Power Up Your Content Strategy
The demand for content management systems (CMS) that are flexible, scalable and easy to use is growing fast. In 2024, two types of CMS are becoming very popular: hosted headless CMS platforms and CMSs designed specifically for marketing. Learn about the best choices in both categories to help you pick the right one.
What is a Headless CMS?
A headless CMS is a backend-only content management system that allows you to manage your content without being tied to a specific frontend (the “head”).
This gives you the flexibility to deliver content across various platforms, such as websites, mobile apps and IoT devices. Hosted headless CMS platforms take this a step further by managing the infrastructure for you, so you can focus solely on content creation and delivery.
Best Hosted Headless CMS in 2024
Contentful
Contentful remains a leading choice for headless CMS in 2024. Its flexible API-first approach allows developers to easily integrate content into any digital platform. With its hosted environment, you don't have to worry about server maintenance or scaling issues.
Strapi
Strapi offers an open-source headless CMS that’s hosted and managed, allowing you to focus on content without the technical overhead. It’s highly customizable and supports a variety of databases, making it a versatile choice for developers.
Sanity
Sanity’s real-time collaboration features and customizable content studio make it a top contender. Its hosted solution offers scalability, security and performance optimization, ideal for businesses of all sizes.
GraphCMS
GraphCMS is built with a strong focus on GraphQL, making it a powerful option for developers who need fast and efficient data querying. It’s fully hosted, so you can scale your content delivery effortlessly.
Prismic
Prismic is known for its user-friendly interface and slice-based content modeling. It’s a great option for teams looking for a balance between developer flexibility and content creator usability.
What is a CMS for Marketing?
A CMS for marketing is designed to help marketers create, manage and optimize digital content with tools that are focused on SEO, analytics and customer engagement. These platforms often include features like A/B testing, personalized content and integrations with CRM and marketing automation tools.
Best CMS for Marketing in 2024
HubSpot CMS
HubSpot CMS is an all-in-one platform that combines powerful content management with marketing tools. It integrates seamlessly with HubSpot’s CRM, allowing you to create personalized experiences and optimize content for lead generation.
WordPress with Elementor
WordPress remains a favorite for marketers, especially when combined with Elementor, a drag-and-drop page builder. This combination offers extensive plugin support and customization options, making it easy to optimize content for SEO and conversion.
Adobe Experience Manager (AEM)
Adobe Experience Manager is a robust platform that combines content management with digital marketing tools. It’s ideal for large enterprises looking to deliver personalized experiences across multiple channels.
Sitecore
Sitecore offers advanced marketing automation features, personalization and analytics, making it a strong choice for enterprises that need to deliver targeted content to various audience segments.
Drupal
Drupal, when configured with the right modules, is a powerful CMS for marketing. It’s highly customizable and offers excellent support for SEO, content personalization and third-party integrations.
Navigating the CMS Landscape
Choosing the right CMS for your needs in 2024 depends on your specific goals. If you’re looking for flexibility in content delivery across multiple platforms, a hosted headless CMS like Contentful or Strapi may be the best choice. On the other hand, if your focus is on marketing and content optimization, platforms like HubSpot CMS or WordPress with Elementor offer the tools and features you need to succeed.
By selecting the right CMS, you can streamline your content management processes and enhance your digital marketing efforts, ensuring your business stays ahead in the competitive landscape of 2024.