WordPress Alternative – Craft CMS – The Ideal Choice for Businesses
Reasons to Consider Using a WordPress Alternative
Looking for a WordPress alternative? You're not alone. While WordPress is one of the most popular content management systems (CMS) out there, it's not always the best fit for every website. Luckily, there are plenty of free WordPress alternatives that offer similar features and functionality.
For basic websites or those just starting out, Weebly is a great option. This free version of a WordPress alternative offers a user-friendly drag-and-drop interface that makes it easy to create a professional-looking website without any coding experience.
But if you're looking for something more unique, there are plenty of other options to choose from. Some WordPress alternatives specialize in certain areas, like Ghost CMS, which is specifically designed for blogging and allows for easy embedding of audio files. This makes it a great option for podcasters or audio-focused websites.
Others offer unique features like headless CMS, which separates the content from the presentation layer. This means you can use any front-end technology or theme with your CMS, giving you complete control over how your site looks and feels.
Of course, there are also plenty of general-purpose WordPress alternatives out there as well. Joomla and Drupal are two popular options that offer many of the same features as WordPress but with different approaches to things like themes and plugins.
Ultimately, choosing the right WordPress alternative depends on your specific needs and goals. Whether you're looking for a simple way to get started online or want more advanced features and customization options, there's sure to be an option out there that's perfect for you.
Wider Range of Customization Options with WordPress Competitors
One of the main reasons to consider using a WordPress alternative is the wider range of customization options available. While WordPress offers many themes and plugins, competitors like Craft CMS and Statamic offer more flexibility in terms of design and functionality. With these alternatives, you can create a unique website without being limited by pre-made templates or plugins.
For example, Craft CMS allows you to build custom fields for your content, giving you complete control over how it's displayed on your site. Statamic takes this even further by allowing you to create custom layouts for each page or section of your site. This level of customization can help your website stand out from the crowd and provide a better user experience for your visitors.
Security Concerns with WordPress
Another reason to consider using a WordPress competitor is security concerns. While WordPress is one of the most popular CMS platforms in the world, it's also one of the most targeted by hackers. This means that if you're not careful with security measures like updates and backups, your site could be vulnerable to attacks.
Competitors like Craft CMS and Grav offer built-in backup solutions that eliminate the need for third-party plugins or services. This can save you time and money while also providing peace of mind knowing that your website is protected.
Avoiding Downsides of Using WordPress
There are several downsides to using WordPress that can be avoided with alternative CMS options. For example, premium features can be expensive on WordPress, while some competitors offer similar features at a lower cost or even for free.
Some users find the user interface on WordPress complex and difficult to navigate. Alternatives like Ghost and Kirby have simpler interfaces that make it easier to manage content without getting bogged down in menus and settings.
Choosing a Competitor Over WordPress
Ultimately, whether or not to choose a competitor over WordPress depends on your specific use case. If you need more customization options or want to avoid security concerns, a WordPress competitor may be the best fit for you. On the other hand, if you're comfortable with WordPress and don't have specific needs that can't be met with its features, sticking with it may be the better choice.
Factors to Consider in Choosing a WordPress Alternative
Customization Options Available
When choosing a WordPress alternative, one of the most important factors to consider is the level of customization options available. While WordPress is known for its vast array of themes and plugins, other CMS platforms offer unique features that may be more suitable for your needs. For example, some platforms may allow for more front-end customization options, while others may offer greater flexibility in terms of design and layout.
It's also important to consider the level of technical expertise required to customize your site on each platform. Some CMS options require advanced coding knowledge or experience with website development tools, while others offer more user-friendly interfaces that are accessible to those without extensive technical backgrounds.
Ease of Use and User Interface
Another key factor to consider when choosing a WordPress alternative is the ease of use and user interface offered by each platform. A user-friendly interface can make it easier to manage content, publish updates, and navigate through different sections of your site.
When evaluating different CMS platforms, look for features like drag-and-drop editors or visual page builders that allow you to create custom layouts without needing extensive coding knowledge. Consider how easy it is to access different settings and features within the platform – a cluttered or confusing interface can make it difficult to manage your site efficiently.
Available Plugins and Extensions
While many CMS platforms offer built-in functionality for common tasks like content management and publishing, plugins and extensions can greatly expand the capabilities of your site. When evaluating different WordPress alternatives, take note of the available plugins or extensions that can help you achieve specific goals.
For example, if you're focused on SEO optimization for your site, look for a platform with strong SEO tools or integrations with popular SEO plugins like Yoast. Similarly, if you're interested in marketing automation or email campaigns, look for platforms with built-in integrations with popular marketing tools like Mailchimp or Hubspot.
Security Features and Updates
Finally, security should be a top priority when choosing a WordPress alternative. While WordPress is generally considered to be a secure platform, it's also a popular target for hackers and cyber attacks. Look for CMS platforms that offer robust security features like two-factor authentication, automatic updates, and regular security audits.
Consider the level of support offered by each platform in the event of a security breach or other technical issue. A reliable support team can help you quickly address any issues and minimize downtime or data loss.
Content Management Systems
A content management system (CMS) is designed to empower content publishers and marketing professionals by enabling them to manage their web content via an intuitive interface. With a CMS, you need minimal HTML or CSS knowledge. There are numerous CMS options currently available, but the two leading ones are WordPress and Craft CMS.
The majority of the websites on the internet use WordPress as their content management system since WordPress powers up approximately 33% of the entire internet.
The reason for that is because it was among the first CMS available to users. Craft CMS, on the other hand, is a decent WordPress alternative. It has sparked a serious debate, with many people regarding it as the best there is in current times. Both platforms require moderate knowledge of programming, which utilizes the web stack. These two content management systems are some of the best in the industry. WordPress, out of the box, is one of the best content management systems out there for creating a blog. There is no need to download plugins to create a blog on WordPress; WordPress can handle blogging straight out of the box. You can also create a blog with Craft CMS, as it is one of the most flexible content management systems out there.
Introduction to Craft CMS – An Alternative Content Management System to WordPress
Craft CMS: A Powerful Alternative to WordPress
Craft CMS is a source CMS that has been gaining popularity as an alternative to WordPress. While WordPress is the most popular content management system in the world, it may not be the best fit for every website. Craft CMS offers some unique benefits that make it a powerful option for those looking for an alternative.
Craft CMS: Unleashing Design Freedom
Craft CMS is a platform that offers advanced functionality and unique features, allowing for greater design freedom and customization options compared to other CMS platforms. One of the key benefits of Craft CMS is its customizable templates and themes, which are essential components for creating a visually appealing website. These templates can be easily customized to match your brand's style and aesthetic, giving you complete control over the look and feel of your website.
Moreover, Craft CMS provides an extensive library of pre-built templates that can be tweaked or modified according to your preference. This feature saves time in designing websites from scratch while still providing ample room for customization. With these powerful tools at your disposal, you can create stunning landing pages that capture the attention of potential customers.
Powerful Editor: Ideal for Content Marketing and Portfolio Websites
Craft CMS also boasts a powerful editor that enables users to create content with ease. The platform's user-friendly interface makes it easy to add new pages, images, videos, or blog posts without any coding experience required. This feature is particularly useful for content marketing websites where fresh content needs to be added regularly.
Furthermore, Craft CMS is an ideal choice for portfolio websites as it allows designers and artists to showcase their work in an aesthetically pleasing manner. The platform's customizable templates make it easy to highlight specific aspects of their portfolio while maintaining consistency throughout the website.
Robust Security Features: Streamlining Online Presence
Security is always a top priority when it comes to online presence. Craft CMS takes this aspect seriously by offering robust security features such as two-factor authentication (2FA) and SSL encryption out-of-the-box. These features ensure that sensitive information remains secure from unauthorized access.
Marketing Automation Capabilities: Enhancing Business Growth
Craft CMS also offers marketing automation capabilities through third-party integrations such as Mautic or ActiveCampaign. This feature streamlines business growth by automating repetitive tasks such as email marketing, lead generation, and customer segmentation. This automation not only saves time but also ensures that the right message is delivered to the right audience at the right time.
Contentful Approach: A Seamless User Experience
Craft CMS takes a contentful approach to web development, which means that it separates content from presentation. This approach allows for a seamless user experience across different devices and screen sizes. The platform's contentful approach ensures that the website's content is optimized for search engines while maintaining consistency throughout.
Limited Customization Options: Pros & Cons
While Craft CMS offers advanced functionality and unique features, some users may find its limited customization options to be a drawback. However, this limitation is offset by the platform's user-friendly interface and contentful approach, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a seamless user experience.
Comparison of Features Between WordPress and Craft CMS
The User Interface Behind Craft CMS
The user interface offered by Craft CMS is intuitive and user-friendly. The appearance is a lot more aesthetically impressive and modern compared to that of WordPress. Even someone new to it can easily edit content and do it fast. You can create a fully custom-built site with both WordPress and Craft CMS . Craft CMS, however, makes the entire process a lot easier by making use of matrix fields. Using the matrix fields, you can create multiple content blocks using a single field.
Craft CMS Has Generally Faster Load Speeds than WordPress
The WordPress software offers relatively d load speeds. That is despite it having a lot of code overhead and with no regular significant updates, which are designed to improve speeds. It mainly relies on some light enhancements and heavy security patches to keep it in play. Craft CMS, on the other hand, combats slow speeds by using the Model-View-Controller design pattern. The design pattern for code is impressively intelligent and speeds up everything.
Live Previews that Let You See What You're Editing in Real-Time and Content Modules
With WordPress, you might end up with numerous tabs on your browser. In such a case, it will be difficult to differentiate which the preview tabs are against those with the original edits. Craft CMS solves the issue with an incredible Live Preview tool. The tool works by splitting the screen into two different views. On the left, you will have the CMS panel, and on the right, you will have the preview.
Superior SEO for Craft CMS with SEOmatic
SEO is an important factor to consider when trying to establish a blog. Craft offers superior SEO compared to WordPress. The SEOmatic plugin is similar to the SEO Yoast plugin from WordPress. However, SEOmatic is a powerful plugin that handles a wide variety of technical SEO, including JSON-LD schema markup, which gives your website more information for Google to understand.
Plugins in both Content Management Systems
WordPress has a wide plethora of plugins available, meaning you can probably find the exact plugin you are looking for. Some plugins are kept up to date. Some are out of date and are not being maintained. Craft CMS has fewer plugins than WordPress. However, most of them are of higher quality and are maintained by the developers, typically at a cost. In some cases, custom development will need to be implemented to integrate Craft CMS into other software.
Page Builders in WordPress that Allow for Easy Website Creation
These page builders allow a web designer to edit the content on a WordPress page and start adding to it and changing it using drag-and-drop methods.
The best and most popular website builders for WordPress include Divi, Elementor, and our personal favourite, Beaver Builder.
These methods of building pages make WordPress an easier tool than Craft CMS since you can edit the website's content without necessarily having to code anything in HTML and CSS. You will see ads on YouTube talking about this all the time, coming from the famous Elementor Page Builder. We personally like Beaver Builder because it is considered one of the best WordPress page builders for developers because it writes semantically well-written code, unlike other page builders such as Visual Composer, just to name one we personally would not recommend.
E-Commerce with WooCommerce
In the previous section, we talked about page builders. Where these page builders come in really handy is when working with WooCommerce in WordPress. WooCommerce is a plugin in WordPress that gives a first-party extension to turn WordPress into an E-Commerce online store. WooCommerce has a set of files that are pre-configured and assorted in a way where they need to be customized to suit the brand of the website. While WoCommerce makes it a bit difficult to edit WooCommerce files directly and keep them constantly updated if working with a completely custom design. With the assistance of page builders such as Beaver Builder and Elementor, customizing WooCommerce becomes a lot easier.
The beauty of using these page builders to customize WooCommerce is that the page builder plugin will stay up to date with the custom WooCommerce changes.
So this means you don't have to update the WooCommerce files yourself; you can rely on the plugin to stay up to date with WooCommerce for you. As long as you're using a popular and established plugin such as Beaver Builder, Elementor, or Divi, you should be fine. One of the best WordPress themes on the market today that integrates well with Beaver Builder and Elementor is the Astra theme for WordPress. Purchasing the Astra theme with Beaver Builder for WordPress is a good investment when building custom WooCommerce sites with page builders.
E-Commerce with Craft Commerce and Snipcart
Craft CMS offers e-commerce as well. The difference is that it is a lot easier to create completely bespoke fully custom e-commerce solutions with Craft CMS. Craft CMS offers more expensive e-commerce solutions, and the price tag is higher than WooCommrce plugins. With that said, if you're on a budget with Craft CMS, you can always use Snipcart, which can integrate with Craft CMS and save some money that way. You will still get a fully custom-designed e-commerce experience with a lighter price tag.
In general, unless the client has the budget for Craft Commerce, for E-Commerce with Craft CMS, we tend to recommend Snipcart instead.
Software Architecture Behind Craft and WordPress
Craft CMS is a very good piece of software that handles content management very well. Pixel and Tonic created Craft CMS 3 with the Yii 2 php framework, which uses the model view controller architecture. This makes the content management system load content quickly into the browser. Developers will use the web stack, html5, css3, and JavaScript, to create and develop websites with the platform. Craft CMS is one of the best content management systems out there that was very intelligently designed. WordPress, on the other hand, handles everything as a post, which can be pretty frustrating sometimes. However, the big advantage with WordPress is that it's open source and free to set up. Craft is also initially free if you use the solo package.
The main difference behind how Craft implements content, as opposed to WordPress, is that it uses a very flexible software architecture. WordPress uses the template hierarchy, which forces you to implement content in the "WordPress Way" of doing things. While Craft CMS uses a very flexible style of creating the information architecture.
Craft doesn't limit you in any way as to how you implement the website's content. You can structure it any way you would like.
Content planning with Craft CMS is very flexible and powerful, as Craft CMS uses custom fields for every piece of content. While WordPress uses a single content block that is then divided up with the Gutenberg block editing system. With WordPress, you are also forced to adapt to the WordPress template hierarchy, which forces you to structure your content in a specific way. Craft CMS is different and doesn't limit you in that way.
Security Behind Both CMS Platforms
A note about WordPress security: WordPress, being the most widely used platform, does have good security. However, it is also the most targeted by hackers. Each of WordPress themes, integration, and plugin is a vulnerable entry point that a hacker can use to access data. With Craft CMS, you will enjoy annual security updates that ensure your site remains safe and secure at all times.
Due to the incredible popularity of WordPress, it is a frequent target for hackers and malicious scripts. Since Craft is less known than WordPress, it is a more secure platform than WordPress.
The updates come at a cost, but they are usually worth it for any business looking to protect their data. Craft CMS also does have many plugins, but not anywhere near as many as those of WordPress. Most of the integrations are charged, while the rest are built in-house to guarantee security.
Shared Hosting vs Using a Virtual Private Server
Hosting with Craft CMS is more expensive than WordPress and requires a more modern hosting platform that can accommodate the software's requirements. These services usually require the use of a virtual private server. Craft requires PHP version 7.4 and is typically hosted on a virtual private server that costs a bit more, such as Digital Ocean with Laravel Forge. WordPress can use most traditional shared hosting providers that run PHP 7.2 at the bare minimum.
Cost Between Both WordPress and Craft CMS
Since WordPress is open-source, the platform does have lower initial costs compared to Craft CMS. Most plugins on WordPress can be installed for free. Generally, the initial startup costs with WordPress are much lower. However, when you consider the long-term, Craft CMS will be a lot more cost-effective for any growing business. Your business will easily scale when using Craft CMS for your website. You will also not have to spend too much money and time when it comes to customization. With Craft CMS, most plugins do cost some money, though the advantage of Craft CMS is that it scales much easier than WordPress, and it is generally easier to rank a website with Craft CMS.
Open-Source and Free
One of the biggest advantages of Craft CMS over proprietary CMS like WordPress is that it is open-source and free to use. This means that anyone can access the code and modify it to suit their needs without any licensing fees or restrictions. Since Craft CMS is not tied to any specific company or platform, users have more control over their website's development and customization.
Headless Flexibility
Unlike traditional CMS like WordPress, which is tightly integrated with front-end presentation layers, Craft CMS is a headless CMS. This means that it separates content creation and management from content delivery, giving developers more flexibility in how they present content on their websites or applications. With this approach, developers can use any front-end technology they prefer (such as React or Vue) while still taking advantage of Craft's robust content management capabilities.
Intuitive Interface
Craft CMS has been praised for its intuitive and user-friendly interface compared to other options in the market, such as WordPress. The platform's dashboard design makes creating new pages and managing existing ones easier than ever before. Users can easily add custom fields or sections without having to write complex code.
Strong Focus on Security
Security should always be a top priority when selecting a content management system. Fortunately, Craft CMS takes security seriously by regularly releasing updates and patches to ensure its users' data remains safe from malicious attacks. The platform offers advanced features such as two-factor authentication and password expiration policies.
Robust Plugin System
Like WordPress, Craft also has a plugin system that allows users to extend the functionality of their websites quickly and easily. However, unlike WordPress, Craft's plugin system is more stable and less likely to cause conflicts with other plugins or the core platform. This means that users can customize their websites without worrying about performance issues or compatibility problems.
Better Scalability
Craft CMS offers better scalability than WordPress, making it a more suitable option for larger websites or those with complex content management needs. With its modular architecture and headless approach, Craft can handle large amounts of data and traffic without sacrificing speed or performance.
Additional CMS Alternatives to WordPress: Drupal, Joomla, Hubspot Website Builder
Drupal, Joomla, and Hubspot Website Builder are some of the popular CMS alternatives to WordPress. Each platform offers unique features that cater to different business needs. In this section, we will discuss the benefits of using Drupal, Joomla, and Hubspot Website Builder as alternatives to WordPress.
Drupal: Advanced Customization Options
Drupal is an open-source CMS platform that is widely known for its advanced customization options. It is suitable for complex websites that require a high level of functionality and scalability. With Drupal's flexible architecture, developers can create custom modules and themes to meet specific business requirements.
One of the advantages of using Drupal is its robust security features. It has a dedicated security team that regularly releases updates to fix any vulnerabilities in the system. This makes it a reliable choice for businesses that handle sensitive data or transactions.
Joomla: User-Friendly Interface
Joomla is another open-source CMS platform that offers a user-friendly interface and a wide range of extensions and templates. It is suitable for small to medium-sized businesses that need a simple yet powerful website builder.
With Joomla's drag-and-drop editor, users can easily create pages and add content without any coding knowledge. Joomla's extensive library of plugins allows users to add new functionalities, such as social media integration or e-commerce capabilities.
Hubspot Website Builder: All-in-One Solution
Hubspot Website Builder is a cloud-based CMS that offers an all-in-one solution for marketing, sales, and customer service. It provides users with tools to build responsive websites optimized for lead generation and conversion.
One of the unique features of Hubspot Website Builder is its integration with other Hubspot products, such as CRM and Marketing Hub. This enables businesses to manage their entire customer journey from one centralized platform.
CMS Hub: Advanced Features
For businesses looking for more advanced features than what the basic Hubspot Website Builder offers, there's also CMS Hub. It includes additional functionalities such as multi-language support and membership management. CMS Hub is suitable for larger businesses with more complex website needs.
Conclusion: Finding the Right WordPress Alternative CMS for Your Needs
In today's digital world, having a website is essential for businesses and individuals alike. WordPress has been a popular choice for many years, but it may not be the best fit for everyone. There are several reasons to consider using a WordPress alternative, such as better customization options or more specialized features.
When choosing a WordPress alternative, there are several factors to consider. Website builder alternatives like Gator, Hostinger Website Builder, and Site offer user-friendly interfaces and drag-and-drop functionality. eCommerce platform alternatives like Shopify, BigCommerce, and Magento Open Source provide robust online store capabilities. Blogging platform alternatives like Medium, Blogger, and Ghost offer streamlined blogging experiences with built-in audiences.
For those looking for a full-fledged content management system (CMS), Drupal, Joomla, and Hubspot Website Builder are great choices. These platforms offer advanced customization options and powerful integrations.
One CMS that stands out as an alternative to WordPress is Craft CMS. With its user-friendly interface and customizable fields, Craft CMS offers greater flexibility in content creation and management than WordPress. Its intuitive control panel makes it easy to manage multiple sites from one location while providing granular access controls to different users.
Craft CMS also offers better security features than WordPress with its built-in two-factor authentication option. Craft CMS has faster load times thanks to its caching system that reduces server requests.
Our Views and Experience on Craft CMS and WordPress
Craft CMS and WordPress are, in my personal opinion, two of the best content management systems on the market. Both offer the ability to use custom fields to develop flexible website content. Craft uses fields built into the software, and WordPress uses both Gutenberg, page builders, and the advanced custom fields plugin to manage snippets of content. Craft CMS is more flexible and easier to manage than WordPress. This includes superior search engine optimization and dependable customer support. All that is in addition to being a fresh breath of air for most content creators and marketers to use. With that said, Craft CMS does require real technical knowledge to set up and use, while WordPress will be easier to set up for non-technical folks. WordPress allows for easier addition of functionality since it's so popular, while Craft gives an overall easier ability to manage the entire website's content.
Craft CMS does require real technical knowledge to set up and use, while WordPress will be easier to set up for non-technical folks.
Ultimately, finding the right WordPress alternative depends on your specific needs and goals for your website or online business. What we tend to say to our clients is this: If your website requires more functionality from existing plugins and the client doesn't have the budget to build out this functionality from scratch, go with WordPress. If, however, the client wants to focus on overall content control and marketing of the entire website as a whole with superb SEO capability, go with Craft CMS.
