Your website is your digital storefront. It’s where potential customers can find information about you, your company, and your products. It’s also a place to showcase your brands, products, and services to the world. With so many different options available today in the world of web development, it can be challenging to choose the right platform for your website. This article is going to explain some important things you need to know if you want to choose an operating system for your website – from pros and cons of each option to a detailed step-by end guide for choosing your own platform. Let’s get started!
Why Use a CMS?
A CMS is great because it allows you to quickly and easily create your own website without needing extensive programming knowledge. This can be especially useful for those looking for a “quick and dirty” solution. On the other hand, using a CMS can make managing your website difficult if you don’t understand the programming behind it. Using a CMS also has some limitations, such as being platform-specific and being wedged between your computer’s operating system and the website’s CMS. You also run the risk of your website becoming outdated and “out of date” as technology progresses. The best option for you will depend on your needs and preferences.
Blogspot
What is it?
Blogspot is an online service from Google that allows users to create their own website. It’s a good option for experienced users who may be more familiar with setting up and managing a website themselves. It’s also good for starting out because you don’t need any experience with coding.
Why is it popular?
It’s easy to set up and use, making it a popular option for beginners and inexperienced users. It’s also relatively affordable compared to other options even with personalization.
What are the cons?
Blogspot is not really a “platform”. Essentially, it runs as an extension of your existing website. This means you’re wedged between two different operating systems: your computer’s operating system and Google’s operating system. If you run into any issues, it may be difficult to troubleshoot. It also offers limited customizability.
Kirby
What is it?
Kirby is a web-based content management system (CMS) that’s designed to keep your content in simple text files, easy to learn and edit. Like WordPress, it’s free to use and open-source, making it easy to access and modify. It’s used by thousands of designers and creators, making it a popular choice for people looking for a commercial solution.
Why is it popular?
It’s easy to use and highly customizable, making it an attractive option for people new to the world of web development and website management. It’s also fairly robust, allowing you to set up a website that can handle large amounts of traffic without breaking down.
What are the cons?
For some people, the time it takes to learn working on a new platform may be a dealbreaker. If you’re interested in using a platform with a “what you see is what you get” editor, that may also be a downside.
WordPress
What is it?
WordPress is a content management system (CMS) that’s open-source. It runs on the WordPress platform and is used by many large websites and corporations, including Forbes, The New York Times, and The Dr. Oz Show. It’s a popular option for individuals and small businesses, allowing you to create a website quickly and easily. It’s also robust and allows for large amounts of traffic.
Why is it popular?
It’s extremely flexible and customizable, allowing you to customize the look and feel of your website to your liking. It’s also relatively cheap for the amount of functionality it provides.
What are the cons?
The WordPress platform does have a reputation for being “janky” and difficult to manage. If you’re interested in custom functions and functionality a different CMS may be a better option for you.
Squarespace
What is it?
Squarespace is a website creation and hosting platform that allows you to easily create and manage your own website. The website creation aspect of Squarespace is similar to that of WordPress or other CMS platforms, while the management aspect is similar to that of traditional hosting companies.
Why is it popular?
It allows you to create a visually-appealing website quickly and easily, making it popular among those looking for a straightforward option. It’s also fairly robust and inexpensive, making it a particularly appealing option for those on a budget.
What are the cons?
Squarespace’s plans can be pricey for beginners,
Webflow
What is it?
Webflow is a user-friendly, drag-and-drop, HTML5 website creation platform that allows designers to build websites with no technical knowledge. It’s good for those who are just starting out and don’t want the frustration of setting up the tools they need to make their site work.
Why is it popular?
Webflow is best for those looking to quickly and easily build professional-looking websites without any code knowledge. With Webflow, you can drag and drop templates and drag images from your computer to create fully designed websites in minutes.
What are the cons?
The free plan is limited and the paid options can be expensive for a new creative or a starting business.