With the multitude of options available, it can be daunting to choose the best content management system (CMS) for your needs. While factors such as user-friendliness and customization capabilities can help you make a decision, evaluating each platform in depth requires careful analysis and understanding, which can be time-consuming.

To simplify the process, we have compiled a list of the top 7 CMS platforms you can choose in 2024. We provide insights into the CMS's website development costs, associated challenges, and strategies for effective CMS management.

7 best CMS platforms in 2024

WordPress

Wordpress is the most popular CMS globally, powering over 43.3% of websites on the Internet. This platform is renowned for its user-friendly interface, extensive plugin ecosystem, and robust community support, making it well-suited for developers of all skill levels.

WordPress website development: Costs involved

WordPress is free, but users may need to pay for hosting, domain, premium themes or plugins, and CMS developer fees (if hired). To choose a suitable hosting plan, you can browse the available hosting plans on the official WordPress site (like managed hosting—$25-$100 or more). Similarly, research to choose the domain name and select themes or plugins.

Overall, determining the total cost of developing a WordPress website involves considering various factors beyond just the platform. Depending on your needs, the costs of starting a WordPress website can begin from $100 and extend to $500, $3,000, or even surpass $30,000. If you consider working with a reputed WordPress development firm, then the cost of development might be more.

Challenges associated with using WordPress

Vulnerability to security breaches if not regularly updated
Managing large-scale content and high-traffic websites can be resource-intensive
Potential compatibility issues between plugins and themes
Difficulty in scaling high-traffic websites without specialized expertise

Shopify

Despite being popular as an eCommerce platform, Shopify is often considered a CMS. In w3tech's report on CMS usage statistics and market shares, Shopify ranks second after WordPress.

The platform offers common CMS features, such as customizable templates, content management capabilities, and user-friendly interfaces, for editing and updating website content. These features enable users to create a cohesive and engaging online presence beyond just product listings, making Shopify a versatile tool for managing content and commerce.

Shopify website development: Costs involved

The cost of developing a Shopify website can vary depending on the plan chosen and the need for custom development. Different pricing plans are –

- Basic Shopify – $29/month, offering essential features for small-scale operations
- Shopify – $79/month, adds advanced features like gift cards and professional reports, ideal for growing businesses

Advanced – $299/month, offering features such as advanced report building

Shopify plus – $2,300/month, an enterprise-level solution tailored for high-volume businesses and large corporations

Additionally, businesses may need to pay for third-party apps, add-ons, and leveraging CMS development services from a Shopify expert for custom development.

Overall, the cost of building a Shopify website with average functionalities typically ranges from $3,000 to $6,000, while a more advanced, feature-rich Shopify store can cost between $7,000 and $12,000.

Challenges associated with using Shopify

Limited control over server-side configurations and performance optimization
Restriction on product variants and inventory management
Transaction fees for using payment gateways other than Shopify Payments

Wix

Wix is primarily a website builder that functions effectively as a CMS, facilitating content creation, storage, and scheduling. With its affordable pricing and user-friendly interface, Wix stands out as a top choice for businesses seeking an efficient CMS platform.

Wix website development: Costs involved

Wix offers affordable pricing options in addition to a free version. The platform offers four premium plans to suit different business needs. These are –

ascension Light – $17 per month
Core – $29 per month
Business – $36 per month
Business Elite – $159 per month

Premium plans unlock features such as removing Wix ads, connecting a custom domain, and accessing eCommerce functionalities. Additionally, if you hire a CMS developer to create a custom Wix site, prices can range between a few hundred to a few thousand dollars, depending on the scope of work and the expertise of the developer.

Challenges associated with using Wix

Limited flexibility compared to self-hosted platforms like WordPress
Migration complexities if switching to another platform
Restrictions with the free version such as limited storage of 500 MB, only basic customer support, and limited features (like inaccessibility to Google Analytics)

Squarespace

Squarespace is an all-in-one platform for creating beautiful websites, portfolios, and online stores. With its sleek templates and intuitive design tools, Squarespace lets users uniquely showcase their creativity and business offerings.

Its responsive design ensures seamless browsing experiences across devices while integrated features for eCommerce, blogging, and analytics streamline website management. Squarespace's commitment to design excellence and customer satisfaction makes it a preferred choice for artists, designers, and entrepreneurs seeking a polished online presence.

Squarespace website development: Costs involved

For Squarespace website development, the pricing structure is similar to Wix, offering various subscription plans tailored to different needs. The platform offers four pricing plans –

Personal – starts at $16 per month, offering access to fully customizable templates

Business – starts at $23 per month, enabling businesses to accept payments
Basic Commerce – starts at $28 per month, providing selling tools for business growth without transaction fees
Advanced Commerce –. starts at $52 per month, equipped with advanced selling features and no transaction fees.

These plans include hosting, domain registration, and access to Squarespace's drag-and-drop website builder. However, if you require custom development or additional features beyond what Squarespace's templates offer, you can hire a CMS developer. Prices for custom Squarespace development can vary widely depending on the complexity of the project and the expertise of the developer.

Challenges associated with using Squarespace

Some users may find the design templates restrictive for highly specialized or unique website designs
Pricing plans can change with the growing website needs
Limited third-party integrations compared to other platforms

Joomla

Joomla is an open-source CMS that offers a balance of user-friendliness and advanced functionalities. It is often seen as a middle ground between the simplicity of WordPress and the complexity of Drupal.

This CMS platform offers numerous flexibility and customization options, making it suitable for developing feature-rich websites. However, leveraging Joomla's potential often demands a deeper technical understanding. To make the most of this content management system, businesses may find it beneficial to leverage CMS development services from a Joomla expert.

Joomla website development: Costs involved

Like WordPress, Joomla is free to use, but users may incur costs for hosting, domain registration, premium templates/extensions, and hiring experts.

Challenges associated with using Joomla

Steeper learning curve
A limited number of templates and extensions compared to platforms like WordPress

Drupal

Drupal is a highly secure and scalable open-source CMS, making it a popular choice for developing complex websites. It is well-suited for enterprise-level organizations, government agencies, and websites with advanced functionality requirements.

Drupal website development: Costs involved

Similar to other open-source CMS platforms like WP and Joomla, Drupal is free to use. Expenses may arise for hosting, domain name registration, premium themes/extensions, and hiring Drupal experts.

Challenges associated with using Drupal

A steeper learning curve, necessitating the need for technical expertise, unlike user-friendly platforms such as WordPress
Can be resource-intensive, particularly for larger and more complex websites

Adobe Commerce (Magento)

Magento is a robust eCommerce platform known for its flexibility, scalability, and rich features. It allows businesses to create, manage, and scale online stores effectively. With extensive customization options, support for multiple payment gateways, and a vibrant marketplace of extensions, Magento is a popular choice for businesses of all sizes looking to establish and grow their online presence.

Magento website development: Costs involved

When considering Magento website development costs, users need to budget for several key expenses. There's the cost of the Magento software, which includes choosing between the open-source version (free) and the enterprise edition (paid), depending on your business needs.

With the free version, users need to purchase hosting services separately to run their Magento website. Additionally, if you lack the technical expertise to set up and manage the Magento website, you may need to budget for hiring Magento developers or agencies to handle the site's development, maintenance, and support. Costs for this can vary widely depending on the scope of work and the rates of the developers or agencies.

Challenges associated with using Magento

Higher upfront costs
Steeper learning curve
Requires robust hosting infrastructure to ensure optimal performance

Tips for effective CMS management

Keep your CMS software, themes, and plugins/modules/extensions up to date to ensure security, stability, and compatibility with the latest web technologies.

Set up regular backups of your website's content and database to prevent data loss in case of technical issues or security breaches.
Implement security measures such as strong passwords, SSL encryption, and firewalls to protect your website from hackers and malware.
Develop a content strategy, regularly update your website with fresh and relevant content, organize content using categories and tags, and leverage features like scheduling and revision history to manage content efficiently.

Each of the above-listed CMSs offers unique features and benefits tailored to user needs and preferences. To choose the best, businesses must carefully evaluate their requirements, budget constraints, and technical capabilities

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2024 Roundup- 7 Best CMS, Cost, Challenges, and Tips to Mana...

7 best CMS platforms in 2024

WordPress

WordPress website development: Costs involved

Challenges associated with using WordPress