hosting service with a provider that can support WordPress.

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2.Drupal

Drupal is one of the top CMS platforms that is available as open source. It powers some of the most important websites such as The Economist's website and multiple university websites.

Drupal is an excellent option for developers or individuals who can afford to hire a developer. It is particularly useful if you are looking to create a website that is highly customized and can handle a large amount of data.

This platform has been designed for expert web developers and its adaptable API architecture supports various digital platforms.

Adding content on Drupal is a hassle-free task. The adaptable custom content types provide a plethora of choices. Various modules are present that can be incorporated into your website, similar to WordPress plugins.

Community support options are accessible for assistance, just like Joomla and WordPress. In addition, managing users is a breeze with the integrated system that allows you to generate new roles and define their authorizations.

3.Magento

Magento is amongst the finest e-commerce platforms available in the market. The content management system software concentrates on enhancing the security, search engine optimization, and personalization of all sorts of e-commerce websites.

As it is designed for larger online stores, the platform possesses immense capabilities to showcase a vast array of products and manage orders efficiently.

Magento is one of the top CMS platforms which is well-suited to medium to large-scale e-commerce stores. A prime instance of a large-scale website for business leveraging Magento is Olympus, which specializes in selling cameras, binoculars, and audio equipment.

Magento is incredibly adaptable, offering a plethora of external plugins that can be utilized to augment its functionality.

Furthermore, it provides various built-in options such as PayPal, cash on delivery, as well as bank transfer, and allows for the integration of numerous payment gateways.

4.Joomla 

As one of the best CMS platforms, Joomla is a free and open-source content management system that empowers more than 2% of all websites.

In comparison to other CMS platforms, its core software provides immediate access to more features, such as its multilingual capabilities. Nevertheless, setting up Joomla can be difficult for users who lack technical expertise.

Since its initial release in 2005, Joomla, like WordPress, has been around for years. Joomla is full of features, and many web hosting providers provide a one-click installation option.

Joomla is ideal for professional websites that are managed by multiple individuals. Consider the official website of international tennis player Roger Federer, which not only showcases his portfolio but also includes a news section and an online store.

Joomla offers a lot of flexibility and a plethora of options. It is a great option if you are creating something complex or customized.

5.PrestaShop

Introduced in 2007 in France as a scholarly venture, PrestaShop has made significant strides to gain its well-deserved position as one of the most used e-commerce platforms worldwide.

Presently, there are 270,000 online stores operating on PrestaShop, including French McDonald's, Salling.dk, and other renowned brand websites.

Additionally, the number of individuals who are part of its open-source community worldwide has reached an impressive figure of over 1,000,000.

PrestaShop is a well-liked CMS platform that caters to small and medium-sized e-commerce businesses. Its thriving community and extensive range of functionalities make it an incredibly adaptable online store management solution.

Additionally, its all-inclusive interface enables simple product entry and monitoring.

As an illustration, Harry Fay, a specialized jewelry retailer in the UK, retails an assortment of rings and wedding bands on this platform.

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Different from conventional content management systems, Contentful's content is not tied to any specific webpage but is provided through an API. As a result, individuals with less technical knowledge can find it more accessible.

Opt for Contentful if you aim to create a distinctive website for business that integrates with your other digital assets.

The Scandinavian Airlines System's website is an excellent example of this. Visitors can do everything from getting the SAS app to reserving flights and checking in.

This platform is capable of functioning seamlessly across various digital platforms, ranging from web browsers to mobile applications. It is also versatile in accommodating diverse forms of content.

7.Umbraco

Umbraco is among the top CMS platforms that enables users to modify their website's content according to their preferences.

The system is built using Microsoft's ASP.NET framework, making it one of the most frequently used systems.

With MVC and Web Forms support, programmers can easily develop software in their desired language. The system was also designed to assist web developers in creating websites that are faster to load, more secure, and require less maintenance.

The Umbraco content management system is appropriate for businesses that have diverse kinds of content. As an illustration, the website of Johnnie Walker showcases information about their merchandise, along with cooking instructions and promotional clips.

The Umbraco content management system is also used by companies such as BMW and Volvo.

8.Shopify

Due to its long-standing presence in the industry, Shopify has emerged as a leading choice for e-commerce content management systems. Countless individuals rely on Shopify to facilitate their online operations on their website for business.

With exceptional cross-platform compatibility, Shopify ensures a seamless purchasing experience on all devices. While some may contend that NopCommerce development is the superior option for e-commerce, it cannot be denied that Shopify websites are equally impressive.

Renowned companies such as Red Bull and many others trust Shopify, one of the best CMS platforms, for their business needs.

The interface is user-friendly and allows for easy dragging and dropping. It facilitates in-store transactions, making it ideal for businesses that have both physical and online stores.

Shopify Payments is a built-in payment solution that enables you to accept credit and debit cards.

Additionally, Shopify offers PayPal as one of its default payment providers. Shopify boasts a wide selection of themes and extensions.

Third-party apps can also be purchased to enhance the functionality of your online store.

9.Ghost

Ghost is a specialized CMS platform intended for bloggers. It is commonly referred to as a " headless CMS," which may sound peculiar. However, this simply means that the CMS platform doesn't impose any restrictions on how content is delivered.

Therefore, the content or data you generate can be shown on a website, but it can also be transmitted to a mobile app or any other platform. However, if you're not a programmer, or you only intend to use Ghost for blogging, you need not worry about this.

Ghost has an excellent SEO (search engine optimization) support system already integrated. You don't have to add any plugins to achieve this.

Ghost is also well-suited for monetizing content. So, if you want to establish an online magazine or publication that people pay for, it can be easily done.

While the Ghost software itself is free, you will have to pay for a domain name and web hosting. Unlike larger CMS platforms, Ghost is not supported by many web hosts.

The Ghost Foundation is an NGO that is not up for sale and relies on income generated from customer subscriptions.

10.Webflow

Last on our list of top CMS platforms is Webflow. Webflow and pre-made components are often utilized for more intricate functionalities such as sliders, tabs, as well as background videos, or you can import un-styled HTML elements for complete creative control.

In contrast to more advanced content management system development platforms such as WordPress, Webflow's editor is both user-friendly and visually appealing.

Adding new content is as simple as typing in a text field. To preview the final output before publishing, you can view updated content directly on the page.

Webflow's content management system features a visible editor on the page. It is highly optimized for search engines and can improve your website's performance.

Moreover, Webflow's CMS enables you to create an SEO-friendly URL structure. Webflow can be fully customized, and integrating CMS is an easy task for your web team. It has the capability to expand in sync with your business's growth.

Conclusion

In the modern era of technology, a digital platform is an essential component for any business to thrive. A profitable website for business is necessary for companies to showcase their offerings online.

Small businesses and startups may desire to develop a new website, yet they may not wish to engage in the complexities of coding. Even established organizations may want to revamp their outdated websites.

In such circumstances, the optimal solution that can save time and facilitate the launch of website is a content management system (CMS), which aids businesses in constructing, designing, and integrating projects into their website.

If you have trouble choosing the best option among best CMS platforms, feel free to contact us and get the help you need.