A man works on a computer and builds a custom website using a Content Management System

What is a Content Management System (CMS)?

By: Lidia Hartle

A Content Management System (CMS) is a software application used to create, manage, and publish digital content, typically on a website. It enables content creators to manage website content without requiring technical expertise, making it an essential tool for businesses and individuals looking to establish and maintain an online presence.

At its core, a CMS provides a user-friendly interface for managing digital content, such as articles, images, videos, and other multimedia. The CMS handles the technical aspects of content management, such as storing and organizing content in a database, managing user access and permissions, and generating web pages on the fly.


A Content Management System provides many benefits to both the website administrator and end user.

One of the primary advantages of using a CMS is that it enables multiple users to collaborate on creating and managing content. This is particularly useful for organizations with large teams of content creators, as it allows them to work together seamlessly and share resources. The CMS also provides a workflow system that allows administrators to define roles and permissions for different users, ensuring that content is reviewed and approved before it is published.

Another key benefit of a CMS is its ability to make website updates quickly and easily. A user with minimal technical knowledge can update website content in real-time, without requiring assistance from a web developer. This flexibility enables businesses to respond quickly to changing market conditions, such as updating product listings, prices, or promotions.

Content Management Systems also offer a range of features and functionalities that can be customized to suit specific business needs. For example, it may include tools for e-commerce, search engine optimization (SEO), social media integration, and email marketing. Many CMS platforms are open-source, meaning that users can access and modify the source code to create custom features and integrations.


There are many different Content Management Systems available to you.

There are many different CMS platforms available, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. WordPress, for example, is the most popular CMS in the world, with over 40% of all websites running on it. It is user-friendly, flexible, and offers a vast library of plugins and themes that can be customized to suit a wide range of use cases. Propel has coded countless websites in the WordPress CMS.

Other popular CMS platforms include Drupal, Joomla, and Magento, each with its own set of features and benefits. When selecting a CMS, it is essential to consider factors such as familiarity with the software, ease of use, scalability, security, and support.

If you’re looking to take command of your website experience, consider building and managing your content in a Content Management System. With its user-friendly interface, collaborative features, and customizable functionalities, a CMS like WordPress can be an incredible tool to make your website less static and more engaging. Ready to get started? Say hello to Propel. We’ll rev up our coding engines!