May 5, 2025 • 24 mins
This episode examines the pros and cons of using a Content Management System (CMS) for business websites. It highlights the ease of use and cost-effectiveness of CMS platforms like WordPress, as well as their scalability and customization options through plugins. However, the article also notes potential drawbacks, including development costs for custom integration, ongoing maintenance needs, security vulnerabilities, and potential performance issues. Byer Company's experience suggests that many businesses still require professional support even with a CMS. The piece concludes by urging businesses to carefully weigh these factors against their unique needs and resources before choosing a CMS.
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
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(00:00):
Welcome back to the all new digital rage. I'm Jeff, the producer here at Byer Company.
(00:05):
Today we're talking about the pros and cons of content management systems.
We dive deep into flexibility and hidden costs inside CMS, as well as our real world examples.
So let's listen.
All right. Welcome to another deep dive listeners.
Today we're going deep on content management systems.
CMS platforms, as they're more commonly known.
(00:27):
Oh, yeah. Now, I think it's safe to say most of our listeners have at least heard of CMS platforms,
maybe even used them.
For sure.
But do we really understand what it means to choose one for our business?
Right.
I mean, what are the implications?
Yeah.
So today we're going to be looking at an article called The Pros and Cons of using a content
(00:48):
management system for your business website.
Okay.
It was published just recently, March 6, 2025, by Jeff Byer, a digital marketing expert over
the Byer Company.
All right.
And he's got some really interesting things to say about CMS platforms.
Yeah.
For example, did you know that choosing a CMS can actually lead to some surprising costs?
(01:08):
Yes.
And some unexpected security risks as well.
Yeah. A lot of people don't think about that when they jump into a CMS.
They think it's going to be the solution to all their problems.
Exactly.
It's kind of like those, you know, those cars that look really shiny and cool, but then you
get the repair bill and you're like, oh, what have I gotten myself into?
Ooh.
Okay.
I like that analogy.
Yeah.
(01:29):
So before we get too deep into this, let's just take a step back.
And for anyone who maybe isn't super familiar with CMS's, let's define what it is.
What is a CMS?
Yeah.
So a CMS basically empowers you to build and manage the content of your website without
needing to know how to code.
Right.
So it's kind of like this virtual toolbox that you can use to create pages, blog posts,
(01:53):
image galleries, all sorts of stuff like that.
Okay.
The most popular CMS is WordPress.
I think everybody's heard of that one.
But there are also other big players out there like group ol' and jumlah.
Right.
So instead of needing a degree in computer science, you can focus on actually creating great
content for your audience.
I love that.
Yeah.
Okay.
So it sounds great, right?
(02:13):
Yeah.
But, you know, buyer mentioned these hidden costs that come with using a CMS.
He actually kind of says that they're way more expensive than businesses might initially
think.
Yeah.
Right.
Especially when it comes to customization and all that.
So, what's the catch?
Well, well, the initial setup can be relatively affordable.
Things can start to get pricey when you need something unique, something that's really specific
(02:34):
to your business.
Okay.
You know, a lot of buyers' clients actually come to him because they need help integrating
custom designs or building feet use that don't exist as like off the shelf plugins.
Okay.
Yeah.
And these customizations can easily add thousands of dollars to a project.
Oh, wow.
You know, one client he mentioned needed a booking system that was really unique.
(02:56):
It had to integrate with their CRM.
Right.
And they ended up spending like almost $10,000 just on that custom development.
Wow.
Okay.
So that's a pretty hefty price tag for something that's supposed to be, you know, easy
and cost effective, right?
Right.
You would think with all the themes and plugins that are out there that customization wouldn't
be such a big issue.
(03:17):
You would think so, right.
But the reality is a lot of businesses just have unique needs that go beyond those pre-built
solutions.
Yeah.
And even if you find a theme that's, you know, pretty close to what you want, just tweaking
it to fit perfectly can really lead to those, you know, unexpected costs.
Right.
Right.
So it's not as simple as just picking a theme, slapping on a few plugins and calling it
(03:39):
a day, right?
You got to think about the potential cost of going custom if that's something you might
need.
Okay.
Let's talk about maintenance.
Sure.
Because, you know, buyer mentions that even though CMS platforms are, you know, touted as
being really easy to manage, a lot of his clients still end up needing help with updates,
(04:01):
with troubleshooting, that kind of stuff.
Yeah.
It's kind of ironic, isn't it?
It is.
Businesses choose a CMS because they think it's going to be easy.
Right.
And you know, calling in the cavalry anyway.
Right.
And the truth is, keeping a CMS platform updated, keeping it secure, it's an ongoing task.
Yeah.
It never really ends.
Yeah.
(04:21):
You have to update the core software, you have to update the themes.
You have to update all the plugins.
Yeah.
And any one of those updates could break something.
Right.
And then you're, you know, back to square one.
Yeah.
So it's not just said and forget it.
No, not at all.
There's more to it.
It's a lot more involved than people think.
Okay.
Let's talk about security.
Okay.
Yeah.
Because you hear so much about websites being hacked these days.
(04:44):
All the time.
I mean, is that, is that a bigger concern with CMS platforms?
It definitely can be.
Okay.
You know, any website can be vulnerable.
But CMS platforms, especially the popular ones like WordPress, they're often targeted just
because they're so widely used.
Oh, okay.
And, you know, every single user account, every plugin, every theme, it's a potential
(05:06):
entry point for hackers.
Right.
And if one of those things is weak, the whole site could be compromised.
Oh, wow.
Okay.
So you're saying that like, even if the core CMS software itself is secure, a poorly coded
plugin, like you said, or even just a careless user can open the door to hackers.
They.
Okay.
(05:26):
That's, that's a little unsettling.
So what can you do to kind of mitigate that risk?
Well, obviously, strong passwords are really important.
Yeah.
You know, managing user permissions, making sure not everybody has access to everything.
Right.
But you also want to consider, you know, additional security measures like firewalls, regular
backups, things like that.
Okay.
(05:47):
And of course, all of that comes with an additional cost.
Of course.
Surprise.
Yeah.
Right.
It's like this never ending cycle.
It really does seem like every time we uncover a benefit of using a CMS, there's a potential
hidden cost right there behind it.
That's right.
That is.
Yep.
Okay.
So what other downsides are there?
(06:08):
Well, performance can be a big issue.
You okay.
CMS platforms just by their nature, they tend to be heavier than static websites.
Okay.
You know, they rely on databases.
They rely on dynamic content generation.
And all of that can really slow down your page loading times.
Okay.
And we all know how important speed is these days.
Absolutely.
I mean, people are, you know, if your website takes too long to load, they're just going
(06:29):
to bounce.
Absolutely.
Yeah.
And Google might penalize you in the search results.
Right.
SEO.
It's all connected.
Yeah.
Yeah, exactly.
And speaking of SEO, you know, buyer actually points out that a lot of his clients, even though
they, they choose a CMS for ease of use, they end up relying on his company for, for SEO
help.
(06:49):
Right.
Exactly.
So even with all these built-in SEO plugins and features that CMS platforms boast about,
businesses are still struggling to rank well.
Yeah.
And it kind of underscores this point that, you know, a CMS is just a tool.
It can be a really powerful tool if you know how to use it.
But if you don't know what you're doing, it can actually backfire.
(07:11):
Yeah.
You know, you can have all the SEO plugins in the world.
But if your website is slow, if it's poorly structured, if it's full of duplicate content,
it's, you're not going to rank well.
Right.
So it's not, you know, build it and they will come.
Right.
Right.
You really got to, you got to manage it.
You got to optimize it.
Absolutely.
So you might require some level of expertise that, you know, maybe not everyone has in-house.
(07:33):
Right.
Exactly.
And that raises the question, you know, do you have the expertise in-house to actually manage
a CMS effectively?
Right.
Or are you going to have to outsource it anyway?
Right.
Exactly.
Wow.
So we've talked about, you know, customization costs, maintenance headaches, security risks,
performance issues, and the need for SEO expertise.
(07:54):
Are there any other, like, pitfalls that we should be aware of before we move on to
talking about specific CMS platforms?
Yeah.
There's one more big one and that's vendor lock-in.
Okay.
So once you've invested all this time and money into building your website on a specific
CMS platform, migrating to a different one can be a real nightmare.
(08:15):
So you're kind of stopped?
Yeah.
Pretty much.
Even if, like, your needs change or the platform is not working out for you.
Yeah.
You might find yourself, you know, throwing more and more money at it, just trying to make
it work.
Right.
Right.
Right.
You're really daunting and expensive migration process.
So it's kind of like, you know, buying a house in a neighborhood that turns out to be not
(08:37):
so great.
Exactly.
But you're kind of stuck there because moving is too expensive.
Right.
You're stuck.
Yeah.
You're committed.
Wow.
Okay.
So that really highlights how important it is to choose the right CMS platform from the get-go.
Absolutely.
But there are so many options.
Yeah.
Like, how do you even begin to make that decision?
(08:57):
Well, that's a great question.
And that's what we're going to explore in part two of this deep dive.
Okay.
We're going to actually dive into some specific platforms.
Look at their strengths and weaknesses.
Okay.
Awesome.
Hope you navigate that decision-making process.
All right.
Listeners, stay tuned.
We'll be right back.
All right.
Welcome back to the deep dive.
(09:19):
In part one, we kind of peel back the layers of CMS platforms looking at the good, the
bad.
And maybe even the ugly side of things.
We talked about hidden costs, security concerns, that whole idea of vendor lock-in, which sounds
a little scary.
It can be.
Yeah.
So, it's pretty clear at this point that choosing a CMS is not something you should take
(09:40):
lightly.
Definitely not.
It's a big decision.
It's kind of like, I don't know, choosing a pet.
You wouldn't just go out and adopt a great dain if you live in a tiny apartment, right?
Right.
You got to think about your space.
You got to think about your lifestyle.
You got to think about your commitment level.
Yeah.
It's the same kind of thing with the CMS.
Okay.
I like that.
So, let's dive into this CMS menagerie, as you called it.
(10:03):
And let's explore some of the more popular options out there.
Okay.
And I think we have to start with the one that everyone seems to be talking about, which
is WordPress.
WordPress, yep.
So, what's the deal with its massive popularity?
Well, WordPress is, I mean, it's the king of CMSes.
There's no doubt about it.
It powers a huge chunk of the internet.
Wow.
And it's open source, which is a big plus for a lot of people.
(10:28):
It's got a really intuitive interface, very user friendly.
And then it has this massive library of themes and plugins, which is really what makes
it so appealing, especially to beginners.
So, it's like the friendly Labrador of CMS platforms.
Yeah, right.
Approachable, adaptable, loved by millions.
That's a good analogy.
But, you know, I've also heard that user friendlyness can be a little deceptive, right?
(10:52):
Yes.
And if WordPress have a reputation for becoming a little bit of a tangled mess, if you're
not careful.
Yeah, I mean, that's where the analogy breaks down a bit.
Okay.
WordPress is easy to get started with, but mastering it, that can be a different story.
Right.
Just the sheer number of options, the themes, the plugins, it can be really overwhelming.
(11:13):
And if you're not careful, you can end up with a website that's slow, it's bloated,
it's vulnerable to security risks.
Oh, okay.
So, maybe it's more like a Labrador puppy.
Okay, yeah.
Adorable, playful, but prone to, you know, chewing on your furniture if you don't train
it properly.
I like that.
Yeah, you got to train your WordPress site.
You got to learn the ropes.
(11:33):
You got to house train it.
You got to house train it, exactly.
Okay, so WordPress, powerful tool, but requires careful handling.
Yes.
Okay.
What about Drupal?
Drupal.
I've heard that's like the go-to choice for large organizations, government institutions,
that kind of thing.
Drupal is a different beast altogether.
It's super robust, very secure, and it can handle, you know, really complex websites with
(11:57):
lots of traffic.
So, like, the workhorse of CMSes?
The workhorse, yeah.
I like that.
Think of it like a Clydesdale.
Okay.
Strong, reliable, built for heavy lifting.
All right.
So, if you're building a simple blog or, you know, a small business website, Drupal might
be overkill.
Yeah, probably.
It definitely has a steeper learning curve than WordPress.
It requires more technical expertise to set up and manage.
(12:21):
It's not really a DIY solution.
Right, right.
So, okay.
Drupal.
Heavy-duty truck.
Yeah.
WordPress.
Versatile SUV.
Mm-hmm.
What about Jumla?
Where does it fit in all of this?
Jumla's kind of like, um, it's kind of like the middle child, you know?
Okay.
(12:41):
It strikes a balance between WordPress and Drupal.
Okay.
It's more user-friendly than Drupal, but it's more flexible.
It gives you more control than WordPress.
So, it's like what the minivan?
The minivan, yeah.
Spacious, versatile.
Yeah.
It can handle a variety of needs.
Gotcha.
Okay.
So, I'm starting to get a picture of these different like personalities of these CMS platforms.
Right.
But what if you're looking for something completely different?
(13:02):
Okay.
Like something leaner, faster, less prone to that, you know, bloat that you talked about.
Yeah.
Then you might want to check out static site generators.
Okay.
They've been getting really popular in recent years.
Oh, oh.
They're among developers who, you know, they really prioritize speed, they prioritize security,
and they like things to be simple.
Static site generators.
Yeah.
(13:23):
They sound intriguing, but also a little bit intimidating.
I know.
The name is kind of kind of scary.
Yeah.
A little bit.
So, break it down for me.
How do they work?
And what makes them so different from the traditional CMS platforms that we've been talking
about?
Okay.
So, imagine, um, imagine building a house from pre-fabricated components, you know,
instead of starting from scratch with bricks and mortar.
(13:45):
Okay.
That's kind of what a static site generator does.
It takes your content, it combines it with these pre-designed templates, and then it generates
a complete set of static HTML files.
Right.
So, instead of having a database and all that server-side processing, you just have the
simple static files.
So, it's a much more streamlined approach.
Much more streamlined, much more efficient.
(14:07):
What are the benefits of that?
Well, speed is a huge benefit.
Websites are incredibly fast because there's no complex code to execute.
There are no databases to query.
Okay.
They're also really secure because there's no server-side processing.
There's no user input to exploit.
So, less moving parts basically means less chance of something breaking or being hacked.
(14:30):
Exactly.
Which is very appealing, especially these days.
It is, yeah.
And even though static site generators might sound a little technical, they're actually
pretty user-friendly.
Especially if you're familiar with basic HTML and CSS.
Okay.
There are some popular options out there.
Like, "Jekyll, Hugo, Gatsby."
They all have really intuitive interfaces.
(14:50):
Okay.
And there are great communities that can help you get started.
Gotcha.
So, static site generators, they're kind of like the sleek sports cars of web development.
I like that.
Yeah.
Fast, efficient, fun to drive.
Yeah.
They are.
But, you know, just like with a sports car, they might not be suitable for everyone or
for every situation.
Right.
So, what are the trade-offs there?
(15:11):
The biggest trade-off is content updates.
So with a traditional CMS, you can just go in through an admin interface and edit your
content.
Easy peasy.
But with a static site, every time you make a change, you have to rebuild the entire site.
Okay.
So, that sounds like it could be a little bit time-consuming if you're constantly updating
things.
Yeah.
(15:32):
If you're publishing new content frequently, a static site generator might not be the ideal
solution.
Right.
Okay.
So, it's a great way to keep the security, but you maybe lose a little bit of that ease of
content management.
There's always a trade-off, right?
There's always a trade-off.
Yeah.
Right.
Yeah.
So, we've talked about the WordPress, the Drupal, the Jumla, the static site generators.
But there's one more option that we have to talk about.
(15:53):
And that's custom-built website.
Custom-built, yep.
So, the bespoke suits of the web development world.
That's a good way to put it.
We're going to dive into the pros and cons of those in part three.
So, stay tuned.
All right.
Welcome back to the deep dive.
So far, we've journeyed through this vast world of CMS platforms, right?
(16:15):
You know, the WordPress is the Drupals, the Jumlas.
We even took a little detour into the world of static site generator.
Yeah.
Those are fun.
Yeah.
Those are their gaining popularity.
But we kind of left you on a cliffhanger there.
We did.
We, we posed a question that's been around since, well, I guess since the dawn of the
(16:36):
internet, really, what about custom-built websites?
Are they a thing of the past?
Do they still have a place in this world that's, you know, so dominated by CMS platforms?
Yeah.
That's the big question, isn't it?
I mean, in a world where, you know, everybody wants things fast, everybody wants things easy.
It's, it's easy to kind of write off custom-built websites as being, you know, too expensive, too
(17:00):
time-consuming.
Yeah.
I'll admit, the thought of building a website from scratch is a little daunting.
It is, yeah.
It's, it's kind of like, you know, choosing to, to hand stitch a quilt instead of using a sewing
machine.
Yeah, okay.
Like why, why go through all that effort when there are, you know, perfectly good pre-made
options out there?
That's a good point.
But, you know, sometimes a pre-made quilt just won't do.
You know, imagine you have a very specific pattern in mind.
(17:22):
You have this, this unique combination of fabrics and colors that you want, something that
really reflects your personal style.
Right.
And in that case, a custom-made quilt, something that's crafted with care, with attention
to detail, it would be a work of art.
It would be something truly unique.
Okay.
I see where you're going with this.
Yeah.
So, a custom-built website is like a tailored suit.
(17:44):
Exactly.
It's designed to fit your specific measurements, your preferences, a perfect reflection of,
you know, your brand, your vision.
Exactly.
But, just like that bespoke suit, it comes with a premium price tag.
It does, yeah.
So, what are the benefits that justify that price tag?
And does it actually make sense to ditch those pre-made options and go full custom?
(18:06):
Well, I think one of the biggest advantages is control.
Okay.
You know, with the custom-built website, you're not limited by the constraints of a CMS
platform or a pre-designed theme.
You have the freedom to create a website that really aligns with your vision down to the
smallest detail.
So, no more trying to force a square peg into a round hole.
(18:26):
Exactly.
Settling for a theme that's, you know, almost what you want.
You can just bring your wildest digital dreams to life.
Exactly.
And that freedom, that creative freedom, extends to functionality too.
Oh, okay.
You know, you're not limited to the features and plugins that are offered by a CMS.
You can build exactly what you need without having to make compromises or, you know, figure
(18:48):
out workarounds.
That makes sense.
Especially for businesses that have, you know, really unique needs.
Right.
Those who are really kind of pushing the boundaries of web design and functionality.
Absolutely.
Okay.
So, what about performance?
Yeah.
You know, we talked a lot about, like, speed limitations with CMS platforms.
Yeah.
Does custom-built offer any advantages there?
(19:09):
Oh, absolutely.
Okay.
You know, custom-built websites can be optimized for speed from the ground up.
Okay.
You know, there's no unnecessary code.
There's no bloated plugins weighing things down.
There's no database queries to slow things down.
So you don't have to worry about, you know, slow loading times impacting your SEO or, you
know, frustrating your visitors.
(19:30):
Exactly.
Yeah.
You can create a website that's just, like, lightning fast.
That's the goal.
Okay.
Okay.
And that performance advantage also extends to security, I imagine.
It does, yeah.
Right.
Because a custom-built website is not built on, you know, this widely used platform with,
you know, known vulnerabilities.
Right.
So you're not as likely to be, like, a target for hackers.
(19:53):
Exactly.
So you're building a fortress instead of living in a prefabricated house with flimsy
locks.
I like that analogy.
Okay.
So we've got creative freedom.
We've got performance.
We've got enhanced security.
It's starting to sound like custom-built is, like, the ultimate solution.
It can be.
Yeah.
But, you know, I know there have to be some downsides.
(20:14):
Nothing's perfect.
Of course not.
And, you know, custom-built websites, while they offer amazing benefits, they do come
with their own set of challenges.
Okay, let's talk about those challenges.
What are the pitfalls we need to be aware of?
Well, as we mentioned before, cost is definitely a big one.
Okay.
You know, custom-built websites typically require a much larger upfront investment.
(20:35):
Right.
It's kind of like, you know, commissioning a renowned architect to design your dream home.
Yeah.
You're paying for that expertise.
You're paying for the graspmanship.
You're paying for something truly unique.
So it's not just the initial cost of building the website.
Right.
And, you know, the initial price is just the beginning.
(20:56):
Right.
Exactly.
And that actually brings us to another potential downside, which is maintenance.
Right.
You know, with the CMS platform, the platform kind of handles the updates, the security patches.
But with the custom-built website, you're responsible for all of that.
(21:18):
Yeah, you are.
So it's kind of like owning a vintage car.
Yeah.
You know, you might love it's unique charm and its performance, but you're also going to
have to be prepared to tinker under the hood a little bit, keep it running smoothly.
Exactly.
You either need to have that technical expertise in-house or you need to partner with a really
good development team who can handle that ongoing maintenance, the security updates, and the
(21:40):
content updates too.
Right.
So while you're gaining independence from a CMS platform, you're also taking on the
responsibility of keeping your website healthy and secure.
That's right.
What about time?
Like how long does it actually take to build a custom website from scratch?
That's a good question.
Time is definitely a factor.
(22:01):
Building a custom website, it's a process.
You know, there's planning, there's design, there's development, there's testing, there's
deployment.
Right.
It can take weeks, it can take months, sometimes even longer.
It just depends on the complexity of the website and the size of the team that's working
on it.
So if you need a website up and running quickly, custom-built might not be the best option.
Probably not.
All right.
So we've talked about the pros, we've talked about the cons, we've explored this whole world
(22:24):
of CMS platform, static site generators, custom-built websites.
You know, we were to kind of boil it all down.
What are the key takeaways for our listeners who are trying to decide which path to take?
Well, I think the biggest takeaway is that there is no one size fits all answer.
The best approach, it really depends on your needs, your budget, your technical expertise,
(22:46):
and your long-term goals.
It's kind of like choosing the right vehicle for a journey.
Do you need a scooter to zip around town?
Do you need a spacious SUV for a family adventure?
Or do you need a heavy-duty truck to haul some serious cargo?
Yeah, yeah, that makes sense.
So if you need a website up and running quickly and you're okay with maybe some limitations,
(23:11):
a CMS platform might be perfect for you.
All right.
But if you really prioritize speed, security, simplicity, then a static site, you need to
do a site generator could be a good fit.
Yeah.
And if you have a unique vision, you've got a healthy budget and you're willing to invest
the time and effort, then a custom-built website could be the ultimate expression of your
brand.
Absolutely.
(23:31):
It's all about finding the right fit.
Right, exactly.
Finding the right tool for the job.
Well, listeners, I hope this deep dive has given you a better understanding of the CMS
landscape and the different options that are available to you.
Yeah, me too.
As always, we encourage you to keep exploring, keep experimenting, and never stop asking questions.
The digital world is constantly changing, so stay curious, stay informed, and never be
(23:55):
afraid to challenge the status quo.
Until next time, happy building.
Reach out to us at jbuyer.com for comments and questions.
Follow us at buyer company on social media, and if you'd be so kind, please rate and review
us in your podcast app.
[Music]
Welcome back to the all new digital rage. I'm Jeff, the producer here at Byer Company.
(00:05):
Today we're talking about the pros and cons of content management systems.
We dive deep into flexibility and hidden costs inside CMS, as well as our real world examples.
So let's listen.
All right. Welcome to another deep dive listeners.
Today we're going deep on content management systems.
CMS platforms, as they're more commonly known.
(00:27):
Oh, yeah. Now, I think it's safe to say most of our listeners have at least heard of CMS platforms,
maybe even used them.
For sure.
But do we really understand what it means to choose one for our business?
Right.
I mean, what are the implications?
Yeah.
So today we're going to be looking at an article called The Pros and Cons of using a content
(00:48):
management system for your business website.
Okay.
It was published just recently, March 6, 2025, by Jeff Byer, a digital marketing expert over
the Byer Company.
All right.
And he's got some really interesting things to say about CMS platforms.
Yeah.
For example, did you know that choosing a CMS can actually lead to some surprising costs?
(01:08):
Yes.
And some unexpected security risks as well.
Yeah. A lot of people don't think about that when they jump into a CMS.
They think it's going to be the solution to all their problems.
Exactly.
It's kind of like those, you know, those cars that look really shiny and cool, but then you
get the repair bill and you're like, oh, what have I gotten myself into?
Ooh.
Okay.
I like that analogy.
Yeah.
(01:29):
So before we get too deep into this, let's just take a step back.
And for anyone who maybe isn't super familiar with CMS's, let's define what it is.
What is a CMS?
Yeah.
So a CMS basically empowers you to build and manage the content of your website without
needing to know how to code.
Right.
So it's kind of like this virtual toolbox that you can use to create pages, blog posts,
(01:53):
image galleries, all sorts of stuff like that.
Okay.
The most popular CMS is WordPress.
I think everybody's heard of that one.
But there are also other big players out there like group ol' and jumlah.
Right.
So instead of needing a degree in computer science, you can focus on actually creating great
content for your audience.
I love that.
Yeah.
Okay.
So it sounds great, right?
(02:13):
Yeah.
But, you know, buyer mentioned these hidden costs that come with using a CMS.
He actually kind of says that they're way more expensive than businesses might initially
think.
Yeah.
Right.
Especially when it comes to customization and all that.
So, what's the catch?
Well, well, the initial setup can be relatively affordable.
Things can start to get pricey when you need something unique, something that's really specific
(02:34):
to your business.
Okay.
You know, a lot of buyers' clients actually come to him because they need help integrating
custom designs or building feet use that don't exist as like off the shelf plugins.
Okay.
Yeah.
And these customizations can easily add thousands of dollars to a project.
Oh, wow.
You know, one client he mentioned needed a booking system that was really unique.
(02:56):
It had to integrate with their CRM.
Right.
And they ended up spending like almost $10,000 just on that custom development.
Wow.
Okay.
So that's a pretty hefty price tag for something that's supposed to be, you know, easy
and cost effective, right?
Right.
You would think with all the themes and plugins that are out there that customization wouldn't
be such a big issue.
(03:17):
You would think so, right.
But the reality is a lot of businesses just have unique needs that go beyond those pre-built
solutions.
Yeah.
And even if you find a theme that's, you know, pretty close to what you want, just tweaking
it to fit perfectly can really lead to those, you know, unexpected costs.
Right.
Right.
So it's not as simple as just picking a theme, slapping on a few plugins and calling it
(03:39):
a day, right?
You got to think about the potential cost of going custom if that's something you might
need.
Okay.
Let's talk about maintenance.
Sure.
Because, you know, buyer mentions that even though CMS platforms are, you know, touted as
being really easy to manage, a lot of his clients still end up needing help with updates,
(04:01):
with troubleshooting, that kind of stuff.
Yeah.
It's kind of ironic, isn't it?
It is.
Businesses choose a CMS because they think it's going to be easy.
Right.
And you know, calling in the cavalry anyway.
Right.
And the truth is, keeping a CMS platform updated, keeping it secure, it's an ongoing task.
Yeah.
It never really ends.
Yeah.
(04:21):
You have to update the core software, you have to update the themes.
You have to update all the plugins.
Yeah.
And any one of those updates could break something.
Right.
And then you're, you know, back to square one.
Yeah.
So it's not just said and forget it.
No, not at all.
There's more to it.
It's a lot more involved than people think.
Okay.
Let's talk about security.
Okay.
Yeah.
Because you hear so much about websites being hacked these days.
(04:44):
All the time.
I mean, is that, is that a bigger concern with CMS platforms?
It definitely can be.
Okay.
You know, any website can be vulnerable.
But CMS platforms, especially the popular ones like WordPress, they're often targeted just
because they're so widely used.
Oh, okay.
And, you know, every single user account, every plugin, every theme, it's a potential
(05:06):
entry point for hackers.
Right.
And if one of those things is weak, the whole site could be compromised.
Oh, wow.
Okay.
So you're saying that like, even if the core CMS software itself is secure, a poorly coded
plugin, like you said, or even just a careless user can open the door to hackers.
They.
Okay.
(05:26):
That's, that's a little unsettling.
So what can you do to kind of mitigate that risk?
Well, obviously, strong passwords are really important.
Yeah.
You know, managing user permissions, making sure not everybody has access to everything.
Right.
But you also want to consider, you know, additional security measures like firewalls, regular
backups, things like that.
Okay.
(05:47):
And of course, all of that comes with an additional cost.
Of course.
Surprise.
Yeah.
Right.
It's like this never ending cycle.
It really does seem like every time we uncover a benefit of using a CMS, there's a potential
hidden cost right there behind it.
That's right.
That is.
Yep.
Okay.
So what other downsides are there?
(06:08):
Well, performance can be a big issue.
You okay.
CMS platforms just by their nature, they tend to be heavier than static websites.
Okay.
You know, they rely on databases.
They rely on dynamic content generation.
And all of that can really slow down your page loading times.
Okay.
And we all know how important speed is these days.
Absolutely.
I mean, people are, you know, if your website takes too long to load, they're just going
(06:29):
to bounce.
Absolutely.
Yeah.
And Google might penalize you in the search results.
Right.
SEO.
It's all connected.
Yeah.
Yeah, exactly.
And speaking of SEO, you know, buyer actually points out that a lot of his clients, even though
they, they choose a CMS for ease of use, they end up relying on his company for, for SEO
help.
(06:49):
Right.
Exactly.
So even with all these built-in SEO plugins and features that CMS platforms boast about,
businesses are still struggling to rank well.
Yeah.
And it kind of underscores this point that, you know, a CMS is just a tool.
It can be a really powerful tool if you know how to use it.
But if you don't know what you're doing, it can actually backfire.
(07:11):
Yeah.
You know, you can have all the SEO plugins in the world.
But if your website is slow, if it's poorly structured, if it's full of duplicate content,
it's, you're not going to rank well.
Right.
So it's not, you know, build it and they will come.
Right.
Right.
You really got to, you got to manage it.
You got to optimize it.
Absolutely.
So you might require some level of expertise that, you know, maybe not everyone has in-house.
(07:33):
Right.
Exactly.
And that raises the question, you know, do you have the expertise in-house to actually manage
a CMS effectively?
Right.
Or are you going to have to outsource it anyway?
Right.
Exactly.
Wow.
So we've talked about, you know, customization costs, maintenance headaches, security risks,
performance issues, and the need for SEO expertise.
(07:54):
Are there any other, like, pitfalls that we should be aware of before we move on to
talking about specific CMS platforms?
Yeah.
There's one more big one and that's vendor lock-in.
Okay.
So once you've invested all this time and money into building your website on a specific
CMS platform, migrating to a different one can be a real nightmare.
(08:15):
So you're kind of stopped?
Yeah.
Pretty much.
Even if, like, your needs change or the platform is not working out for you.
Yeah.
You might find yourself, you know, throwing more and more money at it, just trying to make
it work.
Right.
Right.
Right.
You're really daunting and expensive migration process.
So it's kind of like, you know, buying a house in a neighborhood that turns out to be not
(08:37):
so great.
Exactly.
But you're kind of stuck there because moving is too expensive.
Right.
You're stuck.
Yeah.
You're committed.
Wow.
Okay.
So that really highlights how important it is to choose the right CMS platform from the get-go.
Absolutely.
But there are so many options.
Yeah.
Like, how do you even begin to make that decision?
(08:57):
Well, that's a great question.
And that's what we're going to explore in part two of this deep dive.
Okay.
We're going to actually dive into some specific platforms.
Look at their strengths and weaknesses.
Okay.
Awesome.
Hope you navigate that decision-making process.
All right.
Listeners, stay tuned.
We'll be right back.
All right.
Welcome back to the deep dive.
(09:19):
In part one, we kind of peel back the layers of CMS platforms looking at the good, the
bad.
And maybe even the ugly side of things.
We talked about hidden costs, security concerns, that whole idea of vendor lock-in, which sounds
a little scary.
It can be.
Yeah.
So, it's pretty clear at this point that choosing a CMS is not something you should take
(09:40):
lightly.
Definitely not.
It's a big decision.
It's kind of like, I don't know, choosing a pet.
You wouldn't just go out and adopt a great dain if you live in a tiny apartment, right?
Right.
You got to think about your space.
You got to think about your lifestyle.
You got to think about your commitment level.
Yeah.
It's the same kind of thing with the CMS.
Okay.
I like that.
So, let's dive into this CMS menagerie, as you called it.
(10:03):
And let's explore some of the more popular options out there.
Okay.
And I think we have to start with the one that everyone seems to be talking about, which
is WordPress.
WordPress, yep.
So, what's the deal with its massive popularity?
Well, WordPress is, I mean, it's the king of CMSes.
There's no doubt about it.
It powers a huge chunk of the internet.
Wow.
And it's open source, which is a big plus for a lot of people.
(10:28):
It's got a really intuitive interface, very user friendly.
And then it has this massive library of themes and plugins, which is really what makes
it so appealing, especially to beginners.
So, it's like the friendly Labrador of CMS platforms.
Yeah, right.
Approachable, adaptable, loved by millions.
That's a good analogy.
But, you know, I've also heard that user friendlyness can be a little deceptive, right?
(10:52):
Yes.
And if WordPress have a reputation for becoming a little bit of a tangled mess, if you're
not careful.
Yeah, I mean, that's where the analogy breaks down a bit.
Okay.
WordPress is easy to get started with, but mastering it, that can be a different story.
Right.
Just the sheer number of options, the themes, the plugins, it can be really overwhelming.
(11:13):
And if you're not careful, you can end up with a website that's slow, it's bloated,
it's vulnerable to security risks.
Oh, okay.
So, maybe it's more like a Labrador puppy.
Okay, yeah.
Adorable, playful, but prone to, you know, chewing on your furniture if you don't train
it properly.
I like that.
Yeah, you got to train your WordPress site.
You got to learn the ropes.
(11:33):
You got to house train it.
You got to house train it, exactly.
Okay, so WordPress, powerful tool, but requires careful handling.
Yes.
Okay.
What about Drupal?
Drupal.
I've heard that's like the go-to choice for large organizations, government institutions,
that kind of thing.
Drupal is a different beast altogether.
It's super robust, very secure, and it can handle, you know, really complex websites with
(11:57):
lots of traffic.
So, like, the workhorse of CMSes?
The workhorse, yeah.
I like that.
Think of it like a Clydesdale.
Okay.
Strong, reliable, built for heavy lifting.
All right.
So, if you're building a simple blog or, you know, a small business website, Drupal might
be overkill.
Yeah, probably.
It definitely has a steeper learning curve than WordPress.
It requires more technical expertise to set up and manage.
(12:21):
It's not really a DIY solution.
Right, right.
So, okay.
Drupal.
Heavy-duty truck.
Yeah.
WordPress.
Versatile SUV.
Mm-hmm.
What about Jumla?
Where does it fit in all of this?
Jumla's kind of like, um, it's kind of like the middle child, you know?
Okay.
(12:41):
It strikes a balance between WordPress and Drupal.
Okay.
It's more user-friendly than Drupal, but it's more flexible.
It gives you more control than WordPress.
So, it's like what the minivan?
The minivan, yeah.
Spacious, versatile.
Yeah.
It can handle a variety of needs.
Gotcha.
Okay.
So, I'm starting to get a picture of these different like personalities of these CMS platforms.
Right.
But what if you're looking for something completely different?
(13:02):
Okay.
Like something leaner, faster, less prone to that, you know, bloat that you talked about.
Yeah.
Then you might want to check out static site generators.
Okay.
They've been getting really popular in recent years.
Oh, oh.
They're among developers who, you know, they really prioritize speed, they prioritize security,
and they like things to be simple.
Static site generators.
Yeah.
(13:23):
They sound intriguing, but also a little bit intimidating.
I know.
The name is kind of kind of scary.
Yeah.
A little bit.
So, break it down for me.
How do they work?
And what makes them so different from the traditional CMS platforms that we've been talking
about?
Okay.
So, imagine, um, imagine building a house from pre-fabricated components, you know,
instead of starting from scratch with bricks and mortar.
(13:45):
Okay.
That's kind of what a static site generator does.
It takes your content, it combines it with these pre-designed templates, and then it generates
a complete set of static HTML files.
Right.
So, instead of having a database and all that server-side processing, you just have the
simple static files.
So, it's a much more streamlined approach.
Much more streamlined, much more efficient.
(14:07):
What are the benefits of that?
Well, speed is a huge benefit.
Websites are incredibly fast because there's no complex code to execute.
There are no databases to query.
Okay.
They're also really secure because there's no server-side processing.
There's no user input to exploit.
So, less moving parts basically means less chance of something breaking or being hacked.
(14:30):
Exactly.
Which is very appealing, especially these days.
It is, yeah.
And even though static site generators might sound a little technical, they're actually
pretty user-friendly.
Especially if you're familiar with basic HTML and CSS.
Okay.
There are some popular options out there.
Like, "Jekyll, Hugo, Gatsby."
They all have really intuitive interfaces.
(14:50):
Okay.
And there are great communities that can help you get started.
Gotcha.
So, static site generators, they're kind of like the sleek sports cars of web development.
I like that.
Yeah.
Fast, efficient, fun to drive.
Yeah.
They are.
But, you know, just like with a sports car, they might not be suitable for everyone or
for every situation.
Right.
So, what are the trade-offs there?
(15:11):
The biggest trade-off is content updates.
So with a traditional CMS, you can just go in through an admin interface and edit your
content.
Easy peasy.
But with a static site, every time you make a change, you have to rebuild the entire site.
Okay.
So, that sounds like it could be a little bit time-consuming if you're constantly updating
things.
Yeah.
(15:32):
If you're publishing new content frequently, a static site generator might not be the ideal
solution.
Right.
Okay.
So, it's a great way to keep the security, but you maybe lose a little bit of that ease of
content management.
There's always a trade-off, right?
There's always a trade-off.
Yeah.
Right.
Yeah.
So, we've talked about the WordPress, the Drupal, the Jumla, the static site generators.
But there's one more option that we have to talk about.
(15:53):
And that's custom-built website.
Custom-built, yep.
So, the bespoke suits of the web development world.
That's a good way to put it.
We're going to dive into the pros and cons of those in part three.
So, stay tuned.
All right.
Welcome back to the deep dive.
So far, we've journeyed through this vast world of CMS platforms, right?
(16:15):
You know, the WordPress is the Drupals, the Jumlas.
We even took a little detour into the world of static site generator.
Yeah.
Those are fun.
Yeah.
Those are their gaining popularity.
But we kind of left you on a cliffhanger there.
We did.
We, we posed a question that's been around since, well, I guess since the dawn of the
(16:36):
internet, really, what about custom-built websites?
Are they a thing of the past?
Do they still have a place in this world that's, you know, so dominated by CMS platforms?
Yeah.
That's the big question, isn't it?
I mean, in a world where, you know, everybody wants things fast, everybody wants things easy.
It's, it's easy to kind of write off custom-built websites as being, you know, too expensive, too
(17:00):
time-consuming.
Yeah.
I'll admit, the thought of building a website from scratch is a little daunting.
It is, yeah.
It's, it's kind of like, you know, choosing to, to hand stitch a quilt instead of using a sewing
machine.
Yeah, okay.
Like why, why go through all that effort when there are, you know, perfectly good pre-made
options out there?
That's a good point.
But, you know, sometimes a pre-made quilt just won't do.
You know, imagine you have a very specific pattern in mind.
(17:22):
You have this, this unique combination of fabrics and colors that you want, something that
really reflects your personal style.
Right.
And in that case, a custom-made quilt, something that's crafted with care, with attention
to detail, it would be a work of art.
It would be something truly unique.
Okay.
I see where you're going with this.
Yeah.
So, a custom-built website is like a tailored suit.
(17:44):
Exactly.
It's designed to fit your specific measurements, your preferences, a perfect reflection of,
you know, your brand, your vision.
Exactly.
But, just like that bespoke suit, it comes with a premium price tag.
It does, yeah.
So, what are the benefits that justify that price tag?
And does it actually make sense to ditch those pre-made options and go full custom?
(18:06):
Well, I think one of the biggest advantages is control.
Okay.
You know, with the custom-built website, you're not limited by the constraints of a CMS
platform or a pre-designed theme.
You have the freedom to create a website that really aligns with your vision down to the
smallest detail.
So, no more trying to force a square peg into a round hole.
(18:26):
Exactly.
Settling for a theme that's, you know, almost what you want.
You can just bring your wildest digital dreams to life.
Exactly.
And that freedom, that creative freedom, extends to functionality too.
Oh, okay.
You know, you're not limited to the features and plugins that are offered by a CMS.
You can build exactly what you need without having to make compromises or, you know, figure
(18:48):
out workarounds.
That makes sense.
Especially for businesses that have, you know, really unique needs.
Right.
Those who are really kind of pushing the boundaries of web design and functionality.
Absolutely.
Okay.
So, what about performance?
Yeah.
You know, we talked a lot about, like, speed limitations with CMS platforms.
Yeah.
Does custom-built offer any advantages there?
(19:09):
Oh, absolutely.
Okay.
You know, custom-built websites can be optimized for speed from the ground up.
Okay.
You know, there's no unnecessary code.
There's no bloated plugins weighing things down.
There's no database queries to slow things down.
So you don't have to worry about, you know, slow loading times impacting your SEO or, you
know, frustrating your visitors.
(19:30):
Exactly.
Yeah.
You can create a website that's just, like, lightning fast.
That's the goal.
Okay.
Okay.
And that performance advantage also extends to security, I imagine.
It does, yeah.
Right.
Because a custom-built website is not built on, you know, this widely used platform with,
you know, known vulnerabilities.
Right.
So you're not as likely to be, like, a target for hackers.
(19:53):
Exactly.
So you're building a fortress instead of living in a prefabricated house with flimsy
locks.
I like that analogy.
Okay.
So we've got creative freedom.
We've got performance.
We've got enhanced security.
It's starting to sound like custom-built is, like, the ultimate solution.
It can be.
Yeah.
But, you know, I know there have to be some downsides.
(20:14):
Nothing's perfect.
Of course not.
And, you know, custom-built websites, while they offer amazing benefits, they do come
with their own set of challenges.
Okay, let's talk about those challenges.
What are the pitfalls we need to be aware of?
Well, as we mentioned before, cost is definitely a big one.
Okay.
You know, custom-built websites typically require a much larger upfront investment.
(20:35):
Right.
It's kind of like, you know, commissioning a renowned architect to design your dream home.
Yeah.
You're paying for that expertise.
You're paying for the graspmanship.
You're paying for something truly unique.
So it's not just the initial cost of building the website.
Right.
And, you know, the initial price is just the beginning.
(20:56):
Right.
Exactly.
And that actually brings us to another potential downside, which is maintenance.
Right.
You know, with the CMS platform, the platform kind of handles the updates, the security patches.
But with the custom-built website, you're responsible for all of that.
(21:18):
Yeah, you are.
So it's kind of like owning a vintage car.
Yeah.
You know, you might love it's unique charm and its performance, but you're also going to
have to be prepared to tinker under the hood a little bit, keep it running smoothly.
Exactly.
You either need to have that technical expertise in-house or you need to partner with a really
good development team who can handle that ongoing maintenance, the security updates, and the
(21:40):
content updates too.
Right.
So while you're gaining independence from a CMS platform, you're also taking on the
responsibility of keeping your website healthy and secure.
That's right.
What about time?
Like how long does it actually take to build a custom website from scratch?
That's a good question.
Time is definitely a factor.
(22:01):
Building a custom website, it's a process.
You know, there's planning, there's design, there's development, there's testing, there's
deployment.
Right.
It can take weeks, it can take months, sometimes even longer.
It just depends on the complexity of the website and the size of the team that's working
on it.
So if you need a website up and running quickly, custom-built might not be the best option.
Probably not.
All right.
So we've talked about the pros, we've talked about the cons, we've explored this whole world
(22:24):
of CMS platform, static site generators, custom-built websites.
You know, we were to kind of boil it all down.
What are the key takeaways for our listeners who are trying to decide which path to take?
Well, I think the biggest takeaway is that there is no one size fits all answer.
The best approach, it really depends on your needs, your budget, your technical expertise,
(22:46):
and your long-term goals.
It's kind of like choosing the right vehicle for a journey.
Do you need a scooter to zip around town?
Do you need a spacious SUV for a family adventure?
Or do you need a heavy-duty truck to haul some serious cargo?
Yeah, yeah, that makes sense.
So if you need a website up and running quickly and you're okay with maybe some limitations,
(23:11):
a CMS platform might be perfect for you.
All right.
But if you really prioritize speed, security, simplicity, then a static site, you need to
do a site generator could be a good fit.
Yeah.
And if you have a unique vision, you've got a healthy budget and you're willing to invest
the time and effort, then a custom-built website could be the ultimate expression of your
brand.
Absolutely.
(23:31):
It's all about finding the right fit.
Right, exactly.
Finding the right tool for the job.
Well, listeners, I hope this deep dive has given you a better understanding of the CMS
landscape and the different options that are available to you.
Yeah, me too.
As always, we encourage you to keep exploring, keep experimenting, and never stop asking questions.
The digital world is constantly changing, so stay curious, stay informed, and never be
(23:55):
afraid to challenge the status quo.
Until next time, happy building.
Reach out to us at jbuyer.com for comments and questions.
Follow us at buyer company on social media, and if you'd be so kind, please rate and review
us in your podcast app.
[Music]
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