Anyone who starts a web project will naturally ask themselves which CMS to use. There is no general answer to this question, as every system has advantages and disadvantages. We will introduce you to what we believe to be the three best CMS and explain why each CMS is used
Advantages of websites with CMS
Before we answer the question: “Which CMS is used?”, let’s first look at the function of the CMS in general . CMS stands for “Content Managing System”. It is special software for managing content on websites. Without such software, you can only insert text, images or multimedia elements if you have sufficient programming knowledge. The expert speaks of a graphical interface that allows you to change the appearance of a website without knowing a programming language.
Core Web Vitals: Impact of the website’s CMS on Google ranking
The user-friendliness of a website is of great importance for Google ranking. Google determines this using the LCP, FID and CLS values.
- LCP (Largest Contentful Paint) is an index for loading speed. Google uses the time it takes to load the largest element.
- FID (First Input Delay) is the reaction time after a user input, such as scrolling or clicking.
- CLS (Cumulative Layout Shift) is a measure of the visual stability of the website. Asynchronous loading of large images or videos causes content to jump to different places. This is annoying if a user has already started reading a piece of content.
Every CMS influences the factors mentioned above because it contains elements that slow down loading. This is especially true if the systems are overloaded with additional functions such as plug-ins that are often not used. We can improve the Google ranking for your website regardless of the CMS by deleting unnecessary codes.
Core Web Vitals do not only depend on the choice of CMS, but also on the content that is inserted. For example, inserting high-resolution images negatively affects the Core Web Vitals. You have to keep this in mind, regardless of whether you are carrying out SEO optimizations for Joomla or WordPress websites.
You should know these CMS
- WordPress: The free CMS is used by over 40% of all websites and is the most widely used. Over 65% of the websites provided by IONOS are supported by this CMS. WordPress was originally used to create and manage blog articles. Today, the CMS is also suitable for creating websites. You decide on the appearance of the website by choosing different “themes” and can add many functions using plug-ins.
- Joomla: Only 2.7% of IONOS customers use this CMS. The CMS makes a strict distinction between the functional structure, page content and layout. Setting up the page structure requires a great deal of specialist knowledge. A large number of authors can easily add the content themselves.
- Redaxo: This CMS is particularly slim, so its basic configuration only includes the functions that are absolutely necessary. You can customize the system using add-ons, as they are called plug-ins here.
- Shopify: As the name suggests, it is a CMS for online stores. It is suitable for small and medium-sized retailers to create online stores and outsource logistics.
The rest of the text is exclusively about WordPress. Joomla and Shopify
Decision support: Joomla or WordPress
The table summarizes the main differences between the CMS. To mention it straight away, plug-ins are recommended for WordPress website SEO optimization, and Joomla already includes a corresponding package.
| WordPress | Joomla | |
|---|---|---|
| Construction | The administrator area is divided into home page, posts, pages and categories. The admin can manage content such as themes, plugins and settings. The home page is divided into different modules. | The system is divided into menus, content, components and extensions. Components are applications that can perform complex tasks, such as form generators. |
| service | A largely intuitive operation is possible. Users can usually find their way around without any introduction. | It is difficult to use without an introduction, but after a short period of getting used to it it is very easy. |
| Security | Because of their widespread use, WordPress sites are a popular target for hackers who exploit security vulnerabilities in the CMS. Particular caution is required with plug-ins. Many extensions are not secure. | The interest of hackers is lower due to the small market share. Joomla also places great importance on security. The basic system already shows the important security features such as SSL encryption and two-factor authentication (2FA). |
| data protection | As of version 4.9.6, tools are available to help meet the requirements of the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). They enable the operator to export personal data and fulfill deletion requests. It is also possible to automatically create a data protection declaration | The integrated data protection suite does not replace the GDPR. Version 3.9 and above provides the prerequisites for operating a GDPR-compliant website. However, data protection only applies to registered users and not to visitors to the website. |
| Extensions | There are at least 40,000 plug-ins, many of which are configurable. Unfortunately, the risk of compatibility problems and security gaps increases with each plug-in. The basic package only includes standard tools. | There are just over 8,000 extensions available. The possible additional functions are manageable, but the extensions are generally better programmed and more closely tailored to the CMS. |
| design | Many designs are possible thanks to free templates, so-called themes, which can usually be customized. There are also inexpensive premium themes that offer a very attractive design with many functions. | Thanks to the templates, almost any design is possible, and you also have the option to adapt or completely change the design at any time. We are also happy to create a template that is tailored to your company. |
| SEO | WordPress websites have built-in SEO optimizations. Among other things, you can easily adjust URLs. But only with plug-ins can you create XML sitemaps and automatically generated meta tags. | The CMS is characterized by search engine friendly settings. With a few clicks in the administration area, you can, for example, automatically create search engine friendly URLs. Shopify, the perfect CMS for shops |
Perhaps a short list of advantages and disadvantages will help you if you don’t yet know which CMS to use.
The two CMS variants offer the following advantages and disadvantages:
Joomla
Advantages
- Integrated multilingualism
- Comprehensive user management
- Few additional extensions required
- Perfect when many employees need to add content
Disadvantages
- No comment function possible
- Training required to add content
WordPress
Advantages
- Intuitive operation possible without instruction
- Large selection of themes and plug-ins
Disadvantages
- Many hacker attacks
- Security gaps especially in plug-ins
- Many functions are only possible through extensions
Shopify, the perfect CMS for shops
Although you can also run a shop with WordPress or Joomla, Shopify is the better system for a shop. The CMS is a practical and, above all, dedicated all-in-one solution that meets the needs of e-commerce exactly. However, it is not free.
Shopify, for example, offers design templates that are optimized for both desktop PCs and mobile devices. The CMS is also optimal in terms of security and Core Web Vitals, because the complete SSL encryption guarantees both fast loading times and optimal security. It is an e-commerce platform, so it is more than just a CMS. The package includes internal hosting, your own cloud for your files and numerous apps. The offer is designed to be versatile and grow with your needs. You can also use Shopify as a payment system and use it to organize the shipping of your products.
Tip: If you are starting out in e-commerce as a company that already has a WordPress site, it is a good idea to expand the existing website into your own online shop in conjunction with WooCommerce.
Contact List&Sell to get advice on the right CMS for your project. In a personal conversation, we will clarify which CMS will be used, because there is no best CMS. However, there is a CMS that is best suited to you. We will find out which CMS that is together with you.
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