I'm working with a small charity that's looking for a new website. They've been using WordPress but are quite frustrated with it and are hoping to find a simpler CMS. During our conversation, they mentioned that they want basic functionality like creating new pages and blog posts, as well as easily changing text colors and image alignment (like moving an image to the right or highlighting a word in red).
They've been told they need a drag-and-drop WYSIWYG page builder, but that seems excessive since they don't want to design their entire site. They previously used Contentful and found it confusing because it had too many options, so they're really looking for something straightforward.
I typically use NextJS for my projects, and I've been struggling to find a CMS that meets their needs without overcomplexity. I initially considered Payload, but it's too pricey for their budget if they want to unlock features for image alignment and text color changes. I'm curious if there are any other CMS options that would suit their requirements?
5 Answers
I hear you! While I’m not a huge fan of WordPress, it actually might still be the best option for them. They could try the Classic Editor plugin to simplify things. If they’re really set on switching though, Craft or Sulu could work, but keep in mind they’ll require a bit more technical know-how.
Honestly, it sounds like the charity might just be using a frustrating WordPress theme or builder. WordPress can be super customizable, but that also makes it really easy to end up with a complicated editing experience. I recommend having them walk you through their current setup to pinpoint exactly what's troubling them. Sometimes fixing what's already there can be simpler than switching to a new CMS.
I think it’s worth considering whether they’re using the Classic or Gutenberg editor in WordPress, as that could greatly affect their experience. If it's not set up correctly, they might be overwhelmed by features they don't need. So, before moving away from WP, it might be worth tweaking their current setup instead.
Totally! Sometimes all it takes is a little management on the existing platform.
From what you’ve described, Kirby might be a great fit. It's flexible and you can tailor it to the user's needs, plus they might qualify for a free license since they’re a charity. Check out their color picker options to see if it suits your needs.
I would suggest checking out Statamic or TinaCMS—both strike a good balance between simplicity and control for non-tech users. They allow for some custom UI configuration without the hassle of overly complex systems. Your charity client needs something straightforward, so these could fit the bill.
Right! A simple Classic Editor setup plus some advanced custom fields could really streamline their experience.