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A CMS, or content management system, is a computer software application that manages the digital content of a website. A CMS functions as a user-friendly system for website content development, making it possible for individuals to understand how to make website, then launch a website and make updates to the front end of their site without using code.
How does a CMS work?
Normally, building a website requires the use of CSS, HTML or javascript but a CMS does the coding work for the user.
A CMS is made up of two parts: a content management application (CMA) and content delivery application (CDA) which work together to apply code to your website’s infrastructure. CMA is the front-end user interface which displays and saves the changes on your site. It is the CMA that allows users to add, modify and remove content easily, creating an intuitive website building experience. CDA acts as the website administrator, taking any changes made and fulfilling the content to make updates to the website.
Traditional CMS platforms combine content management and content delivery in one system. However, some platforms separate these functions through a headless CMS architecture. Learn more about what is a headless CMS and how this approach gives developers more flexibility over how content is delivered across websites, apps and other digital experiences.
There are many CMS platforms available, including the Wix Studio CMS. For developers and businesses that need more flexibility, Wix also offers a headless solution. Learn what is Wix Headless and how it enables developers to use Wix’s business solutions while building custom frontend experiences.
Learn more: Website builder vs CMS
How do you use a CMS?
Start by choosing a CMS platform that meets your website’s needs. There are many CMS platforms available and each is unique in terms of its price, quality and the options it offers for users.
Pricing can vary depending on the platform, features and level of customization you need. If you’re considering a headless approach, understanding how much does Wix Headless cost can help you evaluate whether it fits your project requirements and budget.
Once you have a CMS, multiple contributors can create a website and manage its content from one location by accessing their CMS dashboard. Your CMS dashboard will display the multiple elements of your website, such as its layout, homepage, individual pages and images. When a user wants to make changes to the content, they’ll navigate to the relevant section of their CMS interface to make their edits.
Why should you use a CMS?
CMS can benefit your business by making it easier to create and launch a website and build a presence online, while improving productivity. Here are some of the benefits:
No coding required Pre-made website template designs, drag and drop interfaces and other advanced tools are made available with CMS. This transforms the web design experience by allowing users to customize their website’s design and manage its content without coding.
Extensions The average CMS will offer various app extensions that can enhance the functionality and performance of your website.
SEO Features A CMS makes it easy to optimize your website’s SEO by integrating features such as image alt text, meta descriptions and SEO-friendly URL structures.
Easy updates and collaboration Giving you the freedom to make your own changes, a CMS will allow you to make updates to your website whenever necessary. This way, you’ll ensure your site’s content is always fresh and relevant. When working with a team, a CMS can streamline the workflow by giving access to multiple members of your team at once. It also means more effective website management - from 301 redirects, to robots.txt.
Can I use a CMS for an eCommerce website?
Yes, several CMS platforms, such as Wix eCommerce are specifically designed for e-commerce. They provide features like product listings, shopping carts, and payment processing.
For businesses that want to separate their storefront experience from their commerce backend, what is headless commerce is an important concept to understand. A headless commerce approach allows businesses to deliver shopping experiences across multiple channels while managing commerce operations from a centralized system.
What is a CMS FAQ
What does CMS stand for?
CMS stands for content management system. It is software that allows users to create, organize, edit and publish website content without needing to manually write code. A CMS provides tools for managing pages, images, blog posts, products and other types of digital content from one central dashboard.
What is Wix Headless?
Wix Headless is the business backend for AI builders, vibe coders and agencies who want full creative freedom on their frontend. It is the only headless solution that natively combines a CMS, eCommerce, payments, bookings and events in one place. Every competing headless solution is either CMS-only or commerce-only. Wix Headless is the complete stack. No stitching, no third-party integrations, no separate vendors. Build your frontend on Claude, Cursor or any AI tool and wire it to the most complete native business backend available, in one prompt.
Is a CMS the same as a website builder?
A CMS and a website builder can overlap, but they are not exactly the same. Website builders typically focus on making it easy to design and launch a website using drag-and-drop tools, while CMS platforms are designed to help users manage and organize website content at scale. Many modern platforms combine both website building and content management features.
Do I need coding skills to use a CMS?
No. Most CMS platforms are designed for users with little or no coding experience. They provide visual editors, templates and built-in tools that make it possible to create and update website content without writing code. Developers can also use CMS platforms to create more customized experiences when needed.
