Even after many years of technological advancements, there are still many of you who aren’t well-versed in PHP CMS platforms. Even though I didn't have much knowledge a few years ago, you can now see where I have landed. My prime reason to delve into the sea of CMS platforms was that I did not want to deal with lengthy codes, learn complicated systems, and suffer from a limited range of resources and customization, even after investing hundreds of dollars.
So, Tada! Here I am, and so you are, I guess! If you are a newly established business that wants to create a basic-looking website just to display the range of products and services you offer, you need to focus on WordPress and Wix right away. However, if you are looking for more than basic, then read the following post that focuses on some of the most popular and top-notch PHP CMS platforms.
I would suggest you never make any kind of random choice here, though every technology is of a kind and offers fruitful results only when chosen correctly. You need to first figure out what your business is all about, and also try prioritizing different factors such as high security, performance optimization, scalability, easy customization, technical support, and so much more. There is a proven track record that those who have chosen such technologies on a random basis usually end up facing severe repercussions.
Now, there are several types of content management systems CMSs available on the market. Each one of them is designed to assist people in developing their very own unique range of websites, and for that, you no longer require any kind of programming training. However, if you have some kind of coding knowledge, then developing and maintaining these CMS-based websites is a pretty easy venture. Here you will come across a wide range of CMS platforms that have their range of merits, versatility, accessibility, and a robust kind of ecosystem, making it one of the best choices for developing millions of websites across the globe.
What is a CMS?
CMS, short for content management system, or a kind of platform enabling users to successfully create, manage, and modify digital content, and this is possible even if you don’t have any advanced-level technological knowledge. Yes, it’s so easy to get done! Right from creating to organizing content featuring texts, images, videos, and documents, and successfully publishing on different kinds of websites and digital platforms, all this can be well taken care of.
Usually, a CMS offers a user-friendly interface that enables content creators as well as editors to add, edit, and delete content using a wide range of simple tools and templates. Updating these sites as well as maintaining them from time to time becomes pretty easy. Common features of the CMS platform include user management, workflow management, version control, and search functionality. In addition, it is easy to customize them or collaborate with third-party plugins and themes to meet specific requirements.
Things are changing pretty fast; there is no debate about it! According to numerous surveys, 68.7% of all websites are making use of content management systems, equating to over 76 million sites. However, among all CMS platforms, WordPress dominates 62% followed by Shopify at 6.2% and Wix at 3.8%.
Now, before delving into each one of these, let us first figure out why businesses require a CMS platform in the first place.
Usually, companies these days are looking forward to considering CMS platforms as a sure-shot marketing tool to reach out to their target audiences among a wide range of online marketing channels to generate leads and acquire customers. These platforms have the potential to accurately portray businesses so that end customers can clearly understand what exactly you are willing to convey.
In addition to this, CMS are often considered to reuse content and avoid writing, editing, and publishing from scratch. Also, it is totally up to you whether you want your content to be accessed virtually everywhere via chatbots, print, mobile, and web. Also, several CMS platforms have been known for being technical assistants that perform tasks with high accuracy.
So, since you are planning to invest in a CMS platform, here I would like to mention a few must-haves that need to be clear in your mind.
User Friendliness - This is one of the most obvious features when looking into a CMS platform. I mean, come on, is it a wise decision to settle for anything less than being intuitive? Of course, not! No matter what kind of apps or websites you try and develop, they are supposed to be highly user-friendly right from the start. One of the major turn-offs for the end users is when the navigation and site structure is a huge mess, then they won’t stay for more than a second. And it is useless to blame abruptly on users for not staying long. Ideally, it is said that the user interface must enable quick and easy changes and seamless accessibility of the menu within reach, and assist in enhancing the overall level of interaction.
Design Templates - The next must-have feature to consider here is the design template. Several businesses settle for less and compromise; never do that! An ideal CMS platform offers a wide range of galleries of pre-made templates, which means you no longer have to create them every single time by yourself, right from scratch. Also, here customization is pretty easy to conduct without any kind of coding skills required.
High user support - Of course, you won’t be willing to work with a CMS platform that doesn’t offer high-end support or has a large community of professionals who can assist whenever in need? Apart from professionals, you can receive support from fellow users on dedicated forums.
Top PHP CMS platforms
WordPress
One of the top-most recommended CMS platforms to consider is WordPress. Well, this might not come as a surprise, but trust me, WordPress has been in vogue since its inception. Initially introduced as a mere blogging platform or a content management system, who would have thought that one day it would be capable of powering millions of websites across the globe? More or less, all kinds of websites, be it e-commerce or corporate, or any other kind.
A few benefits offered by WordPress include an accessible platform, a user-friendly interface, a wide range of customizable themes and templates, seamless integration of third-party plugins, great security, a large and active community, integrated SEO features, endless support, tutorials, and resources like never before.
The only issue could be here to customize in a proper manner, you do require a deep level of understanding.
Magento
The next popular, powerful open source CMS platform is from Adobe, one of the leading software firms available across the world. However, Magento offers a free version where users can seamlessly download their stuff, and more or less, you are bound to find relevant features that can help in getting things started, running, and developing business way more professionally.
One of the core aspects that makes Magento a cut above other available CMS platforms is its ability to be extremely scalable and customizable, especially for small, medium, and large-scale eCommerce stores.
Today’s businesses are usually seeking out technologies that offer them full control over their online stores. Below down-below I would like to mention a few core benefits offered by Magento tech.
- Several third-party extensions
- Find proper and choose products in different categories
- Several payment methods, such as credit cards
- Large and active community
- High and excellent security
- Advanced customization
Several brands such as Ford, Nike, and Foxconnect tend to use Magento. All you need to do is find or look around for a developer who is ready to get their hands on a powerhouse. The tech does justice when you are looking for ways to create websites in all their richness. A sure-shot way to diversify experience for your end users, especially when they shop online.
Some concerns to take into account include a bit pricey premium and enterprise plans, slower loading speed, and hiring developers can be pretty expensive here.
Joomla
Another jaw-dropping open-source CMS featuring lots and lots of flexibility is Joomla. Though this one is often garnered for its reputation of being great for a portfolio, as well as different blogging websites. Joomla is often known for sitting in the shadow of WordPress, still incorporating some of the highest-quality and unique range of features for developing effective blogs and dynamic websites. A crucial aspect of Joomla is that it meshes well with a few versions of SQL, so, in simple words, there should be no concern regarding data integration.
In addition, it is possible to successfully integrate the site with its hosting provider within just one click. So, in other words, developing responsive websites might simply feel like a cake walk. Here, you will come across different kinds of designs and extensions leading to the addition of extra features to any kind of web application. Some of the top brands considering Joomla include eBay, Barnes & Noble, IKEA, and the list goes on.
Top benefits offered by Joomla include:
- Highly intuitive UI
- Highly adapted frontend
- Regular security updates
- Well-suitable for blogs and dynamic web apps
Unfortunately, Joomla isn’t SEO friendly and pretty tricky for non-developers, especially to add custom designs; there aren't many modules for sale.
PrestaShop
The next popular CMS platform to take into account turns out to be Prestashop. The tool features lots and lots of aspects, and of course, here you will find an extremely helpful community. Prestashop is known for beginners as well as experts due to its user-friendly community, and is great for selling products online.
So being open-source by nature and capable enough to have a large community of active developers who are all set to assist whenever in need. In addition, you are bound to receive high flexibility in pricing options.
If you are looking for a known open-source CMS platform that features a large community and is considered a highly budget-friendly option, then this is it! Prestashop is known for its high-end support towards multiple currencies and languages, reliable payment gateways, and whatnot!
Shopify
The next CMS platform is another leading all-in-one hosted platform, highly known for selling eCommerce goods. Does this mean you need to buy hosting services or install any kind of software or even try managing aspects such as updates and backups?
Shopify offers an intuitive drag-and-drop interface, which means you are bound to receive full-fledged support for in-store sales, and this works wonders if you have a physical store as well as an online one.
Here, Shopify enables seamless acceptance of credit and debit cards via its very own well-integrated payment solutions, and the best part here is that PayPal is considered one of Shopify's default payment providers. In addition, you will come across lots and lots of extensions and themes as well as different third-party Shopify apps, which enable adding all kinds of features to your online store.
What’s more, there is no need to upgrade if you want to make over a certain dollar amount in sales. In addition, you are likely to receive 24/7 support via live chat, email, phone, and of course, lots and lots of documentation available, including how-to guides, online forums.
Wix
Are you looking for a user-friendly, cloud-based platform that even offers a free plan as well? It is none other than Wix. The CMS platform incorporates a customizable drag-and-drop builder, which ensures seamless development according to your taste. Wix is highly recommended for developing highly optimized mobile sites.
One of the most amazing aspects about Wix turns out to be that it comprises a plethora of AI-driven design options, which is Wix ADI, and is highly recommended for individuals, small businesses, as well as freelancers. What else?
- Automatically optimise all mobile sites
- Development of several pre-made templates
- Automatically installs all security updates
Drupal
Drupal, the next open-source PHP CMS, allows users to seamlessly create as well as manage websites and web applications like never before. Here you are bound to make the most of a highly flexible and powerful platform for developing a wide range of websites, it doesn’t matter whether you are developing a personal blog or complicated level applications.
Here you are bound to receive an extensive level of customization options, such as flexibility, scalability, and of course, a strong community of developers and contributors.
As for WordPress, its functionality can be extended with plugins, and Drupal highly refers to its add-ons as modules; however, it doesn’t mean it doesn’t entail a wide range of features and options. Some of the popular brands considering Drupal include The White House, NASA, Pfizer, Harvard University, Tesla Motors, and the Grammy Awards, and more.
No wonder Drupal comprises a million users and is available in over 90 languages. The CMS platform can be greatly expanded upon and is highly suitable for an e-commerce website. The only concern is that the tech is hard to get started with if you are a non-developer.
Opencart
OpenCart is an open-source eCommerce platform. Many of you have this misconception that Opencart is much like Prestashop. On the contrary, it’s not. The CMS platform is designed to cater for almost all sizes of businesses. Opencart offers a wide range of features and customization options, enabling easy configuration of shipping rates, methods, and carrier integrations.
Why Opencart makes it to the list, well, it is pretty lightweight and highly extensible. In addition, the setup process is extremely fast and easy, with an easy-to-use admin dashboard and OpenCart’s Cloud Store version charges no fees, which is not usually the case with other CMS platforms such as Shopify and BigCommerce.
WooCommerce
The next one to pick is WooCommerce. If you are seeking a CMS platform that is highly flexible and easy to manage, you should consider WooCommerce right away.
Technically speaking, WooCommerce successfully runs on top of another successful CMS platform, which is WordPress. So, in other words, WooCommerce needs to be considered as a plugin and not a full-featured CMS.
However, the situation is a bit dicey since WooCommerce offers WooCommerce hosting, so launching an online store seems to be pretty quick. Top benefits offered by WooCommerce include:
- Highly available as a free software; however, you require WooCommerce hosting and a domain name
- You will come across a wide range of WooCommerce themes available, and this is how you get your eCommerce site looking exactly the way you want
- Here you will come across lots and lots of extensions which enable you to add extra functionality to the site.
- Selling physical or digital products using WooCommerce is possible, and it is even possible to sell affiliate products through affiliate links.
- Seamlessly manage the inventory via WooCommerce so you get to keep track of what you have in stock.
- WooCommerce comes with PayPal and Stripe payments. Of course, you can add other payment gateways as well via different extensions and add-ons.
Typo3
Last but certainly not least is TYPO3. This CMS platform features open-source scripts that are highly advanced for programmers. TYPO3 ensures handling websites in several languages as well as strong support for enterprise-level content management and scalability. Right from easy to change the permission of individuals who work on the site to seamless customization, a sizable community, enterprise-level, flexible with lots of functions, and more. The CMS platform works with different operating systems, including Windows, Linux, macOS, FreeBSD, and OS/2. No wonder it is highly recommended for powering portals and eCommerce platforms, especially for large companies, and is known for its ongoing support and discussions.
The only concern here with Typo 3 is, it is hard to configure, as well as entry-level training is hard to find.
Final Words
And we are done here! The open-source nature of several CMS frameworks fosters innovation and continuous improvement, so in simple words, it is possible for businesses, irrespective of different sizes and industry verticals, to leverage the latest technological advancements. This surely helps them to stay ahead in their digital endeavours. So don’t you worry at all, each one of the above-mentioned is capable of catering to your business needs, be it developing an e-commerce solution or developing a highly interactive and engaging corporate website.
So that’s all for now! You see, each CMS mentioned here is of a kind and is considered a must-have, especially if you want to survive in the current cut-throat competitive world. Each one of these is a perfect amalgamation of cost-efficiency, extensive support communities, and flexibility.
I hope you did find the following post worth considering. In case if you have any kind of doubt or queries, feel free to mention them in the comment section below. Also, it would be great if you could share the following post among your peers and help us in reaching more curious minds like you.
Lastly, even if you aren’t still able to make a choice, you can simply think of hiring a reputable and reliable development company that carries immense technical knowledge and expertise in conducting projects right according to your needs and exceeds your expectations. Good luck with your upcoming project. In the end, I would say, going online is a very important venture; make sure to make the right decision.
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