What Is a CMS and a Website Builder?
CMS – Content Management System
A CMS is an application installed on a user’s server. It requires hosting setup, a domain, and is managed through a web interface. These platforms support various types of content, including text, images, and videos, storing all data in a database. The system automatically links and displays content on the website.
With a CMS, you can choose templates, customize colors, fonts, and logos, and modify the design if needed. Once configured, the website is hosted online for users to access.
A CMS features a user-friendly admin panel where you can:
- Create new pages
- Add text, images, and videos
- Configure menus, forms, and buttons
- Select a design using templates
Website Builders
Website builders are online platforms designed for creating websites with minimal technical skills. They are ideal for quick and hassle-free development, making them perfect for landing pages, portfolios, and small business websites. Since hosting is built into the platform, there’s no need to configure servers.
Users work in a visual editor where website elements — such as text, images, and buttons — can be added and customized using a drag-and-drop interface. It’s like building with blocks: you simply select pre-made components and assemble your website.
Advantages of Website Builders:
- User-Friendly Interface – Easily add text, images, customize designs, and publish content without coding skills
- SEO Support – Configure meta tags, manage URL structure, and integrate with analytics tools
- Responsive Design – Templates automatically adapt to desktops, smartphones, and tablets
- Large Community & Support – Popular platforms offer technical support, active user communities, forums, and guides
Advantages of CMS:
- Scalability – Start with a basic website and expand with advanced features like e-commerce, forums, and payment systems
- Customization Options – Thousands of plugins, modules, and templates available. CMS allows code modifications for unique functionality (if you have coding skills)
- Multi-User Management – Assign different roles (admin, editor, author) to streamline collaboration, ensuring each user has the right access level
- Seamless Integration with External Services – Easily connect CRM systems, analytics, and payment solutions without complex configurations
- Support & Learning Resources – Extensive documentation, tutorials, and access to technical support from developers or external experts
Types of CMS and Website Builders
Choosing between a CMS and a website builder depends on project goals, technical skills, and functional requirements.
Types of CMS:
1. Free CMS
These are open-source platforms that can be downloaded, installed, and used for free. They offer high flexibility and thousands of plugins/themes for customization.
- WordPress – The most popular platform, ideal for blogs, corporate websites, and online stores. Easy to use.
- Joomla – A versatile CMS with powerful features for complex web applications.
- Drupal – Designed for large-scale projects with high security and scalability requirements.
2. Paid CMS
- 1C-Bitrix – A widely used CMS in Eastern Europe for corporate websites and e-commerce. Offers
1C integration and high security. - UMI.CMS – Allows quick project launches with ready-made modules. Suitable for small and medium businesses.
- NetCat – A customizable system for corporate websites and online stores, with extensive external service integrations.
3. Custom-Built CMS
Developed from scratch by professional developers for specific project needs, with no dependencies on third-party CMS providers or updates.
- Advantages: Maximum flexibility, no unnecessary features.
- Disadvantages: High development costs, complex maintenance.
Types of Website Builders
Many website builders offer free basic plans, ideal for small personal projects or testing the platform before purchasing a subscription. However, professional use typically requires paid plans, which unlock advanced features and remove restrictions.
Online Platforms with Ready-Made Templates
- Tilda – Intuitive interface, great for landing pages, blogs, and small corporate websites.
- Wix – Extensive template library and built-in features, including marketing tools.
- uKit – User-friendly, designed for small businesses.
CMS or Website Builder – Which One Is Best For You?
1. E-commerce
- CMS (e.g., WordPress, 1C-Bitrix) – Best for large stores requiring payment system integration and inventory management.
- Website Builders (e.g., Ecwid, Wix) – Suitable for small stores with a limited product range.
2. Blogs
- CMS (e.g., WordPress) – Ideal for multi-page blogs with advanced SEO customization.
- Website Builders – Good for small blogs with minimal functionality requirements.
3. Corporate Websites
- CMS – Preferred for companies needing CRM integration, process automation, and scalability.
- Website Builders – Suitable for simple business cards or presentation pages.
4. Landing Pages
- CMS – Used for custom designs and integrations with other platforms.
- Website Builders – Ideal for fast development and testing hypotheses without developers.
How to Choose a CMS or Website Builder: Criteria & Recommendations
Follow these steps to make the right choice:
Define Your Goal & Website Type
1. Personal Blog – Choose platforms with strong content support and an easy editor, such as WordPress or Tilda.
2. E-commerce
- For large stores with complex logistics, use a CMS with advanced features, like 1C-Bitrix or WooCommerce.
- Small stores can be built on website builders like Wix or uKit.
3. Corporate Website – Large companies requiring CRM integration, automation, and scalability should opt for 1C-Bitrix or UMI.CMS.
4. Forum – Choose platforms with built-in discussion modules, such as phpBB.
5. Landing Page – Website builders with templates and intuitive interfaces, like Tilda or Wix, are ideal.
Criteria for Choosing:
1. Functionality & Flexibility – Choose a platform that meets both current and future project needs. CMS platforms are typically more flexible than website builders, offering the ability to implement unique features.
2. Ease of Use – For non-technical users, opt for platforms with an intuitive interface, such as Tilda or Wix.
3. Responsiveness – Ensure the platform offers responsive templates for mobile devices, with customization options.
4. SEO Capabilities – It's crucial that the platform supports SEO features, such as meta tags, sitemaps, and URL optimization.
5. Quality Support & Documentation – These are essential for resolving issues quickly and implementing new features.
6. Integration with Other Services – Check if the platform integrates with CRM, analytics tools, payment gateways, and other services.
7. Cost – Compare free and paid plans, considering the cost of domain, hosting, plugins, and additional services.
Paid vs. Free CMS/Website Builders
What Should You Consider When Choosing?
- Budget – Free solutions are suitable for small projects but come with limitations. Paid platforms offer more features and professional support.
- Update Frequency – Paid platforms are regularly updated, improving security and adding new features. Free platforms may update less frequently, leading to outdated features and increased security risks.
Technical Requirements for Platforms
Choosing the right hosting affects website stability. Meeting performance and security requirements ensures a positive user experience.
Hosting
1. Hosting Type
- Shared – Suitable for small websites and blogs.
- VPS – Ideal for users who need full server control but don't require high scalability.
- Cloud – Best for high-traffic websites or small e-commerce stores.
- Dedicated Server – Necessary for large corporate portals or e-commerce platforms.
2. Compatibility
- Ensure that the hosting supports required technologies, such as PHP, MySQL, or platform-specific frameworks.
- Some CMS platforms require specific software versions (e.g., PHP 7.4 or higher for WordPress).
3. Performance
- Choose hosting with SSD storage (Solid State Drive) for faster load times. SSDs are significantly faster than traditional HDDs (Hard Disk Drive).
- Pay attention to available RAM (around 2-6 GB) to ensure smooth performance and quick query processing.
4. Scalability Support
- Opt for hosting that allows easy resource scaling as traffic grows.
Performance and Security
Key requirements include:
- Server Caching Support (e.g., OPcache or Redis) to speed up request processing.
- CDN Servers should be located as close as possible to users for faster website load times.
- File Minification (compressing JavaScript, HTML) to improve website performance.
- SSL Certificate for encrypting user data.
- Regular Platform and Plugin Updates to fix vulnerabilities.
- Built-in Protection Mechanisms against DDoS, SQL injections, and other threats.
- Backups – Automatic backup support is essential.
- Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) for administrative access.
- Monitoring & Logging to track suspicious activity.
Use tools like Google PageSpeed Insights or GTmetrix to evaluate platform performance.
TOP CMS for 2025
Here are the best CMS platforms for 2025, offering high performance and up-to-date features for all types of websites:
1. WordPress
Pros:
- Simple interface
- Powerful SEO capabilities
Cons:
- Vulnerable to attacks with improper configuration
- Can be resource-intensive with too many plugins
2. 1С-Bitrix
Pros:
- Deep integration with 1C
- High data security
- Business automation capabilities
Cons:
- Complex interface for beginners
- High licensing costs
3. Joomla
Pros:
- Tracks user actions
- Flexible user role and permission management
Cons:
- Requires more technical knowledge
- Fewer plugins and themes available
4. OpenCart
Pros:
- Specialized for e-commerce
- Easy product catalog setup
- Wide range of eCommerce extensions
Cons:
- Few templates available
5. Drupal
Pros:
- High flexibility and scalability
- Excellent performance for large, high-traffic websites
Cons:
- Difficult to learn; requires skilled developers
6. MODX
Pros:
- Full customization freedom
- High speed
Cons:
- Challenging for non-technical users
- Limited number of ready-made modules
7. UMI.CMS
Pros:
- Supports multilingual sites
- Ideal for e-commerce and corporate websites
- Easy integration with 1C and CRM systems
Cons:
- Higher pricing compared to competitors
- Limited plugin selection
8. Magento
Pros:
- Suitable for large online stores
- Useful product catalog management tools
- Scalability features
Cons:
- Resource-heavy
- Requires professional setup
9. PrestaShop
Pros:
- User-friendly interface for store management
- Numerous built-in marketing features
Cons:
- Limited customization options
- Relies heavily on plugins
10. HubSpot CMS
Pros:
- Integration with HubSpot’s marketing and CRM tools
- Good analytics functionality
Cons:
- High cost
- Limited customization options for the visual aspects of the site
11. Craft CMS
Pros:
- High flexibility
- Supports headless architecture
Cons:
- Requires programming skills
- Paid license
12. Ghost
Pros:
- Easy setup
- Fast page load times
Cons:
- Limited functionality for non-blog-related projects
13. Strapi
Pros:
- API-driven structure; powerful content management for headless architecture
- Easy integration with various platforms
Cons:
- Requires programming skills
- Limited number of out-of-the-box solutions
14. Grav
Pros:
- High speed
- No database installation or configuration required
Cons:
- Only suitable for simple websites
- Fewer plugins than competitors
TOP Website Builders for 2025
Here are the best website builders for 2025, known for their ease of use, functionality, and relevant business tools:
1. Tilda
Pros:
- Easy to use
- Adaptive design for all devices
- Over 550 pre-designed blocks and Zero Block for flexible design customization
- SEO settings for better search engine rankings
- Integrations with CRM, payment systems, and analytics tools
Cons:
- Limited functionality for large eCommerce stores
- Paid subscription required for most features
2. Wix
Pros:
- Easy to use
- Over 900 pre-designed templates
- Mobile optimization and SEO support
- Built-in marketing and eCommerce tools
- Free plan with basic features
Cons:
- Difficult to change the template after publishing
- Limitations in design flexibility
3. uKit
Pros:
- Easy interface setup
- Integrations with 1C and CRM
- Suitable for small businesses
Cons:
- Limited capabilities for large projects
- Templates' design is less modern compared to competitors
4. Nethouse
Pros:
- Simple to create eCommerce websites
- Integrations with payment systems and 1C
- Free plan for small projects
Cons:
- Limited design options
- Fewer SEO features
5. Flexbe
Pros:
- Simple interface
- Templates focused on conversions
- Integrations with analytics and CRM
Cons:
- Narrow specialization
- High pricing
6. Craftum
Pros:
- Affordable pricing
- Selection of pre-designed templates
- Easy integration with payment systems
Cons:
- Limited functionality for scalable projects
- Less flexible design
7. Webflow
Pros:
- Full design control with a visual editor
- Supports animations and interactive elements
- Ability to export code
Cons:
- Complex for beginners
- High subscription costs
8. Shopify
Pros:
- Ready-made solutions for eCommerce
- Integrations with payment systems and analytics
- Scalable for large stores
- Multilingual and international sales support
Cons:
- High cost for larger stores
- Limited design customization flexibility
9. Bitrix24 Websites
Pros:
- Pre-designed templates and integration with 1C products
- Integrations with CRM and telephony
Cons:
- Complex interface
- Limited design customization options
10. Google Sites
Pros:
- Integration with Google products
- Free to use
Cons:
- Limited design and functionality
- Not suitable for large projects
11. Squarespace
Pros:
- Premium-quality templates for creative projects, portfolios, and online stores
- Built-in marketing tools
Cons:
- Fewer templates compared to competitors
- High pricing
12. Weebly
Pros:
- User-friendly interface for beginners
- Basic eCommerce functionality
- Affordable pricing
Cons:
- Less flexibility compared to competitors
Steps for Choosing and Launching a Website Platform
Step 1: Define the Goals and Objectives of the Website
For example, a portfolio site requires minimal functionality, while an online store needs advanced integrations with payment systems and analytics.
- Identify the target audience. Understanding who your audience is will guide decisions on design and functionality.
- Formulate the objectives. These could be business promotion, sales, or providing informational content.
- Create a list of key features. For instance, online payments, newsletter subscriptions, or a built-in blog.
Step 2: Choose the Type of Platform
It's important to consider the scope of the project and the technical capabilities you have:
1. CMS platforms (e.g., WordPress):
- Useful for both small business growth and large-scale projects that require deep customization
- Provide more options for customization and scalability
- However, they require technical knowledge in hosting management and plugin handling
2. Website builders (e.g., Wix, Squarespace):
- Great for beginners, small businesses, or projects that need a quick launch with minimal administration
- Limited in flexibility for customization and settings
Step 3: Compare Available Solutions Based on Criteria
Key parameters for analysis:
- Functionality: Ensure support for necessary modules, responsiveness, and integrations
- Cost: Compare subscription prices, plugin costs, and hosting fees
- SEO: Check for search engine optimization options, such as meta tag customization and loading speed
Step 4: Testing and Choosing Hosting
Good hosting ensures stable website performance, fast loading speeds, and data protection.
- The hosting provider should offer an SSL certificate, reliable technical support, and backup functionality.
- It must meet the technical requirements of the platform you choose.
Step 5: Launch and Set Up the Website
The final stage includes:
- Creating key pages: These might include the homepage, contact page, and "about us" page
- Setting up analytics: To monitor traffic and user behavior
- Proper display on various devices.
- Page loading speed.
- Data security and protection.
Conclusion and Expert Recommendations
Key points to focus on when choosing a platform:
- Define your website goals to select a platform with the required features
- Analyze the market by comparing features, costs, and reading reviews
- Consider scalability — the platform should support your website’s growth
- Test platforms by using free versions or demos to ensure it meets your needs
CMS platforms support additional modules and plugins that enhance functionality, such as contact forms and SEO settings.
You can also customize templates (HTML, CSS) or develop unique designs and features, though coding skills are required for advanced modifications.