Why choosing and mastering your CMS is crucial?
Having a website is great. But knowing how to manage it is even better.
Many entrepreneurs and SMEs invest in the creation of a website without really understanding how to use it. As a result, they become dependent on a service provider for the slightest modification, which costs time and money.
This article will help you choose the right CMS and use it effectively so you can be autonomous and optimize your site’s management.
CMS vs. custom development: Tenant or owner?
Before choosing a CMS, ask yourself the question: do you want to rent or own your site?
Renter (SaaS CMS such as Shopify, Webflow, Wix): You rent a solution, and everything is managed (hosting, updates), but you depend on the platform.
Proprietary (WordPress, open-source CMS): You own your site and have 100% control over it, but this requires more technical involvement.
Which choice for which need?
- Quick and easy to set up? → Wix or Webflow.
- Optimized online store? → Shopify.
- Flexible, scalable site? → WordPress.
The main CMS and their strengths
| CMS | Highlights | Weak points |
| Shopify | Easy to use, optimized for e-commerce | Monthly fees, sales commissions |
| Webflow | Ultra-customizable, code-free design | Longer learning curve |
| Wix | Simple and perfect for beginners | SEO limitations and complex migration |
| WordPress | Flexible, powerful, excellent for SEO | Maintenance and optimization |
Common beginner’s mistakes and how to avoid them
- Don’t update → Site is vulnerable and slow. Solution: Enable automatic updates and check them regularly.
- Choosing the wrong theme → Poor performance and limited customization. Solution: Opt for an optimized theme (Astra, GeneratePress, Kadence).
- Install too many plugins → Site overloaded and slowed down. Solution: Keep only the essentials (SEO, cache, security).
- Neglect SEO → Site invisible on Google. Solution: Use Rank Math or Yoast SEO, optimize each page.5. Forget backups → Risk of data loss. Solution: Set up automatic backups.
How do I learn to use a CMS?
- Online training (Udemy, YouTube, blogs…) Learn at your own pace. Information sorting is required.
- Personalized coaching (1:1 training with an expert) Huge time savings. Higher costs.
- Learning by doing (on a test project) is The best way to retain what you learn. Can be frustrating at first.
The winning combo? Training + a test site + a reference expert.
Check-list: Getting to grips with your CMS
- Understanding the interface.
- Implement updates and security.
- Optimize speed and SEO.
- Know where to go for help in the event of a problem.
Become master of your website, an asset for your business
Choosing and managing the right CMS is the key to a high-performance, flexible and autonomous site.
So, do you rent or own your site? Need help getting started with your CMS?
