Andy Morley

SEO Specialist & Web Designer

What is a Content Management System?

What is a Content Management System?

A content management system (CMS) is a web based computer software that allows you to create, edit, and modify material; as well as administer the site’s overall content.

The content management system provides the tools necessary for a website owner to create and manage content. A CMS can be used to manage any type of content, from text to images to videos. In addition, a CMS can also be used to manage the website’s structure and design.

There are many different content management systems available, each with its strengths and weaknesses. Some of the more popular content management systems include WordPress, Joomla!, and Drupal.

Why Are CMS' so popular?

One of the reasons why content management systems are so popular is because they make it easy for even those with little to no technical knowledge to create and manage a website. A content management system takes care of all the complex back-end tasks, such as managing website security and ensuring that the website is always up-to-date so that the website owner can focus on creating content and growing their business.
WordPress is the most popular content management system, according to W3Techs it powers over 43.2% of all websites on the internet in 2022. In 2021 this usage was 39.5%, showing remarkable growth. WordPress is a free and open-source content management system, which means that anyone can use and modify it. WordPress is easy to use and has a large community of users and developers who can help if you run into any problems.

How can small businesses use CMS' to build websites?

Small businesses can use content management systems to build websites because they are easy to use and have a large community of users and developers who can help if you run into any problems. In addition, many content management systems enable the use of themes, which can give your website a professional look without the need to hire a web designer.

With a content management system businesses are easily able to create and manage content, as well as keep the website up-to-date with the latest security features. This allows businesses to focus on their content and growing their business, rather than worry about the technical aspects of website ownership.

What are the benefits of using a CMS?

There are many benefits of using a content management system, including:

  • Easy to use: Content management systems are designed to be easy to use, even for those with little to no technical knowledge. This makes it possible for businesses to create and manage their website without the need to hire a web developer.
  • Large community of users and developers: content management systems have a large community of users and developers who can help if you run into any problems.
  • Themes: Many content management systems enable the use of themes, which can give your website a professional look without the need to hire a web designer.
  • Security: content management systems keep your website up-to-date with the latest security features, so you can focus on content and growing your business.

A Brief History of WordPress

WordPress was first developed in 2003 by Matt Mullenweg and Mike Little. It is a free and open-source content management system, which means that anyone can use and modify it.

Over the years WordPress has added various features and functionality, making it the most popular content management system in the world.

In 2014 WordPress was acquired by Automattic, a company that provides various services for WordPress websites such as security, performance, and maintenance. Automattic also owns other well-known plugins and blogging platforms, the main ones being:

  • Tumblr
  • WooCommerce
  • JetPack
  • Gravatar
WordPress uses a series of community-created plugins to extend its functionality. According to WPBeginner.com, there are over 55,000 WordPress plugins available. All of which can help extend WordPress and add new features to your website.
The Guttenberg editor was introduced to WordPress in 2017, however, users found it difficult to adjust to the new interface leading to the development of the “Classic Editor” plugin by the team at WordPress.
This Classic Editor plugin is one of the 13 WordPress plugins I always use and recommend to my clients.

WordPress Plugins & Themes

As previously discussed there are thousands of plugins and themes available to WordPress users to choose from, which can make it difficult to decide which ones to use, most themes do come with dummy content to help you develop a website as well as extensive documentation aimed at helping you get up and running quickly.

Various theme developers have made a business out of creating easy-to-use themes for WordPress, some are FREE but the best are usually premium themes and cost anywhere from £40 – £300.

Here is a list of the top theme developers:

  • Themeforest (by Evento)WooCommerce
  • Elegant Themes
  • MyThemeShop
  • StudioPress (by Copyblogger)
  • Graph Paper Press
  • Elementor (my favourite)
  • Divi
I have already discussed which plugins I would recommend when I design and build websites for my clients in a previous blog post here, however, to recap, these are my favourite plugins in 2022:
  • YoastSEO
  • WordFence
  • Sucuri
  • Nitropack
  • Elementor & Elementor Pro
  • JetWoobuilder (Crocoblock)
  • Post To Google My Business
  • All In One WP Migration
  • Classic Editor
  • Redirection
  • Schema.org
  • JetEngine (Crocoblock)
  • SMUSH.it

Leading Brands Who Use WordPress

There are many of the world’s leading companies and brands who use WordPress for their websites, this is a huge indicator that the platform is ideal for building your site.

WordPress is popular with businesses of all sizes, from small businesses to Fortune 500 companies. If you’re still not convinced that WordPress is the right content management system for you. The list below has been compiled by WPBeginner.

The list below has been compiled by WPBeginner, some examples from their list of 40 include:

  • Sony Music
  • Playstation
  • TechCrunch
  • Time Magazine
  • Disney Books
  • Spotify
  • The Rolling Stones
WordPress is popular with businesses of all sizes, from small businesses to Fortune 500 companies. If you’re still not convinced that WordPress is the right content management system for you.

Conclusion

A content management system (CMS) is a software application that allows you to create and manage digital content. WordPress is the most popular CMS in the world, with over 43% of all websites using the platform in 2022.

Content management systems are generally easy to use and help users to develop websites quickly for their businesses.

If you would like some help developing your website or you have tried it yourself but don’t have time to finish the job, I would love to talk to you and discuss how I can help build your website. Please contact me directly on 07581 073 926 or complete my contact form.

Why Work With Me?

Industry Expert

I built my first website in 1999 and been working in web agencies since 2004. I have many years of experience in SEO, PPC and Web Design.

3 Month Trial Period

Unlike most agencies you may have spoken to I provide an initial 3 month trial period for SEO and PPC, following this period we will sit down and review the performance and your business goals. 

Transparency

I am 100% transparent in how I work and discuss everything with you prior to implementation, I also provide a Timesheet… unlike other agencies or consultants you may have spoken to.
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